The City of Bismarck is proceeding with plans for Fire Station #6, having selected a city-owned location in south Bismarck. The new station will be positioned west of Washington Street, near Calypso Drive, approximately a half-mile south of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. This decision, aimed at improving emergency response, was highlighted by Bismarck Fire Chief Joel Boespflug during an update provided at Tuesday’s City Commission meeting.
Chief Boespflug explained that the selection of this particular site was the outcome of a methodical and analytical approach. "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," Boespflug stated. He noted that a comprehensive process was employed to analyze factors such as the fire department's demand for service, inherent risk levels, and current response performance. This detailed assessment ultimately justified the addition of the new fire station to the city's public safety infrastructure.
City staff undertook a thorough site selection process this summer, examining several potential locations along both Washington Street and Burleigh Avenue. This evaluation leveraged fire data and sophisticated GIS mapping tools to assess each option. Ultimately, staff determined that the designated location, at Burleigh Avenue and Calypso Drive, presented the optimal choice for fulfilling the community's fire protection objectives.
Funding for Fire Station #6, which is expected to cost approximately $6.5 million, has been secured from dollars previously identified and allocated by earlier commissions. In preparation for the station's future operation, the Fire Department has incrementally increased its staffing levels since 2023. These newly added personnel are currently stationed at the existing south fire station, where they will continue to operate until the new facility becomes fully operational. Furthermore, plans are in place to introduce an additional fire engine and necessary equipment into service in early 2027, which will complement the expanded fire protection capabilities provided by Station #6.
The architectural design for the new Fire Station #6 specifies a building with a brick-veneer face. It will also feature a metal roof characterized by multiple pitches, contributing to its distinct appearance in the south Bismarck area. This strategic investment in infrastructure underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining effective emergency services for its growing population.
