Former Washington Fire House - Washington, Iowa - Converted Firehouses on Waymarking.com

My Commentary: I would have never guessed that this building had been the former firehouse. The section from the entry south was the firehouse - the city bricked it over and now it only houses the Police and City offices. The Fire Department has been moved to the much larger quarters one door south.

Washington Fire Department ready to move to bigger station

Cramped quarters and shared space is what the Washington Fire Department has had to deal with for years, but that will come to an end soon.

The fire department currently shares a building with city hall and the police department.

Fire Chief Tom Wide said they're “one happy family” right now, but he'll be even happier to have his own space because the fire department has simply outgrown what’s become an outdated station from the 1970s.

In the nearly 50 years since the station was built, firetrucks have gotten bigger and taller.

“It’s about an inch-and-a-half clearance getting out the door,” Wide said of his tallest truck.

Some of those vehicles barely fit inside.

“Over the course of the years, there’s been a few of the doors that’s kind of been rubbed or whatever,” he added.

The needs of the firefighters have also grown, too, according to Wide.

“Since I got on in ’88, it has really changed a lot — techniques, equipment, demand on firemen,” he said.

But those changes will be addressed soon, when the department moves into its new station next door, which will include several features not at the current station, including showers, sleeping quarters and areas to properly clean gear.

“We really designed the building to the safety of the firemen,” Wide said.

“It’ll be worth it, in the end,” Wide said.

He added that once the fire department leaves, the old fire station will be remodeled, and both the police station and city hall will take over that space.

- KCRG.com published 1August2019

Current Use: City Hall and Police Station Year Originally Built: Unknown Year Retired: 2019 Is it open to the public?: Yes, to store customers Location: Washington, Iowa

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