Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Shipoke Fire Station Again Slated to Close

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Harrisburg plans to shutter the historic Paxton firehouse in Shipoke because the station is in need of significant repairs and is located in a flood zone, the city said late today.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said the facility, known as Station 6, would help the city save money and would not lead to safety concerns.

“After careful deliberation, Acting Chief [Brian] Enterline and I have concluded that closing Fire Station 6 will help the city meet its budgetary responsibilities without risking public safety,” said Papenfuse.

The structure has served downtown Harrisburg, the Capitol complex and Shipoke for over a century and is Harrisburg’s oldest operating station. Over recent decades, the station has closed numerous times for repairs and to fix water damage.

More than three years ago, former Mayor Linda Thompson tried to close the station. However, it was left open following an uproar by residents, particularly in Shipoke, who claimed that closing the station would compromise safety in nearby neighborhoods.

Enterline said the closure will not involve layoffs, but will help consolidate resources to improve efficiencies. Three active fire stations with five pieces of fire apparatus will be in active service at all times, he said.

Apparatus from Station 6 (tower 3) will be put in reserve status, Enterline said, and water rescue assets will be moved to Station 2 and City Island.

“Manpower will be distributed to other apparatus to bring us into better compliance with NFPA 1710, which mandates four firefighters per apparatus,” Enterline said.

Fire Station 2 will serve the Capitol complex, downtown businesses and residences via the State Street Bridge and Market Street, Enterline said. The Mount Pleasant Station also will continue to serve the downtown district.

Papenfuse plans a press conference on the matter tomorrow at 1 p.m.

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