Station 1 reopens after seismic rehabilitation [VIDEO]

Klamath County Fire Dist 1.jpg

The following is a press release from Klamath County Fire District 1

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - In May 2018, Klamath County Fire District 1 was awarded a $2,349,360 grant through Business Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority’s Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP), for Fire Station 1, 2342 Gettle Street, Klamath Falls.

This program provided that critical infrastructure for Fire Station 1 to be rehabilitated to withstand seismic events. The goal of the program is to keep critical buildings operational during seismic events.

Station 1 is the third KCFD1 fire station facility to be rehabilitated using grant funding as a primary source.

The project manager, engineering firm, and general contractor were all selected in 2019. Construction began in April 2020 with project completion in January 2021.

Taxpayer Impact

In addition to the SRGP grant, District reserve funds of $350,000 were set aside over the years to provide additional upgrades to the building for ADA compliance, electrical and HVAC repairs, mixed-use restrooms, and updated appliances and furnishings. No additional taxpayer funds, taxes, levies, or operational fees were assessed.

General Contractor/Engineering and Project Management were handled by Modoc Contracting, ZCS Engineering, and Randall & Co., Project Management.

Station Operations

Station 1 is 11,636 sq. ft. The facility houses 6 personnel per shift (3 shifts) to include 1 captain, 3 firefighters, and 2 EMS staff. There are 6 apparatus located at the station.

Station 1 call volume is unavailable for 2020 as fire personnel was located at Station 3 (1661 Mitchell) and EMS personnel at Station 2 (7110 Hilyard) during construction. Call volume for the previous 3 years is as follows:

  • 2019 - 2,524 calls

  • 2018 - 2,268 calls

  • 2017 - 2,645 calls

This is an average of 33% of the District’s total calls. Additional response area includes highways 39 and 140 and Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport. Station 1 responds to the entirety of the District during structure fires and high call volumes.

Historic images of Station 1