BOYLSTON FIRE STATION
a vital investment in our town’s safety and preparedness
A New, Modern Fire Station
Built in 1926, Boylston’s Fire Station has served the town faithfully for nearly a century. However, it no longer meets the growing demands of our fire department or the modern safety standards required to protect our community. To ensure our firefighters have the resources and facilities they need, the time has come to invest in a new, state-of-the-art fire station.
At the May 2022 Town Meeting, residents voted to launch a feasibility study to explore solutions for a fire station, police station, and senior center. After extensive research, the committee determined that a standalone fire station is the most practical and cost-effective option for Boylston.
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Built in 1926 as a four-bay garage to house the Fire and Light Departments.
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Rear expansion added later to accommodate additional fire apparatus, as well as the Highway Department.
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Firefighters have made numerous modifications to the station to accommodate new fire apparatus, often completing the work themselves at little to no cost to the town.
A new fire station will allow Boylston’s firefighters to continue their mission of protecting lives and property with the modern tools, space, and infrastructure they need.
History of the Boylston Fire Department
The Boylston Fire Department has protected the town for over a century, evolving from volunteer fire wardens in the late 1800s to a modern, combination career/paid on-call department responding to 1,000+ emergencies annually.
Early Fire Protection (Late 1800s - 1929)
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Firefighting began with Forest Wardens and volunteer crews handling brush fires.
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In 1908, the town invested in fire equipment but did not establish a formal department.
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John N. Flagg served as Fire Warden for 18 years, coordinating response efforts.
Volunteer Fire Department Established (1929 - 1940s)
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In 1929, Boylston created its Volunteer Fire Department and purchased its first fire truck, a Ford Model A.
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Thomas G. Slack became the first Fire Chief in 1930, leading responses to 42 fires that year.
Growth & Expansion (1940s - 1970s)
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The town built its first fire station in the 1940s and expanded operations into Morningdale by the 1960s.
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The Boylston Firefighters’ Association formed in 1948 to support training and education.
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) launched in 1975, with the first ambulance added in 1977.
Present Day
The Boylston Fire Department, operating from 599 Main Street, now includes a full-time fire chief, 8 full-time firefighters/EMTs, and 16 on-call members. It provides fire protection, EMS, fire prevention, and inspection services, for the residents of Boylston.
Architectural Plans and Design
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the project cost?
The cost for the construction of the new fire station is estimated at $15 million. The Boylston Selectmen have recently decided to split the Senior Center and Fire Station projects into two separate warrants for residents to vote on. Residents will have the opportunity to vote on each project individually.
How will the town decide whether to proceed on the project or not?
Boylston residents will have the opportunity to vote on the warrant at the next Boylston Town Meeting on May 5, 2025. If the warrant receives enough yes votes, the residents will have the opportunity to vote in the next town election one week later on May 12, 2025.
If approved, how much will Boylston resident taxes increase?
The cost of the project will be spread over a 20-year term, with the property tax rate starting off low in the first 3 years and then leveling out to add $0.77 per thousand of the assessed value of one’s home. See the table below for a breakdown yearly costs to pay for the Fire Station project. Over the 20 year term, a home that is assessed at $600,000 would pay tax anywhere from $74 to $467 per year.
Can the existing fire station be renovated instead of building a new one?
No. The apparatus bays, which need the most upgrades, cannot be renovated without a full teardown. This would require temporary housing for fire operations, adding significant costs. Building at a new location allows the department to continue using the current station until the new facility is complete, ensuring uninterrupted service.
What will happen to the existing fire station if a new one is built?
The current building will still be used for equipment storage, including light towers, antique fire apparatus, and generators. Some bays will be available for general town storage, and the Council On Aging van will have a dedicated bay.
Will building a new fire station near a town well impact the water supply?
No significant impact is expected. The town’s wells have ample capacity, and domestic water use will likely remain unchanged, as the current station will no longer be staffed 24/7. The main difference is that the new station will have a fire protection system, which would use water only in the event of a fire, something the current station lacks.