A sod-turning ceremony on Wednesday, 1 March, has marked the start of construction on the Wattle Glen Fire Station extension.
The fire station, which was originally built in 1990 will be peeled back to its bones to make way for the extension, which will provide plenty of space for the brigade to operate from and train in.
The brigade has been working hard to raise money to fund the upgrade, after the need for a new station was identified in 2005.
Captain Stephen Gaunt said the extension was so extensive that the station would look like a brand new building.
“This fire station extension is really important to the community and really satisfying to me, as Captain, to see the first sod turned, marking the start of construction,” he said.
“Externally, the building will look completely different, with a new and consistent facade. The inside will be transformed, and will feature a third bay to make way for a new ultralight tanker which is on its way.”
Other features include a dedicated turn-out room, a breathing apparatus room, a meeting room, a new office and updated amenities.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino, who turned the sod, said the Wattle Glen brigade had done an outstanding job with what they had to work with.
“This is a busy, fire-prone area and Wattle Glen’s firefighters deserve a bigger and better fire station,” he said.
“This extension will give them the space and first-rate facilities they need to fight fires and save lives.”
Author: CFA Media