Central County Fire & Rescue Station (CCFR) Fire Station #5 will soon have a new home. Construction is now underway for a new station at 3421 Harry S. Truman Blvd. in St. Charles, Missouri.
The station’s replacement is part of the community-created SAFE-T (Securing A Future of Excellence – Together) long-range plan, and is being funded by proceeds from the 2015 Prop. S bond issue.
“We are so proud to have the support of the St. Peters community as we take these important steps to improve our fire district, and in turn enhance the level of emergency service we’re able to provide,” CCFR Fire Chief Dan Aubuchon says. “This new station will allow CCFR to grow with our growing community.”
The new 13,000 square foot building will include three engine bays, a decontamination room for emergency equipment and personnel, a storage room for firefighter gear, a storm shelter for on-duty personnel, a physical training room and an emergency generator for non disruption of power.
“Our current location is too small to house the modern rescue equipment our crews need, and can only house three firefighters at a time, which doesn’t meet the National Fire Protection Association’s latest recommendations,” Aubuchon says, adding the current building is more than 40 years old and has a history of mold.
In addition to being larger and better equipped for modern rescue needs, it is also closer to where more emergency calls originate within the District. Aubuchon says this will allow for faster, more efficient emergency response to more residents and travelers in the high-traffic Hwy. 370 and Hwy. 70 areas.
Plans are in progress for the current Station #5 building at 2934 Ehlmann Rd. to be used as a headquarters for the Central County Community Assistance Program, which responds to emergencies throughout St. Charles County.
This volunteer-led program provides victim assistance such as temporary shelter, food and clothing, and referrals to other resources for long-term needs. They also provide canteen services to firefighters from all area departments, who often spend hours on the scene of a call without access to food and water.
The new station is estimated to cost $3 million, was designed by Hurford Architects and is being built by LayneCo Construction Services. It is expected to open for service mid to late 2019.