Morgan Hill officials cut the ribbon Friday on the city’s fourth fire station, an all-electric facility designed to improve emergency response times while advancing environmental goals.
The $12 million Butterfield Fire Station will enhance fire protection and emergency medical services for the eastern parts of the city. The facility is powered entirely by clean electricity through a solar and battery microgrid system.
“This really is a momentous day, and it has been years in the making,” said City Manager Christina Turner. “This state-of-the-art facility cost approximately $9 million for construction costs, and if we put everything else together it is about $12 million for this space.”
The station addresses gaps identified in the city’s Standards of Coverage study conducted in 2019, which found a need for enhanced emergency deployment in the Butterfield area. Fire Chief Marcus Hernandez said the facility comes as call volumes rise.
“From 2023 to 2024 we’ve had a 6% increase in call volume,” he said. “This station is going to be vital in increasing our capacity to serve this city and keep providing that top tier service.”
The new facility—located between the South County Courthouse and VTA parking lot on Butterfield Boulevard—does not replace existing stations, as CalFire will continue to staff the Dunne Hill and El Toro stations, along with their headquarters on Monterey Street.
“The location of the Butterfield Fire Station will improve our response times to the growing Butterfield corridor and the eastern parts of our city,” Mayor Mark Turner said. “This means faster assistance when every second counts for our families and businesses.”
Silicon Valley Clean Energy contributed $500,000 through its Community Grant program to support the facility’s sustainable technologies.
“In Morgan Hill alone we have provided $2 million through the community grant program,” said Monica Padilla, CEO of Silicon Valley Clean Energy. “These various projects include battery storage at the Centennial Recreation Center, and recently awarded funding to electrify the Aquatics Center.”
The facility features 92 solar panels generating 445 watts each, paired with a battery system providing 176 kilowatt-hours of energy storage. According to SVCE, this will allow the station to operate for 30-36 hours during power outages, longer if the solar panels continue to receive regular sunlight.
Inside, zero-emission equipment includes commercial induction cooktops, heat-pump water heaters and heat-pump HVAC systems.
“This all-electric station is safe inside and out,” Padilla said. “The electric equipment used throughout the building creates a pollution-free atmosphere for first responders.”
“Morgan Hill is leading by example with smart and realistic goals to improve the environment,” Turner said. “The Butterfield fire station was constructed as an all-electric facility powered by a solar and battery microgrid.”
The station was built by Kent Construction with design work by COAR Design Group.
“Who made this building happen—that is Kent Construction,” Christina Turner said. “It’s pretty amazing that we get to have a local company create this building, and we’re fortunate that you’re doing a lot in our community. All of the buildings are just amazing.”
“This station belongs to the community,” Turner said. “It is a symbol of our collective dedication to safety and readiness. I encourage all of our residents to connect with our fire department and learn more about the incredible services that they provide.”
The Butterfield Fire Station is the first all-electric fire station in Morgan Hill and the second facility in Santa Clara County to receive Silicon Valley Clean Energy Community Grant funding. The station will be staffed by CalFire personnel.
Calvin Nuttall is a Morgan Hill-based freelance reporter.
