The former LeRoy’s Steakhouse has been empty for more than a year. The North Bend Fire Department plans to burn the building down to build a new fire station for the community.

NBVFD takes next stop Nov. 4

by Mary Le Arneal
Published 10/11/23

The North Bend Fire Department is moving forward with its plans to build a new fire hall at the site of the former LeRoy’s Steakhouse.
Rural fire board president Pat Tawney said that the only thing currently planned is to burn down the building. This will happen the first Saturday in November, Nov. 4.

The burn will be put to good use as men and women who have completed the Nebraska State Fire Fighter I class will be in North Bend to complete their training with a live burn resolution. The burn will start at 8 a.m. and is expected to last until 3:30 p.m.

Tawney said 75 to 100 fire fighters as well as a number of instructors from the state will be in North Bend to complete their Firefighter I class.

The public is invited to watch the burn from an area that will be cordoned off. Residents are encouraged to bring a lawn chair if they plan to stay for an extended period.

Tawney said that the plan is to have the area cleaned up this fall with the sign and concrete removed and dirt brought in so that is will be a nice grassy area next year.

Tawney said that a building committee is just being organized. He wants the community involved.

At some point, a bond issue will go to a vote of the public, though there is much to do before that point. Tawney said the fire board and department will not be ready by the May election.

They need to figure out what it will cost, what it will look like, how the building will fit on the lot, how to heat and cool the building, how big the meeting space and office space will be.

“We want a complete picture before it gets on the ballot,” Tawney said. “I’m not even sure we’ll be ready by November 2024.”

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