Murrieta Fire Station Opening

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After nearly four years of planning and construction, Murrieta Fire Department's Copper Canyon Fire Station 5 is officially open.

Murrieta residents are pleased with the new addition to their community, which has cut down on emergency response times.  Resident  Hugh McPhail says, "It feels pretty good because I've had two sister in laws here that had to have the response team and they could get there in 5 minutes now instead of 15 minutes the way they were before."

Murrieta Fire Chief Paul Christman states that lengthy response times are never acceptable and explains the added importance of having a new fire station in the Copper Canyon area of the City of Murrieta, "We have ten thousand residents at least over here and some of our highest valued real estate, and it's up against very thick wildland areas."  Having a fire station closer to the hillside is crucial because the area is considerably close to wildland vegetation and is at risk during California's wildfire season. Also, the Murrieta Fire Department's only fire fatality occurred in this area.

Station 5 also boasts a helicopter pad where Chief Chistman says that the fire department can set up helicopter and water point operations.

At a cost of $800,000, Chief Christman claims that the new fire station came to fruition despite the gloomy economy because of extensive planning. He explains, "This station has been on the books for 4 years." However, Station 5 is considered temporary, and the permanent station will be built within the next ten years when developer impact fees and funds will be available.


Author:Crystal Chessher - Fire Department Network News