Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the South Shore Fire Station project?

Updated 2/26/26

What is the current condition of the South Shore Fire Station?

South Shore Fire Station was constructed in 1971 and is approximately 5,500 square feet in size. The South Shore Fire Station Task Force report identifies eleven significant facility deficiencies, including outdated electrical and HVAC systems, inadequate vehicle and apparatus storage space, lack of ADA-compliant public areas, insufficient separation between living and work spaces, and noncompliance with current facility seismic standards. Based on these factors, the Task Force concluded that the facility has reached the end of its useful life.

Why is the station being proposed for replacement?

The City and the South Shore Fire Station Task Force (Task Force) studied the current station and issued a report. In the opinion of the task force, the current facility has certain deficiencies with seismic resilience and firefighter decontamination. The Task force recommended demolition and construction of a modern, seismically sound replacement on the current site as the most cost-effective long-term solution.

Why was a South Shore Fire Station Task Force created?

The Task Force was created by City Council Resolution 24-38 in September 2024. Its charge was to review and provide feedback on:

• Fire Department community coverage needs

• Existing facility and site conditions

• The Fire Department’s long-term service vision

• Preliminary cost estimates

• A potential community engagement strategy, contingent on further Council action.

Who was on the South Shore Fire Station Task Force?

The Task Force was a 17-member advisory body appointed by the Lake Oswego City Council. Members included representatives from Neighborhood Associations, community groups, and City Boards & Commissions. Members were appointed on October 1, 2024 and served terms lasting through March 1, 2025.

What area does the South Shore Fire Station serve?

South Shore Fire Station primarily serves the southeast quadrant of Lake Oswego —including Lakeridge High School, Hallinan Elementary School, Luscher Farm, Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatic Center, Mary’s Woods, and the Stafford Retirement Community. However, South Shore Fire Station functions as part of a city-wide emergency response system. Personnel, vehicles, and equipment from this station respond to critical incidents and medical emergencies throughout the entire Lake Oswego community.

In 2025, the Fire Department responded to 5,110 calls for services, including medical emergencies, public assistance calls, fire incidents, and other life safety responses. Citywide, medical calls account for the majority of Fire Department responses.

How does the South Shore Fire Station affect emergency response times?

Maintaining four stations allows the Lake Oswego Fire Department units to be dynamically dispatched based on real-time availability. South Shore Fire Station contributes to the department’s prompt response times of arriving at high-priority calls within 8 minutes 90% of the time.

Were alternatives to rebuilding at the current site considered?

Yes. The Task Force evaluated several alternatives, including renovating the existing facility, relocating the station, contracting with neighboring fire agencies, and expanding ambulance-only services. Each alternative was assessed for feasibility, response time impact, land availability, cost implications, and operational limitations.

What did the Task Force find regarding renovating the existing station evaluated?

Renovation was evaluated as repairing or upgrading the existing structure rather than full replacement. The Task Force report found that living quarters are constructed of unreinforced masonry and that the existing vehicle bay cannot be feasibly expanded or converted to modern pull-through bays. Task Force members determined that no major structural component could be effectively reused to meet long-term needs.

What is the community benefit of a new station?

Having four strategically located fire stations in Lake Oswego directly benefits the community by ensuring rapid, 24/7 emergency response city-wide. This system guarantees that critical life safety calls are typically answered in under 8 minutes because all resources are shared across the city. If one station is unavailable, others immediately step in, ensuring continuous protection. This collaborative network, supported by all four stations, including South Shore, is essential for maintaining these fast response times across Lake Oswego, providing residents with reliable and timely emergency services during critical situations.

How does this new fire station fit into the overall emergency services plan for Lake Oswego?

City Council has prioritized the goal of “ensure a safe, secure, and prepared community,” which includes preparing our city operations and facilities for long-term resiliency. South Shore Fire Station provides a vital redundancy for major incidents and continued emergency response even in potential disaster scenarios causing areas of isolation due to impassable roads or bridges.

How will the project be paid for?

The City of Lake Oswego is seeking voter approval for a general obligation bond to replace the South Shore Fire Station. Bonds are a funding mechanism for replacing capital facilities and equipment.

Where can I find more information on the proposed bond?

Please visit [website coming soon!) to learn more bout the proposed bond.

Will the existing station be shut down during construction, or will first responder service be maintained on site?

First responder service will be maintained on site continuously during the demolition and construction phases. Temporary housing for the fire crew and a temporary structure for the fire engine, boat, and other equipment will be constructed on the city-owned land east of the existing fire station before demolition begins. Once the new station is completed, the crews and equipment will move in, and the temporary structures removed. Maintaining continuous first responder service was a key priority of the city.