In early 2012, the City hosted community stakeholder meetings to hear from residents on the process that would lead to the siting of a new fire station in the Finn Hill Neighborhood. Currently, the Holmes Point Fire Station (#25), a fully staffed station, and the Finn Hill Fire Station (#24), a station staffed on a limited basis by volunteer EMTs, are located in the Finn Hill Neighborhood. During the City’s outreach efforts, plans to initiate a strategic analysis of the Kirkland Fire Department began to evolve and the City agreed to postpone the siting of a new fire station until the Strategic Plan was completed.
Current Update
On September 4, 2012, Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) presented its draft report to the City Council. ESCI conducted an extensive study to the department’s current organizational conditions, analysis of future service demand, and an assessment of future opportunities for cooperative service delivery. One of the recommendations was that the City should jointly staff a new station in the North Finn Hill/South Kenmore area with its neighboring fire agency (Northshore Fire District) rather than relocate Station 25 as originally planned.
In the coming months, the City Council will be considering implementation strategies for all of the report’s recommendations including determining the proper solution for the Finn Hill neighborhood.
Prior to the City of Kirkland annexing the Finn Hill, North Juanita and Kingsgate (now Evergreen Hill) areas, fire and emergency medical services were the responsibility of the King County Fire Protection District #41 (FD #41). The District contracted with the City to provide these services.
As early as 2004, FD #41 began a process to find a site to build a new fire station. Property owned by Lake Washington School District was considered early in the process but was deemed unsuitable. Later in the siting process, a portion of Big Finn Park was considered.
After annexation took effect on June 1, 2011, the governance of fire protection and emergency medical services was transferred from the District to the City. Additionally, the City assumed responsibility for the siting process. Fire District #41 has since dissolved.
During its outreach, the City heard from residents about the siting process.
Background
Prior to the City of Kirkland annexing the Finn Hill, North Juanita and Kingsgate (now Evergreen Hill) areas, fire and emergency medical services were the responsibility of the King County Fire Protection District #41 (FD #41). The District contracted with the City to provide these services.
As early as 2004, FD #41 began a process to find a site to build a new fire station. Property owned by Lake Washington School District was considered early in the process but was deemed unsuitable. Later in the siting process, a portion of Big Finn Park was considered.
After annexation took effect on June 1, 2011, the governance of fire protection and emergency medical services was transferred from the District to the City. Additionally, the City assumed responsibility for the siting process. Fire District #41 has since dissolved.
During its outreach, the City heard from residents about the siting process.
Page updated: October 4, 2012