City Council Votes to Purchase 2.27 Acres to Facilitate Future Construction of a New Fire Station 7 and Enhance Emergency Response Capabilities

The Tacoma City Council has unanimously voted to purchase 2. 27 acres of land for the future construction of a new Fire Station 7, a critical step in enhancing the city's emergency response capabilities. The decision, which involves an expenditure of $870,000, follows a facilities needs assessment that revealed the current station on South Warner Street is undersized and incapable of accommodating necessary expansions. Mayor Victoria Woodards stated that this move underscores the city's commitment to public safety and strategic growth. Council Member Joe Bushnell pointed out that the replacement will provide more equitable service delivery, particularly in areas facing high emergency call volumes, which currently exceed national standards.

Interim Fire Chief Sionna Stallings-Ala'ilima expressed gratitude for the collaboration between city departments to make this acquisition possible. The new Fire Station 7 will be located near South Tyler and South 58th streets, roughly half a mile from the current station, ensuring it remains within the service radius. This strategic location also aligns with existing park infrastructure, providing potential for the station to serve as a crisis command site during disasters. The initiative reflects Tacoma's proactive approach to adapting emergency services to meet the evolving needs of its growing community.