Spokane County Fire District 4 broke ground this week on the second of three new fire stations funded by a voter-approved bond in late 2014. The fire district held an event for emergency personnel and members of its Citizen Advisory Group to commemorate the occasion. The new Station 48 will be located at N17711 Mount Spokane Park Road in Mead. The station will replace one that the district has outgrown after 50 years. “We are grateful for the support of our community and dedication of our members,” said Fire District Chief Randy Johnson. “This event was one small way that we could recognize the contributions of our volunteers and community.” Construction on the new facility began June 13 and will continue through the summer. The fire district expects to take occupancy sometime in October, and the community will be invited to an open House to tour the facility soon after. Station 48 is expected to improve the fire district’s emergency service capabilities in two ways. It will help attract new volunteer firefighters to serve the area and provide space to house a new water tender. The water tender is part of the new apparatus also funded by the bond, and will improve the fire district’s rating with the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau. This could translate into lower insurance rates for property owners.