Information about the delay in emergency response times and shortage of paramedic firefighters:

Here is why Edina needs more paramedic firefighters, according to Edina Fire Chief Andrew Slama:

  • Edina is growing - the city has a bigger population, more seniors, and many more housing units than in the past.

  • Current staffing is lower than the National Fire Protection Association recommends for even single-story residential fires. 

  • With current staffing, the Edina Fire Department usually can respond to just 3 incidents at a time, but 4 or more incidents overlap hundreds of times each year.

  • Response time is measured by how long it takes after a call to arrive on site 90% of the time. The Commission of Fire Accreditation sets the goal at 8:12 minutes. 

  • 90% response time in Edina has exceeded 12:29 minutes since at least 2021.

  • 90% response time in Morningside for the past 5 years has exceeded 15 minutes.

  • Time matters in medical emergencies - in a cardiac emergency, initiation of CPR/Defibrillation within 6 minutes from time of collapse improves survival, with a drop in survival rate of 7-10 % for each minute that defibrillation is delayed.

  • Time matters for fire calls - firefighters have 20 minutes to flashover in legacy construction but just 3-5 minutes to flashover in new construction. 

  • According to a 2018 study commissioned by the City, Edina needs a third fire station to serve the NE quadrant. But no funding has yet been allocated or secured.

The proposed 2026 budget includes funding to hire more paramedic firefighters. However, the City Council is seeking to reduce the amount of the preliminary tax levy it set in September and plans to make cuts in the budget before it is finally approved in December. 

If you support hiring more paramedic firefighters, now is the time to make your voice heard. To contact City Council members, you can:

Chief Slama will speak at the MNA Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 26 at 3 PM in the Weber Park Shelter. All are welcome!

For more information, here are slides from presentations Chief Slama made to the MNA Steering Committee on July 31, 2025, and to the League of Women Voters on September 11, 2025.

Earth Day Festival at Weber Park - Sunday, April 27

Join us for the Earth Day Festival! Keep stopping back for more information.

See below for the Toy and Tool Swap that is part of this festival.

  • Information tables

  • Activities for all ages

  • Prize drawing

  • Music

  • Face painting

  • Food Truck (food for purchase)

Bring a blanket and spread it out to display your toys and tools that you would like to find a new home.

Browse offerings by others and take what you can use.

At the end of the event, take home whatever is left on your blanket. Celebrate the fun with your community and the generosity of all while also living lighter on the earth.

MNA Night to Unite - Tuesday August 6th, 6-8 PM Weber Park

The Morningside Neighborhood Association (MNA) is hosting Morningside Night to Unite on National Night Out on TUESDAY, August 6, from 6 to 8pm at the Weber Park Playground.

The event is rain or shine (shelter reserved in case of rain). All are welcome!

Activities will include flying disc games, visits from the Edina Police and Fire departments (invited), and a Bike Parade at 6:45 PM for all ages and all non-motorized wheels. Decorations are encouraged.

Come meet new neighbors and see old friends! Bring your own picnic and beverages. The MNA will serve cold treats. 

Sun, 1/28 from 2-5, Morningside Winter Neighborhood Party, Weber Park

Morningside Neighborhood Association 

Winter Neighborhood Party
Sunday January 28, 2024, 2-5pm
http://www.edinamorningside.org/news     

Celebrate the new year with your Morningside neighbors at Weber Park at the neighborhood, all-weather Winter Neighborhood Party. Come to ice skate (skates available to borrow, or bring your own), sled on Weber Hill, or play in Weber Park. The MNA will serve treats and beverages in the warming house.

ALL ARE WELCOME!