Construction on the new 8,200-square-foot Redwood Fire Station began July 2021, and last week the community got the first glimpse of this gleaming facility.
For the past 45 years, this station consisted of 2,020 square feet of prefabricated, modular living quarters—with the apparatus bay in a separate garage.
Since firefighters are on duty around the clock—365 days a year—a modern, well-equipped station was needed.
It officially opened on Oct. 30.
Long Overdue
According to Santa Clara County Fire Department Information Specialist Erica Ray, development in the mountain communities, increased traffic on Highway 17 and the growing risk of wildfire heightened the need for better fire coverage in this area of the county.
“This new, modern fire station will continue to provide for the safety of the surrounding community for many years,” she said. “The building is two-story, with a third-floor lookout tower.”
The exterior siding is made of noncombustible material that is extremely fire resistant.
“This station will serve the community well for decades,” Ray said.
Additional Engines
The larger apparatus bay now houses a Type 1 fire engine, Type 6 wildland firefighting engine and a utility vehicle.
This new station also adds support services, business services, information technology, operations administration, planning, fire prevention educational materials, a public lobby, dedicated office space, equipment room, workout room, turnout extractor and laundry sink, decontamination shower, meeting areas as well as a fully equipped kitchen.
Tours Offered
Santa Clara County District 3 Supervisor Otto Lee, SCCFD Chief Suwanna Kerdkaew, SCCFD Support Services Director Dave Snow participated in the ceremony. After State Assemblymember Gail Pellerin presented a certificate of recognition, tours and lunch were then offered.
Community, guests and invited dignitaries did not have to be asked twice to get in line for lunch. Perfectly grilled tri-tip, veggie burgers, garlic bread, salad and watermelon were served up by the firefighting crew.
Jesse Trask, one of the firefighters, was also a grill master.
“I am trying my best and with no guarantees,” he said.
There were no complaints, whatsoever.
Neighborhood resident Sarah Devlin, 33, said she thinks the new fire station is awesome.
“They work really hard,” she said, adding the fire season was really bad last year. “They also take care of any car fires on Highway 17—and there are always car fires on Highway 17.”
In speaking with Snow, I learned how important the “ice cream tradition” is to firefighters.
“The first time a firefighter’s name is mentioned in the media, they must buy their entire team ice cream,” he said.
I did ask around, but could not find a willing new firefighter to quote.
Safer Work Environment
The new station also provides enhanced safety for firefighters.
The latest decontamination essentials are now available: a shower, a laundry sink and turnout extractor.
This is especially important as flame-retardant chemicals can be dropped into wildfires.
The station is now an up-to-date facility that ensures firefighters will carry on the torch and passion that comes with the career—and better protect the community they serve.
