Columbia is moving forward with major upgrades to its fire services.
The Columbia City Council approved plans Monday to build a new fire station on South El Chaparral Avenue and rebuild Fire Station No. 5 in northeast Columbia.
City officials say the current Station 5, built in the 1970s, has structural issues and no longer meets the department’s needs.
The replacement will include larger vehicle bays and expanded living, training, and office space.
The new station on El Chaparral Avenue will also house the Fire Marshal’s division.
Both projects carry an estimated budget of $5 million each.