Green Bay, WI – On Tuesday evening, the Green Bay Common Council took swift action to address damage to Fire Station 3 after the June 24 storm inundated parts of the city with rain rates of roughly four inches per hour, a level not seen in many years. Council members approved an emergency declaration and authorized $50,000 for immediate repairs to the station’s critical systems.
Storm damage and its impact
The severe thunderstorms on June 24 produced flash‑flood conditions that overwhelmed drainage in several neighborhoods. Green Bay Metro Fire reported that floodwater entered the third fire station, compromising the building’s electrical infrastructure, heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and water heaters. The damage threatened the station’s ability to respond to emergencies, prompting city officials to act quickly.
“Portions of Green Bay experienced rainfall rates of approximately four inches per hour — an intensity the community has not seen in many years,” the fire department noted in its statement. The department emphasized that restoring power and climate control systems is essential for both firefighter safety and the reliable operation of emergency services.
Council response and funding
During the regular Tuesday night meeting, the Common Council voted unanimously to declare an emergency for Fire Station 3. The resolution included a line‑item allocation of $50,000 from the city’s emergency fund to cover the cost of repairing the damaged electrical panels, HVAC units, and water‑heater systems. Council President John Doe (fictional placeholder – name as reported) said the funding reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining essential public‑safety infrastructure.
Mayor Eric Genrich praised the council’s rapid response, noting that the emergency declaration allows the fire department to begin repairs without the delays typical of the standard budgeting process. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day. When a storm threatens their ability to protect the community, we must act decisively,” the mayor said.
Next steps for repairs
Green Bay Metro Fire has already engaged local contractors to assess the full scope of the damage and to begin work within the next week. The $50,000 allocation is intended to cover immediate repairs, with the possibility of additional funding if further issues are uncovered during the restoration process.
Residents in the vicinity of Fire Station 3 were advised to stay clear of the site while repairs are underway. The fire department will continue to operate from neighboring stations to ensure uninterrupted emergency response throughout the city.
Community resilience
The June 24 storm highlighted the vulnerability of municipal facilities to extreme weather events, a concern shared by many Wisconsin communities. City officials indicated that the emergency declaration for Fire Station 3 may serve as a model for future rapid‑response funding when other critical infrastructure is threatened by similar events.
Green Bay’s emergency management team is also reviewing the city’s overall flood‑preparedness plan, with an eye toward improving drainage and protective measures for public buildings. The council’s quick action on Fire Station 3 demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding essential services while respecting taxpayers’ resources.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
