Cuenca’s Fire Department is preparing to build a new station in the Molleturo area, a move aimed at strengthening emergency response along one of the region’s busiest and most challenging routes.
The project, with an estimated investment of $1,500,000, will be located in the San Pedro de Yumate Alto sector at kilometer 66 of the Cuenca–Molleturo–Naranjal road. Construction is expected to begin in the coming days.
The new facility will be a Type A station, designed to handle a wide range of emergencies with rapid response capabilities. Its focus will include forest-related incidents and search and rescue operations, particularly in areas where people may become lost due to the terrain.
For the past three years, firefighters in Molleturo have operated out of a rented house. The new station becomes possible after the community finalized the donation of land where the permanent facility will now be built.
Currently, the nearby San Pedro de Yumate Bajo station remains active with a team of six personnel, who have recently responded to traffic accidents in the area.
Across the canton, Cuenca maintains 13 fire stations, including Molleturo, with six serving rural parishes and the remainder located within the urban zone.
The new station comes as concerns grow over the high number of traffic incidents along the Cuenca–Molleturo corridor, particularly between the city and the Tamarindo sector. In response, a traffic accident prevention campaign is also being launched, encouraging drivers to use caution, respect road signs, and stop when necessary to check vehicle conditions, including brake performance.
The addition of a permanent station in Molleturo is expected to improve response times and provide more consistent coverage in a corridor known for both heavy use and elevated risk.