Rural Metro Station 9 closing

For more than a decade, Rural/Metro fire trucks and ambulances responding to calls have been a common sight in the neighborhoods in and around South Pacific Avenue.

Where hearing the sirens at all hours was once common, Rural/Metro's Station 9 - established in 1993 - has seen a decline in activity over the years.

As a result, the firefighters and emergency medical services crew are temporarily being moved to other stations, said Rural/Metro spokesman Rusty Leonard. Also, since Rural/Metro does not own the building at 1275 S. Pacific Avenue, the move was partly financial in nature, he added.

"The call load of that area just isn't there anymore," said Rural/Metro Fire Marshal Curt Foster. "At one time that area used to be in the county, but it isn't anymore."

With Station 9 and all of the surrounding area now located within the city limits of Yuma, said Foster, the Yuma Fire Department now answers those calls.

Leonard added that most of the station's calls now are for medical responses and typically go to the Crossroads Mission and Winterhaven.

Foster said in addition to an ambulance and fire engine, Station 9 houses the company's fleet department, which repairs its vehicles.

"The fleet department has already started moving," Leonard said. "All in all, this is a good move for the fire department."

Both Foster and Leonard said relocating the firefighters from Station 9 will also improve emergency response because the crews will be closer to major roads.

Where Station 9 is located on Pacific Avenue, Rural/Metro had to contend with the road construction happening on 16th Street when it responded to calls, Foster said.

Foster said plans are currently to have the firefighters and ambulance crew from Station 9 relocated to the company's Station 1 at 2029 S. Arizona Ave.

The firefighters and EMS crew at Station 1 are then moving over to Station 3 at Avenue B and 32nd Street. The fleet department, previously at Station 9, is moving to Station 3 as well.

Once this happens, Foster explained that the firefighters and EMS crew being replaced at Station 3 are being sent to Station 11 in Gadsden, making it an active station. "It was a reserve station, but it will become full-time."

Leonard said it is his understanding that future plans have the firefighters and EMS crews being relocated to more permanent stations.