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Zephyrhills Explores Modular Home for Firefighters

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By LAURA KINSLER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 9, 2008

ZEPHYRHILLS - Finding suitable housing for city firefighters has turned into a costly headache.

Fire Chief Keith Williams told council members Monday that buying or leasing a 1,440-square-foot modular station would cost at least $70,000.

Firefighters have been living and working out of the World War II Barracks Museum at the municipal airport since the downtown station flooded on Jan. 23. The city is seeking a state grant to pay for drainage improvements near the station and plans to renovate the building.

Buying the temporary shelter would leave the city strapped for cash to repair the 1960 building.

"You either pay for the repairs, or you pay for the [modular] building," Williams said. "It still leaves us short."

The modular station – with three dorm rooms, an office, a kitchen, two bathrooms, a ready room and a decontamination room – would be a step up from the old army barracks. But finding an appropriate location is proving to be a challenge.

Squeezing in the building next to the Sixth Street station would force the city to relocate fuel tanks and pay for utility extensions, but it would allow the department to keep the fire engine in the existing bays. And the modular building would be susceptible to flooding until drainage improvements are completed.

"We have an obligation to our firefighters to provide them with a space that meets their needs," Councilwoman Jody Wilkeson said. "I'm wondering if maybe the best place for the modular unit is on other city property, like at the airport?"

That location has drawbacks, too, Williams said. Utilities still would have to be extended to the building, and the airport has no covered storage for the engine.

The council opted to take no action Monday night.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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