
Building For Our Future:
The Cloquet Area Fire District Facility Project
Your Support, Our Community, A Safer Tomorrow
Each year, CAFD responds to over 3,400 emergency incidents, ranging from fires and vehicle accidents to life-threatening medical emergencies. Our dedicated team of full-time paid-on-call staff is committed to providing professional, reliable, and efficient responses to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
Watch Cloquet Area Fire District Chief Jesse Buhs explain the urgent need for a new facility. He discusses the challenges facing our emergency response services and why modernizing operations is essential for resident safety and well-being.
Why Change is Necessary
Mental Health - Cardiac/Fitness - Cancer
The Cloquet Area Fire District’s current station has served our community faithfully for decades. However, as the district has grown and emergency response needs have evolved, the limitations of this aging facility have become increasingly apparent. Here’s why we need an upgrade to continue providing top-tier protection and service.
Increased call volume and staffing over the last 15 years - Planning for our community’s needs - Proper training spaces - Equity and accessibility - Increased apparatus physical size and quantity - Limited parking - Emergency responder health, safety, and wellness - Inadequate space for staff and equipment
Not Addressing Our Facilities Needs
Is No Longer A Choice!
If we were to stay in our current building, we would still need to bond for costs, and we would be unable to meet our long-term facility needs due to site limitations.

**Click a photo to learn more**
Living Quarters: Beyond Overdue for Improvement
-
The current living quarters were designed decades ago when staffing and operational demands were much smaller. They now fail to accommodate the growing needs of today’s firefighters.
-
Cramped sleeping areas lack privacy and proper rest environments, which are essential for on-call firefighters who may need to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.
-
The lack of adequate kitchens, dining spaces, and recreational areas negatively affects morale and overall physical well-being.
**Click a photo to learn more**
Lack of Storage: An Operational Hurdle
-
The station lacks sufficient space for storing essential firefighting and rescue equipment.
-
Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles are packed tightly into bays, leaving little room for safe maneuvering or easy access during emergencies.
-
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools are stored in makeshift areas, often exposed to wear and tear that shortens their usable lifespan.
-
Outdated storage solutions lead to inefficiencies, such as longer preparation times for calls and increased wear on critical equipment.