Industries and businesses at the Ceres Industrial Park could soon have improved fire protection coverage thanks to a partnership between the Warren County Board of Supervisors, the Warren County Port Commission and the Bovina Fire Department.

Once finalized, the board will provide the fire department three acres of property at Ceres to be used as a fire station in the park, which will increase firefighting capabilities covering the industrial park and residents who live in that area.

Bovina Fire Department Assistant Chief Chris Kennedy said the department is already positioned to build a facility at the park, adding the facility will be a basic metal building to begin with.

“We are looking at an 80-by-80 metal building or a 60-by-60 building at first,” Kennedy said. “We can then build out from there when we are able.”

Warren County Fire Coordinator Jerry Briggs said the Bovina Fire Department already has the firefighting apparatus — or truck — that will be housed at the new station. Once the building is completed, the truck will be moved to the new station.

While the lease has not been finalized, once it is signed by County Administrator John Smith, the land will be provided to the Bovina Fire Department free of charge as long as the site is used for fire protection.

In addition to providing better protection to the businesses and industries in Ceres, it will also provide better fire ratings to residents east of Henry Lake Road.

Money for the construction of the new station will come from the Bovina Fire Department’s budget. Kennedy said once everything is approved, he expected the construction of the station to be completed in 6-to-8 months.