Maeser is a safer place with the new Maeser fire substation opening its doors. While the official grand opening won’t take place until July 21st, trucks were parked in their new home Thursday night making the station operational. The Vernal Department will run the substation with existing equipment and volunteers. The Uintah County Commission approved the remaining funds needed for the substation last fall after the project was in limbo. The need for a fire substation in Maeser had been discussed for years in order to serve the over 495 residents that live over 5 miles from the closest fire station. In addition to improved response time in Maeser, Dry Fork and Painted Hills, it’s estimated the substation could save residents as much as a quarter million dollars annually on insurance premiums alone. The Community Impact Board awarded $239,000 dollars in grant funding for the project and Uintah County committed the remaining $150,000 dollars needed. Uintah County Fire Marshal Jeremy Raymond says the substation’s “impact to Maeser and the surrounding area will greatly benefit homes, businesses and future generations. We are grateful,” emphasized Raymond, “to the Merkley family for their generosity in making this station become a reality.”
