Captain: Fire station move would improve response time

By Ryan Woodard, Journal staff | Friday, May 09, 2008

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The Rapid City Department of Fire & Emergency Services has plans to move Station Seven from its current location on Maple Avenue to a new building across the interstate from the site of the new Cabela's.

The department wants to improve response times in an area that is expected to continue to grow toward the northeast.

"There's going to be a lot more development out in that area, so we have to look at not only what we currently have to respond to, but what we have to respond to in the future," Capt. Mark Kirchgesler said.

Kirchgesler said the project is in planning stages and must be approved by the city council before construction can begin.

He also said the station needs an upgrade. The current Station Seven building was built in 1963 and is the oldest fire station of eight currently being used by the fire department.

Kirchgesler said the new building would be built with more room for the crews. Station Seven has a fire engine with a four-member crew and an ambulance with a two-member crew. The current building is a "snug fit" for the crew members, he said.

Kirchgesler said the fire department would like to put the new building north of I-90 near Seeger Drive, on a section of East North Street that will be extended north.

"That location was studied a few years ago, and it was seen as the best," he said.

The fire department hopes to begin construction in late 2008, Kirchgesler said. The cost is undetermined, but the project will be paid for with 2012 funding. Infrastructure for sewer and water would have to be built before construction can begin.

Kirchgesler said most North Rapid residents probably won't see a difference in response times.

Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcityjournal.com.