Seattle City Council opted to relocate Fire Station 20 to 15th Ave W and W Armour St. in a unanimous vote this afternoon, concluding a four-year dispute. As part of the decision, the Council authorized the purchase of two vacant lots and two small commercial properties along the east side of 15th Ave W.

“This new location is the best for our public safety needs. It maintains fire department response times and allows for the construction of a much larger station that will serve this area of the city for many, many years,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess.

Fire Station 20 is currently located at  3205 13th Avenue West, where it was built 60 years ago at. It is one of the smallest fire stations in the city, and is considered by Mayor Nickels to be in the worst shape. In its current condition it cannot adequately accommodate modern equipment nor the recommended staffing levels. The relocating and rebuilding of the station at its new location will be funded by the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy, passed by voters in 2003, along with dedicated city resources.

Although many worry that this location will bring added noise to the residential area, at the new location the station would be close to its response area’s geographic mean (Upper Queen Anne and Uptown), and have convenient access to Magnolia, Interbay, Ballard, South Lake Union and parts of downtown. The new station would also be big enough to house a drive-through, and possibly third bay.