The city of Steamboat Springs is continuing to plan for the long-term needs of the fire department’s Mountain Fire Station on the southeast side of town, with a comprehensive assessment in progress to determine next steps, according to the most recent city newsletter. 

City Manager Tom Leeson told the newspaper in March that the aging station’s condition is “woefully inadequate,” with safety issues present and insufficient space for personnel needs. Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue Chief Chuck Cerasoli said the facility lacks many of the recent technological advancements that firefighters need to do their jobs and stay safe.

At the time, Leeson said the city was in the process of launching an initial design phase, funded with $600,000 from the 2026 capital project budget, with the Steamboat Springs Area Fire Protection District also contributing to the costs of design and planning. 

The city newsletter states that a feasibility site visit at the station was recently completed with MWL Architects, along with interviews with SSFR operations staff to better understand current conditions and future needs. 

The consultants are now conducting a comprehensive assessment of the site and facility, with a focus on traffic flow, service and space requirements, and operational needs. 

The findings of the assessment are intended to guide recommendations going forward for Mountain Fire Station planning and will help city officials determine whether the existing site can continue to support operational demands, evolving service needs and future program growth. 

Modern fire station design plays a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of firefighters, noted Steamboat Springs officials in the newsletter. Facilities can be designed to better separate live/work areas from apparatus bays, equipment and potentially contaminated gear, while providing dedicated spaces for cleaning, decontamination and gear storage. 

Such considerations can help decrease firefighters’ exposure to hazardous substances that could be brought back to the station after an emergency response. 

“Equally important, a well-planned station can support efficient operations by improving the flow of firefighters, equipment and emergency apparatus throughout the facility,” states the newsletter. “Evaluating how the station functions today, and how those needs may change over time, will help ensure that firefighters have the space and resources needed to prepare for calls, return safely from incidents and remain ready to respond when the community needs them.” 

As the feasibility review and comprehensive assessment move forward, the goal remains for the Mountain Fire Station to continue supporting both the health and safety and operational needs of firefighters, according to the city.