Barrington Countryside FPD news (more)

Residents and school officials in Barrington are closely watching the development of a new fire station proposal, as it raises concerns about traffic and noise in an already busy area. The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District has announced plans to build its third station on a one-acre property at 36 E. Dundee Road, located between Barrington Middle School – Prairie Campus and the Early Learning Center, both part of District 220.

The fire district recently purchased the land, which includes an existing home, for $500,000. While the plan is to convert the house into a fire station, operations there will be limited, according to officials. However, the proximity to local schools has sparked worries among educators about increased traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, as well as potential disruptions from sirens that could affect young students during class.

Originally, District 220 had considered buying the property itself to help manage traffic flow between the two school buildings. Now, they’re working with the fire district to find a balance between emergency services and school safety. “We want to make sure that the community’s needs are met without compromising the learning environment,” said a district representative.

The proposed third station won’t have traditional fire trucks. Instead, it may include administrative offices and sleeping quarters for firefighters on duty. The main vehicle used will be an SUV equipped with life support systems, designed specifically for rapid response to heart attack and stroke patients — which account for roughly 85% of the fire district’s calls.

“The goal is to get two trained responders to the scene as quickly as possible,” explained Keith Hanson, board president of the fire protection district. “Time is critical when it comes to treating these medical emergencies.”

To address concerns from the school district, the fire department has agreed to limit the use of the SUV to no more than two calls per day. Sirens will only be used in cases where traffic needs to be cleared, minimizing disturbances. “We understand the importance of maintaining a quiet environment for students,” Hanson added.

Fire Chief Jim Kreher emphasized that the new station will improve emergency response times across the district, which covers 48 square miles. It will also assist neighboring departments like the Barrington and Palatine Rural Fire Protection Districts.

While the current plan focuses on a streamlined operation, the fire district is open to expanding the station in the future. For now, the board has allocated $2 million to renovate the site and open it by spring. As the project moves forward, both the fire department and the school district remain committed to collaboration and community safety.