A new Ione fire station is scheduled for groundbreaking this morning and will be completed in February or March of 2009. This additional facility will enable quick emergency response to both sides of the city that is divided by the Sutter Creek Bridge. The Ione City Council spent many months working out the details of the new station, which fire officials say will be a welcome tool in helping to improve and expand Ione’s fire department. According to city manger Kim Kerr, the design of the new fire house includes fire suppression sprinklers, a facility for waste oil, a trash collection site, and vinyl floor coverings. The total cost for construction is close to 2 million dollars. The new station will be located at 600 Preston Avenue in Ione. City council members will be in attendance to view the beginning of construction. The community is encouraged to attend the ceremony. The ground breaking will be held at 9 a.m.