Station 7 – IFFD’s newest station opening ceremony on Monday

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – It's no secret Idaho Falls is growing. The growth also means more emergency response is needed.

Station 7 is the Idaho Falls Fire Department's new addition on the south side of town at 370 East 65th South.

This new station will help the Idaho Falls fire department ensure quick response times. IFFD Fire Chief Duane Nelson says, "Up until last year, we were increasing our call volume by about 1,000 calls a year. In 2021, we had 3,000 calls increase. We began leveling out last year with and we crested just over 17,500 calls last year. So, this station really helps us meet those extended call volumes."

Station 7 was made possible by a partnership between IFFD and the Bonneville County Fire Protection District, who built the station 10 years ago. The city bought the station last year, preparing it for its' modern day opening.

The city now owns four stations, but currently operates out of six in partnership with the Fire District and Swan Valley.

"By working together, we serve more area residents more efficiently and more effectively than we could if we were not working together," Idaho Falls' Mayor Rebecca Casper said.

It was also important to staff the new station. IFFD was awarded $2.9 million in federal grant money to hire more personnel.

Monday's ceremony wasn't just about celebrating the new station, "But really, it's about those men and women of the fire department that are here every day and every hour and working for you." Chief Nelson says, "When they're presented with a problem, they find a solution. They put their heads down that unite. They work together and they and they solve those tasks."

Now IFFD looks forward to helping the south end of the city more effectively.

In the next few years, another fire station will be built on the northern part of town.