Jefferson Fire Protection District proposes new Station 1 site in Mt. Vernon

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MT. VERNON, Ill., (KBSI) — The Jefferson Fire Protection District #1 is proposing to build a new Station 1 northeast of its current location in Mt. Vernon, according to district officials.

The proposed station would be located at the corner of Ninth Street and Wescott Street, near a laundromat on 10th Street. The district purchased the property last year.

Officials said Mt. Vernon’s central location within the district’s 246-square-mile coverage area would allow firefighters to respond more quickly to calls across the district. Many volunteer firefighters also live in and around Mt. Vernon, which officials said would further improve response times.

District leaders said they explored the possibility of renovating the current Station 1 but determined it would not be practical due to several limitations.

According to the district, a major sewer line runs behind the current building, preventing expansion to the east. The property is also bordered by Wescott Street to the north and 10th Street to the west, leaving limited room for expansion. Officials said expanding to the south would disrupt workflow and prevent the proper separation of contaminated and clean areas inside the station.

The current building is more than 80 years old and was not originally designed to serve as a fire station. District officials said renovations would require bringing the entire structure up to modern building, safety and seismic standards, which would likely cost more than constructing a new facility.

Officials also cited safety concerns, noting the current lot is too narrow for safe movement of fire apparatus and that entering and exiting onto 10th Street can create hazards for firefighters and motorists.

The proposed project would be funded through a 20-year property tax bond. District officials said the tax would end once the bonds are paid off, as required by law.

Fire district leaders also emphasized that most of the firefighters serving the district are volunteers who respond to emergencies throughout the community. Officials said the proposed station is intended to provide firefighters with safer, more efficient facilities while improving response capabilities.