OREGON — Construction is underway on a $4.2 million project to expand the Oregon Fire Department building on Washington Street after the city council approved a variance earlier this year. The facility, first built in 1984, has struggled with space for larger fire apparatus and staff needs as the department responds to about 1,200 fire and EMS calls annually across 120 square miles. The renovations will add office and living quarters for nine full-time firefighter paramedics, along with garage space to consolidate vehicles and equipment now housed in separate buildings. Fire Chief Michael Knoup said the project is on schedule and should provide better accommodations for the staff.
“The station was never built for people to be there 24 hours a day,” he said, “So to be able to accommodate and take care of my employees is gonna be huge and the better they are rested and ready, the more we can help the community.”