80-year-old Battle Creek Fire Station 4 to temporarily close due to structural issues

Battle Creek's Fire Station No. 4 will temporarily close as the city assesses significant water damage to the 80-year-old building.

According to a release from the city of Battle Creek, the station expects to close by Feb. 1, when engineering and architectural firms WJE and Wightman assess the building and make recommendations for either renovating or rebuilding. The cost of the assessments is estimated at $50,000, and when the station will reopen has yet to be determined.

“We do anticipate an impact to the response time for fire calls,” Fire Chief Brian Sturdivant said in the release. “However, that is not outside the norm. If Station 4 was still operating, and Rescue 4 was on another call, we would still have the same level of response with trucks from other stations.”

With its flat roof, Station 4 has taken significant damage from rain and snow over the years, leading to drainage issues, water leaks, standing water and a lot of moisture that has deteriorated the fire house.

The BCFD plans for Station 4 crews and vehicles to move to Station 1 on East Michigan Avenue and Station 6 on Capital Avenue Southwest during the closure.

With 70% of calls for medical needs, and not fires, the department will cover calls from Station 4's area with crews from Station 2 on Washington Avenue and Station 6. The City of Springfield, located near Station 4, has mutual aid with Battle Creek and will assist if needed.

The City of Springfield – located right in Station 4’s area – has mutual aid with Battle Creek for fire and rescue services, and will be able to assist if needed. The city also has mutual aid agreements with fire service in Bedford, Emmett, and Pennfield townships, and with the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Fire Department in the Fort Custer corridor.

“This will be monitored very closely,” Sturdivant said. “We feel reasonably confident in the transition, especially with our mutual aid in place, and because we will blanket Station 4’s area with double coverage. This will be manageable during this temporary transition.”

Contact reporter Nick Buckley at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: 80-year-old Battle Creek Fire Station No. 4 to temporarily close