In September 2024, the Fargo Fire Department temporarily closed Station 5, located at 930 40th St. S., for significant reconstruction and renovation work. The closure followed an engineering assessment that found structural issues caused by shifting ground beneath the building. The structural issues, along with needs to modernize Station 5, led the Fargo Fire Department to undertake the project, which involved rebuilding the living quarters and upgrading other parts of the building.
During the closure, Station 5 operations were moved first to another Fargo fire station and then to the West Fargo Fire Department. The Fargo Fire Department wants to express its gratitude to the West Fargo Fire Department for allowing Fargo firefighters to live in and operate out of their main fire station. West Fargo’s assistance helped ensure uninterrupted emergency services for community residents. On September 8, 2025, Fargo Fire crews moved back into Station 5 and began operating from the newly rebuilt facility.
The cost of the Station 5 project came in under the estimated budget of $2.5 million. Features of the renovated and reconstructed station include:
• A newly constructed storage room for structural firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) that vents carcinogens out of the station
• A new generator that serves the entire station
• Updated energy efficient heating and lighting throughout the building
• A fire sprinkler system throughout the building
• A City of Fargo fiber internet connection to the building, providing a secure network
• A decontamination area, commercial extractor, washer/dryer, bathroom and shower on the apparatus floor (hot zone)
• Entry vestibules with handwashing stations between the apparatus floor and the living quarters (warm zone)
• Living quarters (cold zone) that include individual sleeping rooms, gender-neutral bathroom facilities, a fitness area, firefighter computer work stations and a new station alerting system.
The Station 5 project demonstrates The City of Fargo’s ongoing commitment to providing the Fargo Fire Department with the resources needed to maintain a high standard of safety and service for both residents and first responders. The department appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during construction.