State-Of-The-Art Fire Station Opens in Alachua

ALACHUA — Alachua County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 30, 2025, to celebrate the opening of Fire Rescue Station 21, a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve the county for the next half-century.

Located at 16121 N.W. 173^rd Street in the City of Alachua, the new station spans 11,500 square feet and represents a $7 million investment in public safety infrastructure.

County leaders and first responders were joined by City of Alachua leaders and staff to mark the occasion with a public event that included remarks, a tour of the facility, and a traditional fire service hose uncoupling to commemorate the opening.

“This station is more than just a building — it’s a promise to our residents that help is never far away,” said Alachua County Fire Chief Harold Theus. “Fire Station 21 is built to meet the demands of today and the challenges of the next 50 years.”

Fire Chief Theus previously estimated a 12-month construction timeline, placing completion sometime in early to mid-2025. The new location was strategically selected to better align with the city's development patterns and to reduce response times in key areas.

The new station replaces an older facility and is strategically located to improve emergency response times in the northwestern part of the county, including key transportation corridors such as U.S. Highway 441 and nearby sections of Interstate 75.

Designed with growth in mind, the station includes expanded bays for emergency vehicles, modern living quarters for personnel, and advanced safety and communications technology. Officials said the facility also meets the latest standards in fire service design and sustainability. The single-story, concrete masonry structure includes energy-efficient systems, sustainable design features, and 100 percent backup power generation, ensuring operational readiness in all conditions.

Planning and funding for the new station began several years ago as part of the county’s long-term capital improvement strategy. The facility was funded through a combination of local revenues and public safety impact fees.

Residents who attended the ribbon-cutting were invited to tour the facility, speak with firefighters, and learn more about the station’s role in the county’s emergency response system.

Fire Rescue Station 21 is now fully operational and staffed to provide fire protection and emergency medical services to the City of Alachua and surrounding areas.

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