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Irving’s ‘Old Central’ fire station will be demolished, replaced by new modern building

Residents are invited to a public meeting to check out proposed designs and offer feedback.

Irving’s original fire station — known for its red bay doors — will be demolished to clear the way for a new, more modern station.

The station, known as “Old Central,” served as a functioning fire station from 1932 to 1985.

Over the years, it also served as Irving’s first City Hall, the Dallas County-Irving water district office, a city jail, a courtroom, a health clinic, a book depot and office space for the Irving Fire and Police Museum Foundation.

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But with advances in technology and fire equipment, the city said in a press release the building can no longer serve as a modern-day fire station.

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In its place, Irving plans to build a $6.9 million new station, which would serve the downtown Heritage District by 2024.

Residents are invited to a public meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St., to check out proposed designs and provide feedback.

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History

Irving’s fire department began with 20 volunteer firefighters.

To fight fires, the volunteers used a four-wheel pull cart with a hand-operated pump and a 20-gallon water tank mounted on top, as well as brooms, buckets, a gunny sack, axes and a small ladder, according to the press release.

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In the evening, a local student was paid 50 cents to watch for fires in the cotton yard.

Irving operated an all-volunteer force until 1953, when the city hired its first firefighter and fire marshal. Four additional firefighters were hired the following year. By 1958, professional firefighters replaced the volunteer force.

New station

A new station will house a fire engine and four firefighters per shift. Due to the size of the lot, the new station will be two stories, with living quarters downstairs and bedrooms upstairs. Fire poles will allow for quick access to emergency vehicles.

The station will house historic Irving Fire Department memorabilia, including preserved bricks and a bay door from the original building.