HAYDEN, Idaho — The Northern Lakes Fire District is one step closer to opening a new fire station after receiving a land donation from the Idaho Transportation Department in Garwood.
The fire district has pursued the new station as a long-term goal to address growing call volumes and geographic challenges in serving the northern portion of their coverage area.
“We are all dedicated in getting that station going. We’ve put a lot of time research effort into that,” said Chief Kevin Croffoot of Northern Lakes Fire District.
With the land donation secured, the district now has most components in place for the new facility. The department already has an engine designated for the station and nine new firefighters scheduled to begin fire academy training on March 2.
The new station addresses a critical need driven by population growth in the area. Call volume has increased 25% over the past five years, according to the fire district.
“Right now, we respond out of this station here in Hayden or the station out the airport, which obviously we’re geographically challenged up there. So, the whole idea behind this station was to have, a quicker response to the northern half of our district,” Croffoot explained.
The donated land significantly reduces project costs, with construction estimated at approximately $1 million. The fire district has already allocated funding in its budget, meaning no additional tax burden for residents.
Beyond improved emergency response, the new station could provide financial benefits to area homeowners through reduced insurance premiums.
“The way the insurance works is they draw a circle around. And if you’re within a manned station, it’s a decrease in insurance. So, getting that station up in Garwood, will definitely help the homeowners’ insurances in that area,” Croffoot said.
This is not the first time the fire district has tried to build a new station in the area. In 2023, it broke ground on another station but due to code violations and ongoing legal issues, construction was stopped and the building has sat empty since then. Fire Chief Kevin Croffoot says this time around; the station will be complete.
“Obviously, we’ve had a hiccup on that. So, that’s why we want to fulfill this promise to the taxpayers. You know, our whole goal when we took over as a new admin in November, this was the top of our priority to get them a station out there that they were promised,” Croffoot said.
The district plans to break ground this year and expects to complete construction by 2027.
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