As we told you last month, Fire Station #5 at 2921 East Randol Mill has officially closed for reconstruction after Arlington City Council approved the final demo and reconstruction contract.

Fire Crews and equipment will be relocated to Fire Station #11 until the new Fire Station #5 is complete in 2016.

Residents should be aware that Arlington Fire Department is taking steps to keep response time impacts to a minimum in that area.

The new fire station will be able to house multiple forms of equipment and crew members, an area where the old station was limited.

Having more resources at Station #5 enhances response capabilities and protects the community from fire and related hazards in the entertainment district.

The new station will also be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified.

Asbestos removal is underway, with crews starting the construction process on March 1.

Demolition and dismantling of the tower and fire station building is expected to take place at the end of March, weather permitting.

This project is part of the 2008 Bond Election and reconstruction on the new building, including site prep, will start at the end of April.

Fire Station #5 was originally built in 1964 to serve and protect the Great Southwest Industrial Park in the City of Arlington.

In 1989, the Arlington Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team was started at Fire Station #5.

Ronnie McAndrew was one of the first Haz-Mat Captains at Station #5 when the team was formed in 1989. Ronnie McAndrew died in a line of duty death on Nov. 14, 1990.

For more information about the Arlington Fire Department, please visit http://www.arlington-tx.gov/fire/