While the work is taking place, Hartford is closed to the public, a closure that wasn’t part of initial renovation plan. City firefighters and ambulance crews will stand ready at the three other staffed stations — on Bangor Street, Western Avenue and the relatively recently built North Station on Leighton Road.  

When the work in front of the existing Hartford building began last week, the emergency vehicles and firefighter-paramedics normally stationed there were moved to the city’s other three stations.

Fire Chief Roger Audette said a plan is in place to ensure public safety is not compromised during the station’s closure and response times are not expected to be slower because of the change. Response times to various parts of the city could be slower or faster, depending on where each incident occurs, Audette said. That’s because some of the other stations where firefighters are repositioned now could be closer to, or farther from, an incident site.

Preservation Virginia selected it based on the city's intention to demolish it in favor of a new fire station.

In February, an online petition began to save the historic firehouse.  

The Roanoke City Council elected to put that plan on hold after public outcry. Supporters see this as another positive sign.