VIDEO: Eau Claire City Council members approved a plan to construct a larger fire station for one of the department's buildings. Eau Claire Fire Chief Chris Bell said the department is ecstatic to be able to move forward with the larger station. Not only will the larger station help keep some of their equipment from sitting outside, it will also help lessen costs for the future as certain areas in the city expand. “By doing this now, this will save us money in the long run; if we were to add those in the future it would cost a lot more,” said councilmember Bob Von Haden, after the 5-bay fire station was approved.