The Jefferson Fire Protection District #1 is encouraging residents to learn more about a proposed new fire station as officials evaluate whether the district’s current headquarters can continue to meet operational and safety needs.
District leaders say emergency call volume has increased significantly over the past 20 years, while service responsibilities have expanded through mutual-aid and intergovernmental agreements. The district currently provides fire and emergency services across more than 500 square miles, serving over 11,600 residents with a combination of paid personnel and approximately 30 volunteer firefighters.
The district’s headquarters, known as Station 1, was originally built in 1945 and has been occupied by the fire district since the early 1960s. Officials say the 81-year-old building no longer meets modern safety standards, space requirements, or the operational demands of today’s emergency response, which increasingly relies on more complex equipment and advanced technical capabilities.
As part of an ongoing evaluation process, district officials are exploring the possibility of constructing a new fire station. Any proposal would require voter approval, and leaders have indicated they plan to place the question before taxpayers in a future election so residents can decide whether to move forward with the investment.
To help inform the public, the district will host an open house on January 21 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Station 1, located at 1600 South 10th Street in Mount Vernon.
During the open house, community members will be able to tour the facility, learn about the limitations of the current building, and review preliminary concepts related to a potential new station. District officials emphasized the event is strictly informational, and no vote will take place.
Officials say the goal is to give residents a firsthand look at how the existing facility functions and the challenges firefighters and emergency responders face as they work to protect the community.