Multiple fire agencies across Kootenai County are celebrating service, station and facility expansions as they work to keep up with the needs of North Idaho's expanding populace.

This week is also the National Fire Protection Association's Fire Prevention Week.

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue held a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 28 at the site of the new Fire Station No. 3 at Prairie Avenue and Charleville Road in Post Falls.

"We’re excited about breaking ground," Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Chris Way said Monday. "It's been two years in the making. We’re just very excited to get the project underway."

The 13,750-square-foot station will be able to house two or three fire or ambulance crews, Way said. It is part of the bond that was approved by voters in spring 2021. This project, which is expected to be complete August 2024, will move the current Station No. 3 about two-and-a-half miles north of its current location to keep up with the growth on the north end of Post Falls, he said.

"Growth is a good thing — but we have to manage it," Way said. "This really does make us cognizant of how busy we’re getting."

Station No. 4 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, just north of Kathleen Avenue, is also coming along and is expected to be completed in May 2024.

One more project in the final design stage is the Station No. 5 training campus at 5721 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls.

"We’re excited that with the addition of Station 5," Way said. "We will be hiring new firefighters so we’re looking forward to having an academy next spring of 16 new firefighters."

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue will host an open house from 3-6 p.m. Friday at Station No. 1, 404 N. Idaho Road, Post Falls. The open house will feature kid activities, photo opportunities with firefighters live demonstrations and more.

Northern Lakes Fire District announced a significant improvement to its training facilities thanks to the dedication of Recruit Class 23-1 "Lucky Thirteen."

In April, this group graduated from the academy and secured a generous donation from Coeur d'Alene Paving, valued between $8,000-$10,000, as part of its class project. The donation was a 40-foot-by-23-foot concrete pad to add to the drill tower at the Coeur d'Alene Airport.

Previously, the surface at the drill tower was crushed asphalt, which presented challenges for training evolutions. Under the leadership of probationary firefighter Bronson Baker, members of Class-23-1 undertook the task of preparing the site. This involved grading, forming the pad and laying in the rebar, ensuring it would meet the highest standards of safety and functionality. The concrete was poured Tuesday, Oct. 3.

"Northern Lakes Fire District extends its heartfelt gratitude to Coeur d'Alene Paving, Recruit Class 23-1 'Lucky Thirteen' and all those who have contributed to this project," Northern Lakes said in an Oct. 2 news release. "Together, we are working toward a safer and more efficient firefighting force to serve our community."

East Side Fire District broke ground Wednesday, Oct. 4, on a new station at Arrow Point.

This new structure will house the fire apparatus, expand the administration office, provide space for future firefighter quarters and allow a much-needed larger training room to accommodate East Side's growing crew of more than 40 volunteers. The current building will be designated for emergency medical services.

Chief Jerry Lynn said this building will be a game changer for the East Side community.

"With the addition of our new ambulance and the limited space in our current building, we needed to expand," Lynn said in a news release. "In addition to more space for apparatus and training, this new station will also allow future expansion capabilities to accommodate resident firefighters, should the need arise. But for now, ESFD will utilize this building to better accommodate our volunteers, who are the true heroes that respond to calls for help, no matter the time or the weather. This new station will serve us all for many years to come."

The structure shell will be completed in about six weeks and the interior build-out is expected to begin early 2024.