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Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Station 8
On Sept. 18, 2007 Scottsdale City Council authorized the purchase of 9598 E. Cactus Road, a 2-acre parcel on the northwest corner of 96th Street and Cactus Road, for the future site of Fire Station 8. Over the past two years, the City has worked with WLC Architects to design a new fire station that fits the needs of the department and character of the neighborhood.
Below are answers to a few questions about fire stations in general and an overview of the process for building the new fire station at this site.
Why this location?
Scottsdale Fire Department has set a goal of arriving on the scene of an emergency within 4 minutes or less, 80 percent of the time. Currently, existing fire stations’ crews are responding to calls in this area in about 8-9 minutes, 80 percent of the time. A key factor in reducing response times is the location of a fire station.
The Cactus Road /96th Street site is located on a major road that has good access to the homes and businesses needing improved response times. Scottsdale Fire Department estimates that locating a station in this area could result in about 1,600 additional calls for help being responded to within 4 minutes or less annually.
The department also will be able to provide faster service to 18 public and private schools located in the area and the more than 600 businesses which are considered medium- to high-risk for emergency calls.
Traffic from the station is estimated to be minimal.
What measures can the fire department take to ensure a fire station is compatible with residential areas and nearby properties?
Scottsdale Fire Department has fire stations throughout the city that are located in and near residential areas. We are committed to being a good neighbor and will tailor the design of a station to suit the neighborhood.
Station design, advances in technology and the modification of station operating policies allow fire stations to better blend into local neighborhoods. For example:
- The city uses “opticom” traffic pre-emption devices. They turn traffic signals “green” for approaching emergency vehicles and stop traffic from other directions. These devices significantly reduce the need to use sirens and horns while leaving the station and reduce response times.
- Station design can be neighborhood-friendly. The use of landscaping and walls can act as a buffer to adjacent properties while minimizing noise and lighting impacts.
- Station operating procedures can limit outdoor activities. They can require that outside activities be minimized or held at other locations and that equipment safety checks occur during daylight hours.
Finally, fire stations can add value to neighborhoods by:
- Providing immediate response to emergencies.
- Participating in neighborhood block watches and other activities to Improve safety and provide an overall sense of added security.
- Providing safe havens for children in case of emergencies.
What steps have been taken in the design/construction of Fire Station 8?
Council approved the design contract for WLC Architects at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 6, 2008.
Public meetings for Fire Station 8 were held on May 7, 2008 and September 4, 2008 at the Via Linda Senior Center.
Based on public feedback, city staff and the fire department station design team have worked with the architect to develop a site plan, layout, and initial design.
City staff submitted an application to obtain a Municipal Use Master Site Plan permit and made a presentation to the Development Review Board (DRB) on Feb. 19, 2009.
Following approval by the Scottsdale City Council in July 2009, the project was sent out to bid. The City received 18 bids on February 25, 2010 and Caliente Construction, Inc. is the apparent low bidder. Staff will present the construction contract to the City Council for approval at the regularly scheduled meeting on March 23, 2010.
Construction will start in April 2010 and will take approximately 12 months to complete.
For the latest progress including status reports and contact information, please visit the project website.
