Buckeye Fire Department advances two new stations and expands staffing amid city growth

The City of Buckeye is making significant strides in enhancing its fire services, with plans for new fire stations and an increase in personnel to meet the growing needs of the community. During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need for improved fire response times in areas like Blue Horizons, which have been primarily serviced by existing stations located further away.

The upcoming Victory Fire Station, set to be built at the intersection of Acacia and Indian School Road, is a key development. The land for this station has already been acquired, and architects are being selected to begin the design process. This new facility will help alleviate the pressure on the current Verrado Station, which has been stretched thin due to the rapid growth in the northern areas of Verrado and Victory. The addition of this station is expected to significantly improve response times and service coverage for residents.

In addition to the Victory Fire Station, the Westpark Fire Station is also in the works. Currently operating out of a temporary trailer in the West Park Elementary School parking lot, this station will soon transition to a more permanent facility. The new location will provide better access to major roads, enhancing response capabilities not just for Westpark but for the entire region.

As part of these expansions, the fire department is also hiring new personnel. Following the approval of the TerraVallis development agreement, 15 job offers have already been made, with plans to hire more as the new stations come online. This includes staffing for the Victory Fire Station, which is projected to open in two years, and the Westpark Station, which is already staffed but will benefit from additional personnel.

The meeting also highlighted the need for a dedicated public safety training facility and administrative building. Currently, training for fire and police personnel is conducted off-site, which can be inefficient. A local facility would allow for more frequent training sessions and better support for the growing number of staff. The design and planning for this facility are already underway, with discussions about potential locations ongoing.

Overall, these developments reflect Buckeye's commitment to enhancing public safety and meeting the demands of a rapidly growing community. With new fire stations and increased staffing, residents can expect improved emergency response services in the coming years.