History of The Evanston Fire Department – Part 79

The Fire Station Relocation Plan

Back in 1951 and 1953, a modernization plan proposed by Chief Henry Dorband was approved by Evanston voters. This initiative led to the construction of three new fire stations, completed in 1955. With the completion of Fire Station #2, the relocation of Fire Station #3, and the opening of Fire Station #5, Evanston finally met the recommendations from the National Board of Fire Underwriters made back in 1935.

By September 1955, all insured buildings within Evanston's city limits were within 1.5 miles of a fire station and engine company. The five stations served the city well for many years, with average response times between 2 to 3 minutes, and no response time exceeding four minutes under normal conditions.

In 1984, under the direction of Fire Chief Sam Hicks, city council staff proposed a "Fire Station Relocation Plan." The goal was to replace the five existing stations with three new ones, strategically located along the central spine of Evanston. One planned station would be at Willard D. Kamen Park on Asbury and South Boulevard, another on vacant land near Lake and Ashland (previously designated as a future park), and a third at the former Municipal Testing Lane on Ashland and Noyes.

The new stations were designed to house multiple units. For example, the one at Lake and Ashland would include Engine 21, Engine 24, and Ambulance 1, while the station at Asbury and South would have Engine 22, Truck 22, and Ambulance 2. Each station would feature drive-through bays, modern ventilation systems, and separate facilities for female firefighters. There was even talk of making the Ashland and Noyes location a regional training center.

The old Fire Station #1 at 909 Lake Street would transition into an auxiliary station, housing the shift commander, Squad 21, and EFD administrative offices. It was expected that the new station at Lake and Ashland would become Fire Station #4.

The main goals of the relocation plan were to reduce response times by placing stations where they were most needed and to ensure each station had eight personnel—so firefighters and paramedics could respond as a team rather than alone. This approach aimed to improve coordination and meet the “two in / two out” safety standard.

Previously, single companies like Engine 23 or 24 often arrived with only three people, which meant delays in search and rescue or interior attacks. The new plan sought to avoid this by ensuring full staffing at each station.

The 5th Ward was particularly pleased with the proposal, as it promised better emergency services after being overlooked when Fire Station #5 was built on Central Street instead of closer to their area. However, other parts of Evanston were less enthusiastic. Residents who already had fire stations didn’t understand how moving them would help, especially when the new locations were farther away.

There were also practical concerns. The aerial ladder truck at the new station on Asbury and South would have to navigate a tricky underpass, and some residents didn’t want to trade a park for a fire station. These issues led to the original plan being revised.

Station #2 remained at Madison and Custer, and Station #4 was rebuilt on its original site. Engine 24 and Ambulance 2 were relocated there, increasing staffing to five. The plan to move Engine 25 and create a third ambulance was dropped, but Engine 25 stayed at the new Station #3, alongside an unmanned ambulance and squad unit.

The final layout included: Station #1 (Lake Street) with five firefighters, Station #2 (Madison Street) with six, Station #3 (Ashland Avenue) with nine, and Station #4 (Washington Street) with five. The shift commander moved to Station #1, marking a significant shift in operations.

This was the plan… for now.