The Monsey Fire Department has officially placed a new northern substation into service just ahead of Pesach, marking a major milestone in a decades-long effort to improve emergency response times.

For more than 20 years, the Monsey Fire Department has been actively searching for a suitable location to establish a substation in the northern part of its district. In some cases, it could take up to 12 minutes for firefighters from the furthest points in the district to reach the main firehouse on Grove Street—delays that can be critical during emergencies.

Over the years, the department purchased and later four different properties in attempts to move the project forward. However, each effort faced setbacks, including a lack of approvals and opposition from nearby residents.

The breakthrough came with the acquisition of a fifth property at the intersection of Grandview Avenue and Route 306. The current setup at the site is a temporary substation, with plans to construct a permanent firehouse there in the future.

The first phase includes an Engine being stationed at the location, which will primarily respond to incidents in the northern section of the district.

The Village of Wesley Hills recently held a public hearing on the proposal, where nearby residents voiced concerns. Following that process, the department made the necessary adjustments to address those concerns, and the project ultimately received approval.

Sources tell Monsey Scoop that the substation is going into service today, ahead of Pesach.

Officials project that the new setup will reduce emergency response times with a firetruck in the northern part of the district by as much as 80%, significantly enhancing public safety for residents in the area.