Residents demand new fire station in Washoe Valley after service closures

Residents of West Washoe Valley voiced urgent concerns about fire and medical response times during the Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on July 1, 2025. The closure of Fire Station 30 has left the community facing response times that are more than double the national average, prompting calls for immediate action from the board.

Barbara Batsa, a local resident, highlighted the safety risks posed by the extended response times, questioning how board members would feel if their loved ones faced similar delays in emergencies. She urged the commissioners to either break ground on a new consolidated fire station within 90 days or to upgrade the volunteer station on Bellevue Road to a full-time career station.

Mark Batsa echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the diminished sense of security since the fire station's closure. He reiterated the community's demand for timely action to restore adequate fire and medical services.

Robin Leach, another resident, stressed the critical need for a response time within six minutes to prevent potential disasters, such as home destruction from fires or delays in medical emergencies. He insisted that the board must fulfill its promises to the community, reinforcing the urgency of the situation.

Longtime resident Bob Rusk expressed frustration over unfulfilled commitments regarding fire protection, recalling a time when the community enjoyed reliable services. He urged the board to prioritize the safety of residents and take decisive action.

Tim Stevens, nearing 82 years old, shared his concerns about his family's safety, lamenting the abrupt departure of fire services from the area and the lack of follow-through on promises for new facilities.

The meeting underscored a growing sense of urgency among West Washoe Valley residents for improved fire and medical services. As community members await a response from the Board of Fire Commissioners, the call for accountability and action remains clear.