North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Wake County commissioners have approved construction contracts for two public safety buildings: Sandy Plains Public Safety Station and Five Points EMS Station, on Noble Road in Raleigh. Sandy Plains Station will be a brand-new station intended mainly to support fire services in the northwestern part of the county. Five Points EMS is a previously existing station that will be receiving major upgrades.
“Right now, we are building the foundation for Wake County’s future, and an essential part of that is to plan safer communities for all,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners vice-chair Don Mial. “By investing in top-of-the-line public safety infrastructure, we are ensuring that the best possible emergency services will remain available to everyone, even as our population booms.”
Both stations will feature spaces for first responders and emergency vehicles, as well as the latest environmental sustainability elements, including solar photovoltaic systems, drought-tolerant plant materials, and energy-efficient systems and appliances.
Many residents in rural northwestern Wake County currently reside more than five miles from the nearest fire station. Wake County Fire Services and Emergency Management developed a plan to address this inequity by expanding the Wake County Fire Tax District to include this section of the county.After several community meetings, on Oct. 21, 2024, they brought their proposal before the Wake County Board of Commissioners at their regular board meeting. The Board approved the proposal, and planning for Sandy Plains Public Safety Station began.
Sandy Plains Public Safety Station will be an 8,500-sq. ft. station located on about 14 acres of land north of Falls Lake. The station will be co-located by Northern Wake Fire Department, Wake County EMS, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, which will help facilitate collaboration between all three agencies.
The building will include dormitories, day rooms, exercise space, kitchen facilities, work areas, a staff wellness room, and three parking bays for emergency vehicles.
The facility is currently planned to be open for service by fall 2026. For more information, including the latest project updates, visit Wake County’s webpage.
EMS Station 2 in Raleigh was originally built in 1978. The current station measures 1,759 sq. ft. with two vehicle bays. In April 2025, the Wake County Board of Commissioners approved the schematic design of a new 2,624-sq. ft. building for the site.
In addition to a third vehicle bay, the new building will also expand staff dining and living space and add a supervisor office, extra storage, and a staff wellness room.
Today’s vote will officially change the name of the station to Five Points EMS Station. Construction is expected to begin this fall and be completed by late 2026. By early 2027, EMS units are expected to begin using the station. Updates can be found on the county’s webpage.