HIAWATHA, Iowa (KCRG) – For years, the Hiawatha Fire Department has struggled with space constraints; Fire Station 1 had to convert classrooms into bedrooms; with the opening of the new Fire Station 2, they hope to put that problem behind them.

Fire Station 2 has been under construction for two years and will finally open on Tuesday. The new station is located on Stamy Road and is over 18,000 square feet in size.

The city is opening this new fire station to make room because the Hiawatha Fire Department needed a way to adequately house its 46-person crew and nine fire trucks.

“Our fire inspector is in the conference room right now,” said Hiawatha Fire Chief Matt Powers. “This way everyone can have an office, we can meet and get our jobs done more easily.”

At Station 1, the classrooms had to be converted into bedrooms. With the new facilities, they will get their classrooms back and six more bedrooms.

“We were able to increase our staffing levels overnight,” Powers said.

Not only was space a problem, but speed was also a problem. From Fire Station 1, they were on the scene in just four minutes, less than 60% of the time. Due to the location of Fire Station 2, this time is expected to rise to 92%.

When dealing with an emergency, every second counts.

“A fire doubles in size about every 30 seconds,” said Hiawatha Fire Chief Matt Powers. “If you don’t start CPR within 7 minutes, the likelihood of survival drops significantly.”

Station 2 features a new drive-through hall that can safely accommodate more trucks and equipment.

Plans for construction have been in place since 2012. The final cost is about $6 million. Powers said construction has largely stayed on budget and on schedule.

The ceremonial opening will take place on Tuesday at 5.30 p.m.

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