PRESS RELEASE: Following Snowstorm and Structural Evaluation, Westwood's Fire Station 1 Operations are Promptly Relocated to Fire Station 2

Thanks to the Town of Westwood for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

After an evaluation by the structural engineer contracted by the Town of Westwood for ongoing building assessments, all Westwood Fire Department operations will be based out of Fire Station 2 (FS2) beginning overnight on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Following the historic snowfall this week, Fire Department personnel observed increased water damage to the apparatus bay floor at Fire Station 1 (FS1). As a result, a structural engineer was requested to conduct an emergency evaluation of the building. During that visit today, the engineer advised that bays two and three, the two middle apparatus bays, were no longer suitable to house the ladder, engine, or other large fire apparatus until structural remediation can be completed.

Based on this recommendation, the Fire Department immediately reassessed operational models to ensure that emergency services continue to be delivered efficiently to the Westwood community.

This situation is complicated by several factors. The ceiling height of the lower (basement) level at FS1 cannot accommodate the larger apparatus. In addition, most fire and emergency medical apparatus must be housed indoors during winter months to protect the water, medications, and other equipment they carry from freezing temperatures.

As a result, effective immediately, all Fire Department operations, including front-line vehicles and personnel quarters, will be housed at Fire Station 2.

During daytime hours, and as weather conditions allow, an engine and ambulance will be stationed at the exterior of FS1 to maintain a geographically strategic presence on that side of town. Overnight and during freezing conditions, all temperature-sensitive apparatus being staffed by Westwood Fire Department personnel will be housed at FS2. Accordingly, Fire Station 1 will be closed during overnight hours. There are some pieces of equipment that cannot be moved to FS2 and will be stored in nearby communities.

This decision was not made lightly. The safety of our firefighters and the reliability of emergency response services remain our highest priorities. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and the Town with the Fire Department continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The Town is currently awaiting cost estimates for the recommended emergency structural repairs while simultaneously assessing alternative temporary operating solutions.

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