The City of Bismarck is moving forward with a new fire station in the city’s southern district. After reviewing multiple sites along Washington Street and Burleigh Avenue using fire‑incident data and GIS mapping tools, officials selected a city‑owned parcel west of Washington Street, near Calypso Drive, roughly a half‑mile south of the municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Data‑driven location choice
“Selecting this location was the result of data‑driven decision making that will ultimately help bring the Fire Department’s response times back under what we feel are appropriate thresholds for that far south part of Bismarck,” said Bismarck Fire Chief Joel Boespflug. The fire chief emphasized that the chosen site allows the department to address a documented gap in service coverage for residents and businesses in the southern neighborhoods.
Funding and timeline
The $6.5 million station will be financed with dollars previously identified by earlier commissions, ensuring no new tax burden for taxpayers. City of Bismarck Communications Strategist Kalen Ost added that an additional fire engine and accompanying equipment are slated to enter service in early 2027, further bolstering protection for the area.
Impact on the community
Local leaders expect the new station to shorten emergency response times, which can be critical for fire suppression, medical emergencies, and rescue operations. Residents in the south side have voiced concerns about longer travel distances for fire trucks, and the new facility directly addresses those safety concerns.
Next steps
Construction plans are in the final design phase, with groundbreaking anticipated later this year. The city will continue to provide updates through public meetings and its website, keeping Bismarck citizens informed about progress and any temporary disruptions during construction.
By investing in modern fire‑protection infrastructure, Bismarck demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding families, upholding public safety, and maintaining the quality of life that makes the community a strong, family‑focused place to live.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
