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Le Mars fire chief outlines fire prevention outreach, station bond estimate and open houses; announces public meeting on Highway 75 corridor
Summary
The fire chief updated the Le Mars City Council on Fire Prevention Week activities, a recent citizens academy and fundraisers that purchased protective equipment; provided a preliminary station bond estimate of $10–$12 million; and announced open houses and a public meeting for the Highway 75 reconstruction project.
Le Mars' fire chief told the City Council that Fire Prevention Week outreach and a recent citizens academy drew strong turnout, that community donations funded tactical protective gear and that the department plans open houses and a bond proposal for a new station.
At the meeting, the fire chief reported 520 people attended the department’s pancake feed and that donations helped purchase a bulletproof vest intended for protection during domestic or active-shooter responses. He reviewed outreach activity for Fire Prevention Week, including distribution of safety materials to roughly 1,500 students and about 22 school talks scheduled during the month.
Station bond estimate and open houses
The fire chief described a proposed fire station bond and said preliminary planning puts the cost estimate at about $10 million to $12 million, not the higher figure some residents have circulated. He said final bond amounts will be fixed when the city proceeds to a referendum and that the department has received expressions of support from some local businesses and stakeholders. The chief announced two open houses for the public: Monday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m., when stations will be opened and staffed for tours.
Community outreach and programs
The chief credited long-running education and outreach efforts — including the citizens academy and school visits — for keeping juvenile fire incidents low and said children often report fires they observe. He encouraged residents to check smoke detectors and rehearse two escape routes.
Highway 75 reconstruction public input meeting
Council staff announced a public input meeting for the Business Highway 75 reconstruction project on Nov. 6 at the Little Creek Banquet Hall. The city plans to mail postcards to nearby residents and provide a QR code linking to an online survey for those who cannot attend in person.
What’s next
The fire chief said the department will publish additional information about the station bond proposal after planning and noted that donations helped cover recent equipment purchases. City staff said more advertising for the Highway 75 public meeting will be provided in the coming weeks.
