Growth is leading to longer response times in parts of Plano.
From the moment wheels roll, four minutes is the standard to arrive on scene.
Deputy Chief of Community Health Marty Wade says meeting that goal is becoming a challenge in certain areas of the city.
"Response times matter. That matters in saving property and it matters in saving lives,” Wade said.
Plano fire has 13 stations that each work a district. The intersection of Spring Creek Parkway and Ohio Drive sits on the boundary of two firefighting districts.
Distance and a high 911 call volume are two reasons Wade says getting there typically takes longer than four minutes.
"We struggle to get there. We get there and we treat our patients and we handle all the fire situations fine," said Wade. "It’s not a concern for panic, but it is things that as we build in the future we have to consider.”
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Wade says five newer apartment complexes near the intersection account for 1.5 percent of the department's total call volume.
Emilia Coffey rents an apartment on the northeast corner. She says living in an area that's tougher for first responders to get to quickly is concerning.
"I'll definitely keep that in mind and I guess it’s something more people should know about so we can be aware,” she said.
Wade says the department is looking at the possibility of relocating a station at some point down the line.
