North Little Rock, Arkansas – The City of North Little Rock is set to host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for its new fire station on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The station, located at 1000 Blaze Drive, covers 7,600 square feet and will serve the eastern part of the city, enhancing fire response capabilities for residents and businesses in Ward 2.
Strategically located near Arkansas Highway 165 and U.S. Interstate 440, the new fire station is a significant upgrade from the previous 2,000-square-foot house that lacked modern facilities. The new structure includes two pull-through apparatus bays and will house one engine and three firefighters, with plans to add an aerial truck in the future. The building features five bedrooms, a watch office, a kitchen, a dining area, a gym, and a safe room, all designed to support the growth of the city’s eastern area.
North Little Rock Fire Department Chief commended the station’s placement, stating, “This location ensures that we can respond more quickly and effectively to emergencies in this rapidly growing part of the city.”
The new station was built at a cost of $4.9 million, funded by the half-cent sales tax approved by North Little Rock voters. Designed by Bunny Brown of Jackson Brown and Palculict Architects, with CBM Construction as the manager, the station’s modern industrial design is expected to spur further commercial and residential development in the region.
The fire station’s grand opening marks a significant milestone in ensuring the safety and future growth of North Little Rock’s Ward 2 community.