Task force unanimously agrees La Crosse needs fifth fire station, suggests replacing others

A special task for unanimously voted La Crosse should get a fifth fire station.

The fire station planning committee is recommending construction of a fifth building aimed at filling a response gap on the far south side of La Crosse. A study, however, suggests one be placed on West Ave. for convenience.

The task force also called for tearing down the oldest two stations and replace them in the next five years. Gilliam said the final course of action is up to the city council.

“Certainly we got a few more hurdles to get over with the zoning, city planning and ultimately the mayor and city council figuring out how to get us there,” first-year fire chief Ken Gilliam said.

A new station hasn’t been built in La Crosse since the 1960s, when two new stations were built to replace three that had been around before 1900. The oldest fire station being used now, on Gillette St., is nearly 80 years old.

“Whether we’re talking remodel or new structures, there’s going to be a balancing act of keeping the fire department in business,” Gilliam said.

Cost estimates in early November ranged between $15-$30 million for four or five new stations.