Construction will be underway soon on a nearly $700,000 expansion plan for the Jeff Davis Parish Fire District 2 fire station.

The Jeff Davis Parish Police Jury accepted the bid of $679,500 this week from Trahan Construction of Lake Arthur to expand an existing bay for the Fire District 2 fire station located on Koll Road, about three miles north of Jennings.

“We have been planning to add on to the station where we can house people to man the station 24 hours a day in the future,” District Fire Chief Tim Landry said.

Landry believes the 24-hour staffing will mean quicker response time for the going district, which covers nearly 120-square miles surrounding Jennings extending from F.E. Landry Road to Cleopha Road, including Farm Supply Road and Meche Road to the Mermentau River. The district provides fire and medical emergency coverage for both businesses and residences across the district

“I think it will mean quicker response time for us because we are centrally located,” he said.

The fire station is currently not staffed round-the-clock. When a call is received, available volunteers drive to the station, put on their gear and respond to the call.

Fire District 2 Board Member Randy Davis said the project will be a benefit for the district and its 15 volunteer firefighters.

“Our main objective is to save lives and keep the community safe,” Davis said. “We will be able to house firefighters and have someone on site 24 hours a day. There will eventually become a time in the future that we will be required to house firemen.”

In addition to providing living quarters for firemen, Davis said the project will allow expanded space for meetings, training and disaster planning conferences.

“The firemen will be able to stay and meet on site during disastrous situations occurring in our area,” Davis said.

Davis stressed that the construction is being financed by an existing 11.42 millage without asking voters for additional taxes.

“We are fortunate to have the revenue where we support this project without having to go out and get a bond to support it,” he said.

Officials also hope to improve the district’s current 5 fire rating by expanding the station and providing round-the-clock service.

“This is going to help with our response time and manpower which will help our rating for the community,” Davis said. “The better the rating is, the lower the insurance is in the district.”

Construction is expected to begin next month and should be completed within a year