Fire Station Study Committee

FIRE STATION STUDY COMMITTEE AND 

 PROPOSED FIRE STATION CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 

 

Website Purpose 

 

This website serves as a public information repository regarding the work of the Fire Station Study Committee (FSSC) and its recommended construction and renovation projects for two of the Town’s five fire stations. Funding these construction projects will require a Proposition 2½ debt exclusion.  The debt exclusion must pass by a 2/3 vote at the October 21, 2024 Fall Town Meeting and by a majority vote on the November 5, 2024 State Election ballot.  

 

The Fire Station Study Committee (FSSC) consists of representatives from the Town Management, Firefighters, Residents, and the Select Board.  

 

Fire Station Study Committee Mission Statement   

 

    1. 1. Assess available information and determine the path in upgrading and/or  
      rebuilding the aging fire house network to meet the needs of both citizens  
      and fire personnel. 

    1. 2. Assess and determine the needs of both fire personnel and fire house structures in order to achieve the safety requirements of a modern fire department and meet the needs of the community including response times.  Explore and report upon the options for the location(s) of fire stations beyond the existing Fire Department Headquarters and the recently renovated North Fire Station.  


    3. 3. Provide the Town of Chelmsford with future recommendations to make their fire department meet the safety requirements of a modern fire response team while assessing the aging fire department structures and offering a feasible plan of action.  


    1. a. Provide estimates on the cost to renovate/construct, maintain and operate suitable fire stations. 

    1. b. Provide estimates on the cost to purchase and operate apparatus across the department.  

    1. c. Provide estimates on the cost to staff, train and equip personnel across the department.  

 

Proposed Fire Station Construction Projects 

 

The FSSC recommendations include proposed fire station construction projects for Station 3 located at 260 Old Westford Road and Station 5 located at 295 Acton Road.  

 

Current Station Conditions – Both Station 5 (built in 1966) and Station 3 (built in 1970) are beyond their 50-year life span.  The conditions of the stations are not conducive to operating a modern fire department and present safety concerns for the crews working in the stations.  Concerns include dormitories and uniform storage inside the apparatus bays, exposing the firefighters to diesel exhaust particulates and posing a fire safety/egress hazard.  Expected changes to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations will deem the current living conditions unacceptable.  

 

Response Time Needs – Maintaining Stations 3 and 5 at their current locations is crucial for maintaining acceptable response times for public safety.  At its current location, Station 5 provides coverage to South Chelmsford, Heart Pond, the far end of Littleton Road, and Route 495 Northbound from Westford to Chelmsford Street. Station 3 provides coverage for Drum Hill, Route 3, and neighborhoods in West Chelmsford.  

 

Staffing Needs – The current stations are not equipped to accommodate current and future staffing needs.  

 

Station Proposals – The proposed projects include a complete rebuild of Station 5 and full renovation of Station 3, providing the needed facilities to operate a modern fire department.  These facilities will include 

  • Living quarters and restrooms to accommodate all genders and increased staffing. 

  • Adequate separation of living areas and contaminated areas, including facilities for proper gear storage and decontamination. 

  • Proper exercise facilities enabling firefighters to maintain the necessary level of health and fitness. 

 

Funding - The proposed fire station projects would require up to $25 million in funding through excluded debt service.  This would require approval through a town wide ballot vote and a temporary increase to property taxes.  As the debt is paid off over time, the additional tax levy would be reduced.  It is currently estimated that the average household, with an assessed value of $629,000, would see an initial increase of $157 per year or $3 per week.