Information here is from the New Fire Station Winthrop website [www.winthropfirestation.com] accessible to residents in 2023. At that time, the Wadsworth and Kirby site locations on Winthrop Street were considered as the location for the new fire station.
F.A.Q. and Information [From the Winthrop fire station website (info is archived).
To view 2023 videos about the new fire station initiative, please visit the videos page!
NECESSITY, BENEFIT, AND FIRE OPERATIONS IMPACT
Q: Why is there a need for a new Fire Station in the Town of Winthrop?
A: The two current Fire Stations are outdated, undersized, and incapable of supporting the needs of a modern Fire Department. They have exceeded their usable lives and require immediate action. For over 118 years, the Town of Winthrop has not built a new fire station.
Q: How old are the current Fire Stations in Winthrop?
A: The Pauline St Station was built in the 1880s, and the Shirley St Station was constructed in 1905.
Q: Why is there urgency in addressing the Fire Department’s needs over having a Public Safety Building?
A: Delayed action would lead to increased costs, risk to firefighters’ safety, vulnerability of residents during emergencies, and reduced efficiency in meeting the community’s needs.
Q: How will this proposal affect the Winthrop Fire Department’s response times?
A: Fire Department response time standards are defined in NFPA 1710 “Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, EMS and Special Operations in Career Fire Departments.” Due to Winthrop’s population density, NFPA 1710 classifies the Winthrop Fire Department as an Urban Fire Department. Operational standards dictate a response time of under 5 minutes and 20 seconds, 90% of the time, from the time of alarm to the time of arrival. A single, centrally located station will not have an effect on our ability to meet this standard.
Q: How could the construction of a new fire station impact the town’s ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating?
A: The construction of a new fire station has the potential to affect the town’s ISO rating based on several key factors. Firstly, if the new fire station is equipped with modern and efficient facilities, it can enhance the capabilities of the fire department. ISO assesses various aspects, including the condition of fire stations, equipment and training facilities, so upgrading to a new fire station with improved resources can contribute to a better ISO rating. Additionally, the strategic central location of a new fire station, especially if it can provide improved response times to different parts of the town, can have a positive influence on the ISO rating. Faster response times are often associated with better outcomes in fire-related emergencies, which ISO takes into consideration when determining the rating. Most fire departments are rated a 5. Winthrop’s Fire Department is rated a 4 (the lower the better). Moving away from outdated facilities and into a modern one will help us maintain our rating if not improve it.
Q: Why should a homeowner care about the ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating of their town?
A: Homeowners should care about their town’s ISO rating because it directly impacts their property insurance premiums. Insurance companies often use the ISO rating to determine the level of fire protection in an area. A good ISO rating can lead to lower insurance premiums, while a poor rating may result in higher premiums. Therefore, homeowners in areas with better fire protection, as reflected in a favorable ISO rating, can potentially save money on their insurance policies, making it a crucial consideration for cost-conscious homeowners.
Q: Have there been previous studies on this issue?
A: Yes. Several studies have been conducted as far back as 1969, 1993 and 1997 to address the need for a new Fire Station in Winthrop.
Q: What were the findings of the older studies regarding the existing Fire Stations?
A: The older studies recommended either significant renovation or construction of a new central station. Renovation of the existing stations was discouraged due to their outdated designs and insufficient space for current and future needs.
Q: What does the 1997 study recommend?
A: The 1997 study recommended the construction of a new central fire station to accommodate the needs of the Winthrop Fire Department now and in the future. The study emphasizes that the existing facilities are inadequate for the department’s needs. See Fig.1 and Fig. 2 showing the original intent to house horse-drawn equipment. Our modern equipment simply cannot fit, nor can it be serviced, within these outdated structures.
Q: What were the reasons for deciding against renovating the existing Fire Stations?
A: Renovation was discouraged because even with necessary repairs, the combined square footage of the stations was barely adequate for the department’s present equipment, let alone future needs.
Articles from the Winthrop Transcript covering discussion of a new fire station:
Marino Presents Potential New Fire Station Options - June 2024
Marino gives Update on Latest 3A, Fire Station Information - July 2024
A New Location: Walden St. Basketball Courts Being Eyed for New Fire Station - July 2024
Town Continues to Explore New Fire Station Locations - August 2024
Town Continues Work on Fire Station Site Selection - August 2024
Town to Seek Input on New Fire Station Location - September 2024
Fire Station Site Survey Remains Open to Residents - October 2024
Council Could Take Fire Station Location Vote Next Week - November 2024
Council Fails to Move Forward with Fire Station Site Selection - December 2024
