In May 2018, Klamath County Fire District 1 was awarded a $2,349,360 grant through Business Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority’s Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP), for Fire Station 1, 2342 Gettle Street, Klamath Falls. This program provided critical infrastructure for Fire Station 1 to be rehabilitated to withstand seismic events. The goal of the program is to keep critical buildings operational during seismic events. Station 1 is the third KCFD1 fire station facility to be rehabilitated using grant funding as a primary source.
The project manager, engineering firm and general contractor were all selected in 2019. Construction began in April 2020 with project completion in January 2021.
Taxpayer Impact
In addition to the SRGP grant, District reserve funds of $350,000 were set aside over the years to provide additional upgrades to the building for ADA compliance, electrical and HVAC repairs, mixed use restrooms, and updated appliances and furnishings. No additional taxpayer funds, taxes, levies or operational fees were assessed.
General Contractor/Engineering and Project Management
Modoc Contracting
ZCS Engineering
Randall & Co., Project Management
Station Operations
Station 1 is 11,636 sq. ft. The facility houses 6 personnel per shift (3 shifts) to include 1 captain, 3 firefighters and 2 EMS staff. There are 6 apparatus located at the station.
Station 1 call volume is unavailable for year 2020 as fire personnel were located at Station 3 (1661 Mitchell) and EMS personnel at Station 2 (7110 Hilyard) during construction. Call volume for the previous 3 years is as follows:
- 2019 – 2,524 calls
- 2018 – 2,268 calls
- 2017 – 2,645 calls
This is an average of 33% of the District’s total calls. Additional response area includes highways 39 and 140 and Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport. Station 1 responds to the entirety of the District during structure fires and high call volumes.
