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24 March 2023
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Fire stations of the world: New 8 500 square-foot fire station officially opens in Essex, Canada
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Essex Fire Station Two, a modern 8 500 square-foot facility equipped with three bays to accommodate five fire trucks and a large training room was officially opened in February 2022. The Town of Essex and Essex Fire and Rescue celebrated the official grand opening of the station at 3575 N Malden Road in Essex County in southwestern Ontario, Canada. “This is an important addition to the community and will be integral to the safety and security of our residents,” Fire chief Rick Arnel said. “The location of our newest fire station will enhance the service provided to our residents as it is more central to established residential service areas.”
The grand opening kicked off with the marching of fire fighters led by piper John Woodbridge and a blessing from Padre Chris Gevaert followed by a rendition of the Canadian national anthem by trumpeters Jason Nagy and Matthew Lepain, the Town of Essex said.
Remarks from Essex Mayor Richard Meloche and Chief Arnel were given before a “push-in” of the fire trucks, a tradition the town says dates back to the late 1800s.
The building includes three bays that can accommodate up to five fire trucks and an exhaust system. The new fire station has gender-neutral washrooms, with stall walls going right down to the floor and a gear room, where fire fighters can don their equipment.
There is also a training room that can host up to 70 fire fighters at a time, allowing all three stations to train in the same space. Mayor Meloche said this will allow the instructor to teach in one location, rather than having to visit three different facilities to do so.
The burn unit, currently housed at the Essex Water Treatment Plant, which is used also by neighbouring fire services and St Clair College’s training programme, will be moved to the North Malden location.
In addition, this will be a disaster relief facility.
The new station comes as part of the town’s master plan. The town says the facility is vital due to the residential and industrial growth in the area.
Sources: CTV News, Essex Free Press
The grand opening kicked off with the marching of fire fighters led by piper John Woodbridge and a blessing from Padre Chris Gevaert followed by a rendition of the Canadian national anthem by trumpeters Jason Nagy and Matthew Lepain, the Town of Essex said.
Remarks from Essex Mayor Richard Meloche and Chief Arnel were given before a “push-in” of the fire trucks, a tradition the town says dates back to the late 1800s.
The building includes three bays that can accommodate up to five fire trucks and an exhaust system. The new fire station has gender-neutral washrooms, with stall walls going right down to the floor and a gear room, where fire fighters can don their equipment.
There is also a training room that can host up to 70 fire fighters at a time, allowing all three stations to train in the same space. Mayor Meloche said this will allow the instructor to teach in one location, rather than having to visit three different facilities to do so.
The burn unit, currently housed at the Essex Water Treatment Plant, which is used also by neighbouring fire services and St Clair College’s training programme, will be moved to the North Malden location.
In addition, this will be a disaster relief facility.
The new station comes as part of the town’s master plan. The town says the facility is vital due to the residential and industrial growth in the area.
Sources: CTV News, Essex Free Press
