PHOENIX — After years of planning and construction, Phoenix’s newest fire station is preparing to officially open its doors to the community in Ahwatukee.
Read more The American Red Cross needs blood donations urgently as supply drops
Fire Station 74, located near 19th Avenue and Chandler Boulevard, has already been responding to emergencies since March. However, city leaders will celebrate the official grand opening on Saturday morning.
The nearly 13,000-square-foot facility sits on about eight acres and serves as Ahwatukee’s fourth fire station. The station houses several fire engines, supports space for up to 23 firefighters and has a landing station for a medical rescue helicopter. Phoenix Fire officials say the helicopter will play an important role in mountain rescues throughout south Phoenix and the Ahwatukee Foothills, particularly with South Mountain and several hiking trails.
City leaders say the station was built to improve emergency response times in west Ahwatukee as the area continues to grow. Officials have pointed to future developments, including the planned Upper Canyon community, which is expected to bring more than 1,100 new homes to the area.
The project was first announced in 2023 and broke ground in 2024 before opening for service in March of this year.
According to the city, Fire Station 74 is the 58th fire station in Phoenix’s network and one of six new fire facilities planned over the next six years. The station was funded through a voter-approved bond program.
The grand opening celebration is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at Fire Station 74, located at 15800 S. 19th Ave.
Read more Deer Valley school board member under fire for holding up a ‘Nazi’ salute during meeting
The free event will include station tours, fire apparatus displays and opportunities for residents to meet Phoenix firefighters and learn more about the services the station provides.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
What is the Valley?
“The Valley” is what locals call the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is considered the largest metropolitan area in the Southwest.
The Valley is made up of various major cities other than Phoenix, including:
-
Mesa
-
Chandler
-
Scottsdale
-
Tempe
-
Glendale
-
Surprise
-
Peoria
-
Gilbert
-
El Mirage
-
Avondale
-
Litchfield Park
-
Goodyear
-
Buckeye
Whether a city is in the “East Valley” or “West Valley” depends on where it is in relation to Phoenix.
The cities of the Valley have a combined population of 4,845,832 people, according to the 2020 United States Census. This makes it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country right behind the Boston and Atlanta areas.
Read more What you need to know about GLP-1 drugs, teen sleep and sun protection