A CLOSER LOOK The Flower Mound Fire Department responded to thousands of calls in 2022, led by more than 4,200 rescue and emergency service calls.
1, with that rating being the highest rating. These ratings reflect how well a fire department can protect com- munities. The temporary station on the west side was built to accommo- date growth and to meet Insurance Services Organization requirements for distance between fire stations and capacities, Henley said. The temporary facility is not large enough to house additional personnel or equipment as the area continues to develop; plus, the current location is not on one of the main thoroughfares and creates additional turns out of the station to reach a main road. “It is a little small for the needs and it’s in a location that is not optimal,” Henley said. The station is functional, though, and fire personnel can get anywhere in the district in a timely fashion, he said. “If we can enhance that, that’s what we want to do,” he said. “So that little piece of property—six acres, right across from Argyle High School—for me was very attractive [for the future station].” Fire officials said response time goals are established by the National Fire Protection Association. The nearby major thoroughfare to the planned sixth station, FM 1171, saves
firefighters time in getting out of the facility and on the road and to their destination, Henley said. Flower Mound Mayor Derek France said the new Station No. 6, as well as any ensuing fire stations, will “keep Flower Mound prepared” for the projected population increases. “The population growth of Flower Mound and its surrounding areas plays a significant role in deter- mining the need for constructing a new fire station,” France said. “It is our responsibility to recognize the impact of this growth on public safety and infrastructure require- ments, not only within our town but also in neighboring communities.” Station’s emergence When to build the replacement station, as well as costs, have not been determined, as discussions among town and fire department officials have yet to occur. The first part of the puzzle centered on acquiring the land, fire officials said. No plans have been drawn, but the proposed location suits the depart- ment, Henley said. Barth said a Geographic Informa- tion System was used to determine drive times, and pointed fire officials
Overpressure rupture, explosion (no fire) 20 incidents
Fires 181 incidents
Service calls 1,054 incidents
Hazardous condition (no fire) 234 incidents
Rescue and emergency service 4,237 incidents
Special incident type 5 incidents
Severe weather and natural disaster 5 incidents
False alarm or false calls 994 incidents
to build in the central location in the Canyon Falls community. Henley said response time is a great metric, but it does not measure effectiveness, only an ability for fire personnel to be effective. This new station will give the fire department the best chance at success because drive times will be shortened. The current station is “adequate” for current needs, Henley said, but
as the population increases along- side town development, including the Flower Mound Ranch develop- ment, he wants a station that will be viable for 10 to 20 years in the future and be able to respond to the town’s growth.
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
IHC SPECIALTY BENEFITS ADVISORS
NICOL LAW 757.272.2163 HEALTH INSURANCE BROKER Losing Medicaid eligibility? Call Me!
Call Now! Receive a FREE inspection and these great offers. *Applicable to new annual service agreement.
RODENT•INSULATION 469•200•2853
PEST•TERMITE•RODENT•INSULATION
15
FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION • MAY 2023
Powered by FlippingBook