It is a proposal that now has gone between two municipal administrations.

The possibility of reopening Weirton’s County Road fire station has been discussed at various points over the last few years, in particular as efforts continue to attract new business opportunities to the northern parts of the city.

It was raised again during last week’s meeting of Weirton Council, and will go through another full discussion as part of a work session scheduled for Tuesday night at the Weirton Municipal Building.

The idea may sound simple enough.

The previous city administration allocated funds from its American Rescue Plan budget to be put toward the renovation of the station which, for much of the last 20 years, has primarily been used as storage and a training facility for the Weirton Fire Department and others.

Firefighters have been doing much of the renovation work to date.

We’re sure Tuesday’s discussion is going to be focused a great deal on financials, both to make certain enough equipment is available, but also to be sure of the kind of staffing needed to make such a change in the city’s fire coverage.

Over the last several years, fire officials have promoted the idea of hiring six new firefighters, to provide staffing of at least two firefighters at the station at all times.

Given continuing efforts to attract new manufacturing and other development – along with continuing expansion at Form Energy and recently announced growth plans at Bidell Gas Compression – it certainly makes sense to have improved response times in the northern parts of the city.

We hope for a thorough discussion of this matter as city council and firefighters sit down later this week, and to consider all aspects of the issue when weighing the decision.