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Station 61 Future Plans
A New Chapter for Fire and Emergency Services in Spanish Fork
Spanish Fork is moving forward with plans to replace Fire Station 61 to better meet the needs of our growing community and professional fire department. The current station, located on Main Street, was designed decades ago for a volunteer fire crew—and it no longer supports the 24/7 operations, safety standards, or emergency response times our city now requires.
An open house was held on April 22 to share information with the public and gather feedback. The next steps in the process include finalizing a site selection from several City-owned properties and beginning the building design phase.
This new facility will provide faster response times, improved safety, and long-term efficiency—without increasing property taxes—thanks to thoughtful planning and funding through impact fees tied to community growth.
Why is the current fire station no longer suitable?
The existing Station 61 was designed for a volunteer department. It lacks the facilities needed for a full-time, professional crew, such as sleeping quarters, dedicated workspace, and training areas required for 24/7 operations.
Is the current fire station in the best possible location?
Not anymore. When it was first built, the Main Street location served the city well. But today, increased traffic and road congestion make it harder for fire trucks and ambulances to respond quickly and safely. A new location with better access—especially to major roads—will help improve emergency response times and public safety.
Does the current station meet modern safety standards?
No. The building’s structural design does not meet current seismic safety codes. Retrofitting it to modern standards would be extremely costly and still leave other operational issues unresolved.
Would it be cheaper to renovate the current station instead?
No. Renovating the current station would likely require a full teardown and rebuild on the same site. Estimates show this would cost more than $2 million, not including the cost of temporarily relocating the department during construction—none of which would add long-term value.
Why not just fix the most urgent issues?
Partial fixes wouldn’t address the core problems: outdated infrastructure, lack of space, poor location, and safety concerns. A full replacement is the most cost-effective and strategic long-term solution.
Where will the new fire station be located?
The City is currently evaluating several location options on land it already owns. These sites offer better access for emergency vehicles and were identified as strong candidates in the City’s fire station master plan. Choosing city-owned land helps reduce overall costs and improve long-term planning.
How does this fit into the city’s future plans?
This project is a key part of the City’s Civic Master Plan, which guides long-term improvements to public facilities. It supports Spanish Fork’s goals for safety, sustainability, and smart growth.
What’s driving the urgency to act now?
Emergency call volume has increased by 175% in the last 20 years—from 4 calls a day to 11 daily calls. Spanish Fork now has a full-time fire department providing 24/7/365 coverage, but the current station wasn’t built to house live-in firefighters.
Because there are no sleeping quarters or essential facilities, firefighter/paramedics are currently living in mobile homes outside the station. This temporary solution is far from ideal and highlights the need for a modern facility that properly supports around-the-clock emergency response.
How will the new fire station be funded?
The City currently plans to fund the project through carefully managed borrowing, but importantly, there are no current plans to increase property taxes to pay for it. Thanks to years of strategic planning, much of the cost will be covered by impact fees—funds collected from new development to support infrastructure needed for a growing population. This approach helps ensure that growth pays for growth.