The City Council Monday unanimously authorized the construction of a temporary fire station for Mission Valley, which is beset by response times of more than 10 minutes.
With all the growth in Mission Valley over the past several decades, it is long overdue, especially since public safety is the top priority for city hall.
"One of the things I started looking at when I took over as chief is areas of growth, where we needed additional coverage. Most people don't realize that 80 percent of our calls are for health needs, optimum is four minutes response time," Fire Chief Jeff Bowman said.
A fire crew is expected to move into the facility, near Qualcomm Stadium, in late January or early February, said Tracy Jarman, the deputy chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Three months ago, six cars were destroyed in a parking lot fire during a pre-season Chargers game -- one of them belonged to Angela Mason. It was an Expedition that did double duty as a family vehicle and delivery van.
"I was very disappointed, especially when I heard on the news it took so long to get there," Mason said.
Mason also said she's pleased that the city's going to have a firehouse nearby for future games.
"Oh my gosh, (I'm) so excited and we don't even live there. It's exciting news and everybody should be thrilled about it," Mason said.
The city plans for a permanent station in Mission Valley within a couple of years, according to a report by the City Manager's Office.
Construction, operation and maintenance of the station, to be located near Qualcomm Stadium, is expected to be $1.4 million in the 2006 fiscal year, said Ron Villa, the director of financial management for the city.
The council vote authorized the transfer of $664,000 from the Fire/Lifeguard Facilities Fund, Villa said.
The city will also use money from federal grants, he said.
Carmel Valley, Black Mountain, UTC, Paradise Hills, and a location near the convention center are also in line for new firehouses, 10News reported.
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