First responders, community celebrate grand opening of Fire Station #74

Almost three years after plans were first announced, North Hays County Fire/ Rescue (NHCFR) Station #74 has opened its new doors. The new station replaces current Fire Station 74, and is located a bit farther east at Belterra Drive and Sawyer Ranch Road. The facility is approximately 15,000 square feet. The station now houses the district’s first and only ladder truck as well as a fire engine, squad truck, brush truck and water tender truck and one ambulance. Five firefighters will be on duty along with two EMS full time. Additionally, volunteers will serve out of the station bringing the total to 12 staff.

“This is the busiest area in our district,” NHCFR Chief Scott Collard said. “We have 245 square miles. This is urban population living… we make so many calls and what we’ve been doing in the past is responding from peripheral ends of this area and now we’re centered right in the epicenter.”

“I think it’s a very exciting time for our department and our community,” Fire Captain Michael Chavez said. “Being able to have a new bigger station with five personnel, EMS and running together in an area that sees the most commercial and residential growth, and where most of our calls are, is just going to be safer for the community and the visitors of this area.”

The old station off Hwy. 290 will become a logistics center to house supplies and inventory for the district in one location, which Collard says will free up space in stations and allow for better organization and tracking.

During the grand opening events, Cub Scout pack 4 conducted a flag opening ceremony. Other ceremonial events followed, including a hose uncoupling, ribbon cutting and push-in. The “push-in” ceremony dates back more than 100 years to a time before fire trucks were motorized and operated with horse drawn equipment. In those days, firefighters had to actually push their trucks into the station after a call.

While events took place at the new Station 74 Saturday, the NHCFR won’t operate out of it quite yet. Finishing touches should be complete in about a week.

About North Hays County Fire/Rescue:

North Hays County Fire/ Rescue is a combination department consisting of career and volunteer staff. Fire and rescue services as well as EMS first response is provided to approximately 35,000 residents from six fire stations located across 245 square miles of Northern Hays County. The district includes the communities of Dripping Springs, Driftwood, and Henly, Texas. Station 71 is located in Dripping Springs, and Station 62 is located in Driftwood. Both these stations have a full-time crew on duty at all times.