Fire Department announces transition to 3 station model in Acton pilot program

The Acton Select Board has announced a significant transition in its fire department operations, moving to a three-station pilot program starting May 18, 2025. This decision follows a successful two-station pilot that began in February, which aimed to enhance emergency response times and improve training conditions for firefighters.

The pilot program, initiated earlier this year with the help of a consultant, involved restructuring staffing across four fire stations to better serve the community. The two-station model, which placed five firefighters at both North and South Stations, allowed for quicker response times during emergencies, as evidenced by successful handling of serious incidents, including a notable fire on Arlington Street.

However, the South Station faced challenges due to space constraints, prompting the decision to expand to a three-station model. Under this new plan, North Station will maintain its staffing level, while South and West Stations will share responsibilities with a total of seven firefighters distributed between them. This adjustment aims to ensure adequate coverage across the town while addressing the cramped conditions at South Station.

The board is optimistic about the upcoming changes, which will be evaluated over a three-month period. The fire department has also seen recent improvements in staffing levels due to budget adjustments and changes in collective bargaining agreements, which are expected to aid recruitment efforts.

Community engagement remains a priority, with a public hearing scheduled for June to gather feedback on the pilot program. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining a fire station in North Acton, clarifying that the recent changes do not diminish the necessity of the facility.

As the town moves forward with this pilot program, officials are committed to assessing both operational effectiveness and facility adequacy to ensure that the fire department can meet the community's needs efficiently.