New Visalia fire station officially opens

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Its been five years in the making, and Wednesday, Visalia city leaders were proud to officially open a new fire station. Fire Station 53 is located near Walnut and Akers, and will serve the southwest quadrant of the city.

The chief says it will allow for faster response times there, especially for medical aid calls.

The building is 6,900 square feet, cost a little more than $3,000,000, and was paid for with Measure T funds.

"I think it's going to be great for the community, it's going to be good for life-saving, and I think it's just good to give a presence in this part of the community and it's a very vibrant part of the community and growing, so we're excited," said Visalia City Fire Chief Doug McBee.

McBee says the building is up to date on all of the latest codes, and should serve the city for at least 75 years.