After serving the airport for nearly 60 years, the newly relocated Fire Station 20, located at Mineta San José International Airport (SJC), is now housed in a state-of-the-art facility, near the southwest end of the SJC airfield. Major development in North San José has increased the need for firefighting coverage in this area of the city.
Mayor Sam Liccardo, the FAA’s Western-Pacific Region Director Mark McClardy, and leadership from the City of San José gathered to cut the ribbon at Fire Station 20, located at Mineta San José International Airport (SJC).
"With the growth we're seeing in North San José neighborhoods and increased flight traffic at SJC, Fire Station 20 will ensure SJFD continues to provide an exemplary level of service to keep residents and travelers safe," said Liccardo.
Station 20 is an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station for the San José Fire Department (SJFD). The new facility broke ground in September 2020 and covers 18,300 square feet with a modern hybrid design for ARFF capabilities. It includes 10 firefighter dormitories, kitchen, laundry, and training rooms. There are five apparatus bays designated for airport use with direct access to the airfield. The project cost $28.1 million and included a grant from the FAA for $18.2 million. The new station also includes facilities and resources that expand SJFD coverage beyond the airport to better serve the adjacent community, including residents and businesses.
“Fire Station 20 will serve airport travelers and the San José community for generations to come,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “This design-build project is a collaborative effort between multiple City of San José departments including Mineta San José International Airport, San José Fire Department, and Public Works.”
“SJFD responds to approximately 95,000 emergencies each year,” said San José Fire Chief Robert Sapien, Jr. “Response times are critical in the successful delivery of emergency medical services and fire suppression efforts. The opening of Fire Station 20 and expansion of SJFD operations beyond the airfield through the addition of the Advanced Life Support Rescue Medic 20 will greatly enhance the Fire Department’s ability to protect the more than 15 million travelers that move in and around Mineta San Jose International Airport annually.”
SJC saw a record-breaking 15.7 million passengers in 2019 immediately before the pandemic, and COVID recovery is regenerating growth in passenger traffic as well as new approaches to improve the customer experience in the airport.
“This beautiful new fire station at SJC represents the trust built here locally and in Washington,” said Assistant Airport Director Judy Ross. “That trust sustained the vision; that vision sustained the effort, and the result is this beautiful, green, state-of-the-art facility, built during the most unprecedented time.”
The design and construction was completed by Overaa Construction, Tenover Studio, and Yamamar Architecture.
“This new facility reflects a true collaboration between dedicated city staff from many different departments such as the Airport, Public Works, Fire and Budget,” said Director of Public Works Matt Cano. “In a much appreciated partnership with Overaa Construction, our city team was able to build a facility that will support both the Airport and the community.”
