Local Politics
  1. Home
  2. US
  3. Kansas
  4. Topeka
  5. Issues

Fire Department 2026 Station Relocation Plan

At a glance

  • What: A three-phase plan to relocate and build three new fire stations to improve response times across Topeka, decreasing coverage gap from 25% to 18% of households (increase from 75% to 82% with four-minute response).
  • Where it stands: Presented September 8, 2026; significant council discussion. Special Fire Review Committee formed, with each councilmember appointing one member. Committee meetings to begin October 2026.
  • Timeline: Plan requires funding; $11.3 million currently programmed in FY2028 for design and construction of initial station. March 2027 sales tax initiative may fund project.
  • Current coverage: 75% of households have four-minute response coverage.
  • Target coverage: 82% with four-minute response (7% increase).

The Plan

Phase I: Build Fire Station 13 at SW 6th and Governor's Place; relocate Engine Company 11 to new station. Old Station 11 would operate with Truck Company 11.

Phase II: Build Fire Station 11 at Lyman and N. Topeka Blvd; relocate Engine 1 and Truck Company 11; close old Fire Stations 1 and 11.

Phase III: Build Fire Station 6 at Billard Airport; relocate Engine Company 6. Current Fire Stations 1, 6 and 11 would be repurposed to house Topeka Police Units, Topeka Fire Investigators and fire apparatus overflow/storage.

Challenges Addressed

  • Lack of bay space due to larger apparatus requiring new design
  • Increased maintenance needs due to aging stations
  • Difficulty retrofitting existing stations for separate female facilities
  • Service coverage gaps, particularly in northwest Topeka (7-minute response) and southwest Topeka (growing area needing improved coverage)

Council Discussion and Support

  • Councilmember Hoferer: noted large portion of Council District 9 has longer than 4-minute response; supports moving forward; agrees more discussion needed on service gaps but supports the plan.
  • Councilmember Ortiz: supported the plan and the need to address service gaps immediately.
  • Councilmember Kell: noted economic growth in southwest Topeka; requested population density maps for appropriate long-term planning; agreed Fire Station 10 needs improvement.
  • Councilmember Bradberry: asked about operational cost differences between new and old fire stations.
  • Councilmember Hiller: asked for cost of maintaining vacant fire stations in fiscal note; reminded council of March 2027 sales tax initiative timeline.

Concerns and Recommendations

  • Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala: urged recommissioning Special Fire Committee to allow stakeholder input and allow more questions; stressed need for more thoughtful logistical approach to service coverage.
  • City Manager Perez: noted largest gap in service coverage in northwest Topeka at 7-minute response time.
  • Fire Chief Longstaff: agreed need to adjust services in Fire Station 10 area and other areas.
  • Division Chief Forshee: confirmed greatest population density in city center; agreed south area continues to grow and needs consideration for improved service response.

Funding and Financing

Current FY2028 budget allocates $11.3 million for design and construction. Comparable projects:

  • Shawnee Heights Fire District: two new stations, approximately $10 million total
  • Soldier Township: 15,000 sq ft fire station for approximately $12 million
  • Topeka estimate: 5,000 sq ft new stations (lower than regional comparables)

Potential March 2027 sales tax initiative for fire station funding was referenced. Council member Hiller noted one-tenth cent sales tax could fund at least three fire stations over nine years (three-year projects), saving approximately $5 million for operations.

Public Input

Public meetings held July 6, 9, 10, 15, 2026, to gather input and discuss relocation of Fire Stations 1, 6 and 11.

Next Steps

Special Fire Review Committee formation announced by Mayor Duncan. Each Governing Body member to appoint one person to serve; goal of scheduling meetings starting October 2026. Committee to consider the plan presented by staff and provide recommendations.

Sources

Log

2026-09-08 - City Council

Presented by Fire Chief Chad Longstaff, Deputy Chief Kevin Gill and Division Chief Ty Forshee. Major discussion covering response times, coverage gaps, station operational challenges, and financing. Special Fire Review Committee formed to review plan starting October 2026.