ESTHERVILLE, IA (Northwestiowanow) — The City of Estherville has approved the purchase of property at 3303 Murray Road, taking the final step toward a new fire station.

During its regular city council meeting Monday night, the Council unanimously approved an amended purchase agreement and closing documents for the $1.1-million property, which will become the future home of the Estherville Fire Department.

City officials say the department has long outgrown its current station at 3 North 7th Street, which no longer meets modern operational or training needs.

Estherville Fire Chief Travis Sheridan says firefighters are eager to finally move forward.

 

The purchase is scheduled to close Thursday, March 19, with the City paying just over $1.07 million after taxes and fees. The money will come from the City’s general fund.

Sheridan says that although the sale is now complete, there is still significant work ahead — especially in the building’s bay area.

 

 

Sheridan says the new facility will be about one-and-a-half times larger than the current fire station, giving firefighters more room to park vehicles and train safely indoors.

The added space will also allow Estherville to continue serving as a regional fire training hub, hosting Firefighter One and Firefighter Two certification courses for departments across northwest Iowa.

 

 

According to city leaders, the purchase marks a major milestone in improving emergency services. Fire Chief Travis Sheridan says crews are expected to move into the new station by this fall, or by next spring at the latest, depending on renovation progress.