Sunrise Beach Fire Station No. 1 will host a community open house Nov. 14, giving residents an opportunity to tour the station following a more than $1 million renovation.

The open house is scheduled for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the station, 200 Sunrise Drive in Sunrise Beach Village.

The renovation of the 10,000-square-foot facility adds living quarters, training space and safety upgrades to accommodate around-the-clock staffing as the department transitions from a volunteer service to a professional fire department.

The living quarters allow career firefighters to work 48-hour shifts while stationed at the facility. The layout also allows volunteer firefighters responding to calls to access equipment and fire trucks without entering the living areas.

The updated station includes four bunk rooms, a shared kitchen and living area, a multipurpose training room and expanded administrative space. Safety improvements include a separate, ventilated turnout gear room, in-house washing facilities and designated locker and shower areas designed to reduce firefighters’ exposure to contaminants.

The project follows the 2022 creation of Emergency Services District No. 5, which provides funding for fire protection and allows the department to hire full-time firefighters. The Sunrise Beach Volunteer Fire Department is covering 40% of renovation costs, while the ESD is funding the remaining 60%. The ESD will assume responsibility for operating the department.

The department is staffed by 16 career firefighter/EMTs and 30 volunteer firefighters and medical first responders. It serves Sunrise Beach Village and surrounding unincorporated areas of Llano County, including communities along Lake LBJ and the Llano River.

maci@thepicayune.com