"By having them in all directions, north, south, east and west, we're able to respond to any emergency sooner with an average time because we are spread out,” said Chief Byron Herring.

Herring points out the importance of strategically placed fire stations with the city growing at a rapid pace.

Constructed in the 1890s, the existing Saxonville fire station is too small to house modern firefighting equipment, and officials have raised concerns the 15-ton fire engine garaged inside is too heavy for its concrete floor. The leaky roof is also due to be replaced, and electrical and fire systems are outdated.

The town used minor repairs to keep the station running, but the building is reaching the point where it's no longer structurally sound, Fire Chief Joseph Hicks said earlier this year. Losing the station could significantly hamper public safety, Hicks said, since it would take firefighters more than 4 minutes to reach destinations in Saxonville from the nearest stations, which exceeds the desired response time of under 4 minutes.

Town staff explored several potential sites for a replacement, including private properties and the old McAuliffe Library, but either couldn't reach agreements or determined they were otherwise unsuitable.