Leander fire station set to open

By Victor O'Brien Wednesday, 30 June 2010

LEANDER — Leander firefighters will prepare to battle blazes at a new spot in the next 10 days. A grand opening July 10 will celebrate the completion of the 16,000-square-foot Fire Station No. 3 at Sonny Drive and US 183.

Current plans call for firefighters to train using the station's classrooms and tower, but not dispatch from the $4 million facility. A lower than expected call volume and the lack of a road in front led to the decision to delay dispatching, said Leander Fire Chief Jerry Williams. There is no timetable for when firefighters will deploy from the station.

"This is built at this time just because we need the training center more than we needed the fire station," Williams said.

Instead of the cumbersome process of transporting equipment to Cedar Park or Pflugerville training sites, Leander firefighters can train at the new center, which will be staffed eight hours a day.

Williams expects to move administrative offices into the facility in the next week. LFD needed more office space after outgrowing the Central Fire Station, 201 N. Brushy St.

The training center's tower and facilities will allow residents to take in the spectacle of live burns and rescues. The first demonstrations will be at the grand opening, which runs from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. July 10. The grand opening includes a ceremonial "hose cutting," tours and hot dogs.

Jamail & Smith Construction, in partnership with Moman Architects, completed the station June 15.