For anyone living in the area of Northeast, DC near Florida Avenue and Orren Street you will be interested to know that Engine Company #10 has been temporarily closed for renovations as of Monday June 2, 2008.  While technically in Ward 5, this fire house serves neighborhoods in northern Ward 6.

According to FEMS the building is 83 years old and as such, is in dire need of substantial repair and upgrade.  The entire interior of the structure has been gutted and is undergoing a complete overhaul, which is expected to take about two years to complete. 

Until the repairs are concluded, Engine #10 and Medic #10 will be operating out of the Appleby Building on the west side of Gallaudet University.  Ladder Truck #13, associated with this firehouse, is operating out of 1520 C Street, SE where Engine #8 is currently located.  Given that this new ladder truck location is still in the local alarm area, FEMS states that it will not result in any delay of service to residents and businesses.

We've heard a lot of concern that FEMS did not provide advance notice of the closure. Prime among those questions is the fear among some that this move will have an adverse impact on FEMS’s ability to quickly reach their properties in the event of a fire.  Officials at FEMS have assured us that there will be no reduction in service to residents served by this fire house.