Bellevue getting first new fire station in 29 years for ‘vertical neighborhoods’

BELLEVUE, Wash. — The construction of Bellevue’s first new fire station in 29 years is set to begin later in March or early April.

The community is invited to a groundbreaking celebration at the construction site at Northeast 12th Street and 112th Avenue Northeast on March 22 at 3:30 p.m., said the City.

Fire Station 10 is being built to make it easier for firefighters to get to Bellevue’s “vertical neighborhoods”. These neighborhoods are the high-rise apartment and condominium complexes in downtown and BelRed

The Bellevue Fire Department is rated among the top 1% of fire departments in the U.S. but the high-rises make it hard for crews to get to their destination by their four-minute goal, said the City.

Traffic congestion, other incidents, and the additional time required to move staff and equipment up to 60+ stories can slow the response.

The $32 million building will be two stories, around 20,000 feet, and have three drive-through bays for fire engines and other apparatuses.

It will also have solar and groundwater heating and cooling and the existing wetland next to it will be restored. Also, new trees will be planted to help screen the station from houses in the surrounding neighborhood.

Construction of Fire Station 10 has been delayed due to the pandemic and other reasons. The station is expected to be completed by the spring of 2025.

©2023 Cox Media Group