Fire Stations Getting Stronger For Storms

Published: Jun 24, 2007

TAMPA - Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is going to spend $5.7 million during the next 2 1/2 years to help fire stations survive storms.

The agency will install window panels, replace engine bay doors, strengthen door pillars and buy generators in preparation for major storms or other potential calamities.

"We want to protect our assets, including our personnel," said Jim Olsen, a section chief with the department. "Fire stations are central to emergency services, and this is crucial in helping them survive."

The agency first will focus on fitting hurricane shutters to protect stations' windows, doors and other openings.

Next will be replacing the bay doors used by fire engines and other vehicles. Olsen said 97 stations countywide need to be upgraded.

The work will begin this year and should be completed by 2008. The final step is putting 100-kilowatt diesel generators in about 27 stations.

County commissioners gave the effort a boost when they recently agreed to tap a tax reserve account for $1 million so the department could get an earlier start on improvements.

Tom Brennan