City sets hearing on new fire station

FORT MADISON – City officials in Fort Madison are moving forward with plans for a new fire station, announcing a public hearing next month to review the proposed designs and costs. The hearing is scheduled for November 3 at 5:30 p.m. During the hearing, residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and provide input.
In addition to the hearing, the council set November 18 at 2 p.m. as the date to review bids for the construction of the new facility. Earlier this year, the city approved a professional services agreement with Solum Lange Architects, Inc., based in Cedar Rapids, to handle preliminary work for the project.
Fire Chief Chad Hannum provided an update, noting that the new fire station is expected to be ready by spring 2027, though weather could affect the timeline.
“This station is a part of Fort Madison’s vision for the future,” Hannum said.
“It reflects our commitment to the safety of the citizens and businesses that call Fort Madison home, and it will be a cornerstone in continuing the proud legacy of our town, ensuring its people, its businesses, and its spirit thrive for generations to come.”
The new facility will feature a range of modern amenities designed to support both firefighters and the community. Among the highlights are a spacious kitchen, a day room for relaxation, and a dedicated workout room to help firefighters maintain physical fitness.
“Today’s firefighter has to be physically fit to do our job, so it’s a very important part of the station,” Hannum explained.

The station will also include a meeting room and a training room, which will be open for use by all city departments, not just the fire department. Administrative offices will be located in the upper left corner of the building, along with restrooms, mechanical rooms, and IT facilities. The bunk rooms, located centrally, will provide sleeping quarters for firefighters, with additional rooms for storage.
A key safety feature is the decontamination room, located just off the vehicle bay, where firefighters can clean their gear after exposure to hazardous materials.
“That locker room will keep all the carcinogens in a negative pressure atmosphere, being bumped out of the building,” Hannum said, emphasizing the station’s commitment to firefighter health and safety.
“Beyond the building itself, it’s designed to help our crews respond faster, train safer, and perform with excellence in our pursuit of perfection,” Hannum added.
Chief Hannum also praised the firefighters’ commitment, referencing a recent emergency response where crews acted quickly to rescue individuals from a serious accident.
“When it’s your emergency, your loved ones, or your property at stake, you can trust that your Fort Madison firemen are going to be there. They’re trained, they’re prepared, and they’re ready to do what’s necessary within minutes and without fail,” he said.
The new 18,500 square foot building is carrying a construction estimate of $7.8 million. The building was originally planned as a 26,000 square foot facility to accommodate some ambulances and EMS equipment, but that project was scaled back when the Lee County EMS ambulance bay became a reality on the city’s west side.