Groundbreaking ceremony held for Dorchester new Engine 17 Fire Station – A major upgrade over the 1928 facility

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 6th at the future site of Engine 17 Fire Station in Dorchester. Mayor Michelle Wu, Fire Commissioner Paul Burke, Boston City Councilors Erin Murphy and Frank Baker, officials from the Public Facilities Department, firefighters, and community members were in attendance.

The new firehouse, located on historic Meeting House Hill at 37 East Street, is set to be a major upgrade over the existing 1928 facility located next door.

“This groundbreaking reaffirms our commitment to investing in our City workers and residents by ensuring they have the infrastructure and tools to help their communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

The City of Boston has allocated $30 million for the design and construction of the new fire station, including the inclusion of public art.

Construction is underway, with the new firehouse expected to open in the spring of 2024. In the meantime, the existing firehouse will continue to operate as usual.

“I would like to thank Mayor Wu not only for her support of our Fire Department but also for projects like this,” said Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Burke.

According to the city government, the new firehouse will boast two apparatus bays facing Winter Street and one chief’s bay on Parish Street. The second floor will include an open-concept kitchen and dayroom, a fitness area, lockers, and sleeping and office spaces for staff. Large windows will bring natural light into the building and create a welcoming entrance. The design, incorporating brick and stone, is intended to complement the surrounding area.

“We are proud and excited to break ground on this new firehouse that is designed with the health and safety of our firefighters at the forefront, while also promoting public art and improving energy efficiency,” said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations.

Engine 17 / Ladder 7 Fire Station has a long history in the community, with roots dating back to the annexation of the Town of Dorchester to the City of Boston. The firehouse primarily serves the Dorchester and Roxbury areas, as well as parts of South Boston.

“I am so glad to be at this much anticipated groundbreaking,” said City Councilor Frank Baker. “Along with most other fire houses, the men and women who serve our city out of Meetinghouse Hill deserve clean and safe fire houses, as they take calls day and night in one of the busiest houses in our City. I look forward to the completion of this state of the art firehouse in the coming years.”