Fire Stations Project
Construction began on Fire Station No.'s 5 and 6 on December 14, 2007. Completed in April, 2009. Fire Station No. 1 was renovated beginning in April, 2009 and re-opened in May, 2010.
Fire Station No. 5 (S. Melrose Station)
Fire Station No. 5 is located at 2009 S. Melrose Drive, at S. Melrose Drive and Green Oak Road.
Photos: South Melrose Fire Station No. 5 - Grand Opening, April 18, 2009 (top photo)
Fire Chief Gary Fisher welcoming the community (above left); Ceremonial "Push-in" (above right)
View Station No. 5 Construction Photos
Fire Station No. 6 (Wildwood Station)
Fire Station No. 6 located at 651 E. Vista Way, between Escondido Ave and Franklin Lane.
Photos: Wildwood Fire Station No. 6 - Grand Opening April 18, 2009 (top photo)
L to R: Councilman Bob Campbell, Mayor Morris Vance, Mayor Pro Tem Judy Ritter, Council members Frank Lopez and Steve Gronke, and Fire Chief Gary Fisher (above left), Presentation of flags (above right)
View Station No. 6 Construction Photos
Firefighter Statue at Station No. 6
The Vista Firefighters Association raised funds for a memorial statue to be built at Fire Station No. 6 near the front entrance. The memorial statue reflects the City’s appreciation for art, as well as a declaration of support to all fallen firefighters in the nation. The artist, Thomas King, of Vista, is renowned within the region for his work, and has been sculpting professionally for over 15 years.
The bronze statue features a firefighter kneeling with a child, symbolizing the dedication and involvement the Fire Department has with the youth in the community, as well as looking toward the future generations in Vista. The child who posed for the statue is a local boy from the Townsite neighborhood. Stature contributors have been recognized on a plaque at Fire Station No. 6.
Background
Before the new stations opened, the City was served by four fire station locations which provide fire fighting, advanced emergency medical services and technical rescue responses. Because the City had grown, the four fire stations were challenged by demand for service. In addition, the Fire Department serves properties in the 19 square mile Vista Fire Protection District, which includes unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The Vista Fire Department covers approximately 36.5 square miles for fire protection and ambulance service for the City of Vista and the rural fire district. Ground breaking on the two new stations was on May 27, 2008 and the grand opening of the two new stations was on April 18, 2009. The City now has six operational fire stations located throughout the City.