Improving Fire Station Coverage and Response Times Across San Marcos with Network Analysis

This study evaluates whether current fire station coverage in the growing city of San Marcos, Texas meets National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) response guidelines. San Marcos currently has six fire stations, and a spatial analysis of the optimal location for the seventh station is necessary to most effectively make use of city resources. We revised station districts and quadrants for improved efficiency, assessed the impact of the proposed station seven, and identified alternative optimal locations for that station. A GIS-based network analysis was used to generate 4-minute service areas for existing stations and identify coverage gaps. A site suitability analysis was then conducted to identify potential parcels for a new fire station based on land availability, acreage, slope, road access, proximity to planned developments and call density. District and quadrant boundaries were adjusted to improve travel time and efficiency, including the removal of split streets. As hypothesized, the most suitable locations for a new station were concentrated in northern San Marcos, near current low coverage areas and areas with high projected growth. Results showed that several areas, particularly in northern San Marcos, fell outside the recommended response threshold. Further analysis identified two alternative Station 7 sites that provide improved coverage as compared to the current proposed location. Spatial analysis of the city's existing and proposed fire stations service areas was completed to improve outcomes for residents and the quality of emergency response they receive.