Controversial Fire Station Opening
San Andreas – CAL Fire is hoping the tree removal controversy will go away once residents get a look at the new Altaville Station near the intersection of Highway 4 and 49. They are holding an open house on December 8th at the station on 125 N Main Street from 9 a.m. to Noon.
“Our staff has been busy moving back into the facility and putting on the finishing touches. The public is encouraged to stop by, meet the staff, and take a tour of the new facility. We are excited to have the Altaville station back open and serving the community,” says Unit Chief Brian Kirk.
Some Altaville residents were up in arms when they found out expanding the fire station would mean a big redwood tree and some oak trees would have to come down. They even held a “Save the Altaville Trees” rally in 2009.
CAL Fire Spokesperson Lisa Williams says, “We want the community to enjoy the location. We believe that it will be serving the community for a long time. We don’t want the issue of the tree to be hanging there. The stations battalion chief is working with residents and the redwood tree will be replaced.”
The 1950’s facility has been upgraded with new quarters including men’s and women’s bathrooms. Also, there is a new storage area for dozers and an auto shop near the back of the property.
