Satellite fire station on the way to becoming a reality

Ground was broken Nov. 1, at the site of the new satellite fire station on 270th Avenue in Holcombe, with the building set to house an engine, tender, boat and ATV, allowing for faster response time for those in the area. Since the Cornell Area Fire Department serves such a rural location, many insurance companies give higher rates, because of response times, so the station will not only be an added safety bonus, but a financial one, as well. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

It’s taken a few years, what with figuring out funding, logistics and DNR approval, but at long last, ground has been broken for a satellite fire station in Holcombe. Currently, the Cornell Area Fire Department serves the townships of Arthur, Birch Creek, Cleveland, Colburn, Estella, Lake Holcombe and Ruby, and the City of Cornell.

Before such a station, firefighters have to respond to Cornell, them head to the scene, even if it was just where they came from.

“Now, they can respond to this station, get the equipment and be en route to the emergency,” said fire chief Matt Boulding.

Thanks to Bill and Tim Walters, a piece of property on 270th Avenue was donated for the station and planning began to install a building, which will house an engine, tender, boat and an ATV, as well as a possible ambulance squad in the future.

“We’ll make room if we have to,” said Boulding.

Construction of the 60x60 building will take place next year, at an estimated cost of $200,000, so any donations toward the project would be appreciated and can be directed to Northwestern Bank in Cornell. A fire department is funded by assessed value, while the ambulance service is funded, based on the number of people who live in a town.

By having a station in Holcombe, it can significantly improve response time, potentially saving lives and property, and may lower home insurance rates.

The fire department has seven members in Holcombe, to respond daily, while during the summers, there are 10 or 11 on the weekend. A Holcombe location will work, as the department has housed an engine at the JJC shop for a year, with good response for personnel getting to that equipment. “We have manned that truck for almost every call that has come in,” said Boulding.