The newest Fire District 1 station will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 11.

The Brier Fire Station 18 at 21206 Poplar Way was built to replace the old station in Mountlake Terrace. Firefighters based at the old station will begin responding to calls from the new station later this month. Three firefighters are on-duty around the clock to respond to calls.

The new 9,900-square-foot neighborhood station includes crew quarters, two apparatus bays, a training room and a fitness room. The location was selected to provide a more rapid response to a greater number of calls after officials studied call loads, patterns and travel times.

The total cost is about $7 million. By setting aside money each year for capital improvements, Fire District 1 was able to pay for the new station out of its regular property levy.

The Dec. 11 grand opening will be an opportunity for the public to tour the new station, meet their firefighters and learn about safety. A dedication ceremony and  flag-raising by the Fire District 1 Honor Guard will begin at 10 a.m. The public is invited to join in the fire service’s version of a ribbon-cutting as officials uncouple a fire hose to kick off the open house, which will continue until noon.