Commission hears updates on Station 49 construction and fleet replacement plan

The Fire Commission received an update Dec. 11 on Station 49 construction and broader apparatus and fleet-replacement planning.

Deputy Chief Jose Velo said Station 49 construction is advancing (concrete floor, interior walls and stair framing complete on several floors) and remains on schedule for a planned November 2020 opening. He said some interior finishing work remains but the project is moving toward the stated completion window. "It's moving right along, to schedule the finish of next winter," Velo said.

On apparatus, Velo reported that standard specifications for host apparatus are complete and are currently with city contracting for the bid process; six engines and five trucks are in pre-construction ordering stages. He said the fleet-replacement plan will prioritize front-line engines and trucks in accordance with NFPA service-life guidelines and that the department will continue to advocate for funding during the next budget cycle.

Commissioners raised concerns about space to house additional apparatus; Velo said the opening of the new BOE facility at the old Station 49 site will free capacity and that staff are reviewing placement and relief strategies. The commission also discussed specialized units: the department maintains two mass-casualty units and two mass-casualty buses used for drills and major events, which are being prioritized appropriately in replacement planning.

Velo also noted a demonstration of an all-electric engine scheduled for Dec. 17 to evaluate new technology, including an electric powertrain with a diesel pump as a backup during outages.