Statesville City Council Approves Plans for New Fire Station 5 Project

During Monday night’s meeting (Monday, November 3, 2025), the Statesville City Council approved plans to move forward with the development of a new temporary Fire Station 5 – a project that will bring faster response times and improved emergency coverage to one of Statesville’s areas with the greatest service gap.

The plan includes upfitting the existing house on the property, constructing an apparatus bay, purchasing a used aerial, and hiring fifteen new personnel to staff the station. This approach allows the City to begin operations from Station 5 as early as July 1, 2026, using the $2 million already allocated in the Fire Station 5 Fund – with no additional funding required at this stage.

Station 5 will serve a growing section of the city that currently experiences longer emergency response times. By establishing this temporary facility, the Statesville Fire Department will significantly enhance coverage and improve the safety and well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors in the area. This project not only strengthens SFD’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies but also helps maintain Statesville’s strong ISO rating and future accreditation standing.

Over the past several months, the Fire Department completed an extensive hiring process to identify qualified candidates for the new positions. With Council’s approval, job offers will now be extended, ensuring the department can retain top-performing candidates and begin the onboarding and training process early next year. The addition of Station 5 represents an important investment in both public safety infrastructure and human capital. It supports the City’s strategic goals of providing reliable, high-quality emergency services while preparing for continued growth across the community.

While this temporary station will provide an immediate and cost-effective solution, long- term plans remain in place for the construction of a permanent Fire Station 5 in the future. The City’s proactive decision ensures that residents receive the protection and service they deserve now, without delaying progress for years while funding for a permanent facility is secured.

City Manager Ron Smith noted that the property is ideally located to serve the city’s north side, extending east to Highway 115 and west to U.S. 21. “This is the right site in the right place, and this plan lets us move forward now,” Smith said. “We’re making a smart, timely investment that improves response times, enhances safety, and sets the foundation for the City’s future fire service needs.”

Fire Chief Glenn Kurfees said the decision reflects a strong commitment to the community’s safety and the department’s mission. “Council’s support allows us to move forward with a plan that meets the city’s growing needs today while positioning us for the future,” Kurfees said. “This step ensures our firefighters have the resources they need to respond quickly and effectively, and that our residents continue to receive the level of service they expect and deserve.”

The approval of Fire Station 5 marks an important step forward in strengthening Statesville’s public safety network and ensuring the community continues to receive the high level of protection and service it deserves.

View the Station 5 Property Development and Staffing Initiative here.

Learn more about the Statesville Fire Department here.