Douglas County Fire District 2 fully staffed two fire engines Thursday, a first in its history.
With new additions to its staff, the department has begun staffing two engine companies — four firefighters per engine, said Chief Dave Baker. The firefighters are funded by a $1 million FEMA grant awarded to the district in October.
“That has given us a boost in the arm for staffing,” Baker said on Friday. “Right now we are over double our staff in the last six years.”
The district is up to 21 career firefighters, compared to just nine when Baker assumed command in 2013. Add in resident firefighters, and the district is able to staff the station with eight firefighters per shift.
To make room, the district converted a training room into a dormitory.
“Right now we are just packed into this station,” Baker said.