A multi-year, $72 million renovation of Cambridge’s eight fire stations, many of which were built in the late 1800s, is well underway. In FY18, an initial appropriation of $2 million provided funds for immediate repairs to multiple fire stations to improve working and living conditions.

The renovations include locating living areas further away from other areas of fire houses. This reduces prolonged exposure to pollutants from fires that can stick to firefighter gear and equipment.

“I am very pleased that the City is investing an estimated $72 million for these important fire station renovations and toward improving the living areas for our first responders who take risks every single day to keep our community safe,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale.

Building upgrades and/or renovations completed to date or in the works include:

East Cambridge, Station 3 (175 Cambridge Street). Upgrades totaling $1.7 million were made to the electrical and HVAC systems, second floor lighting, and ceiling. In 2022, the original sanitary sewer pipe in the building will be replaced and a new backup generator will be designed and installed.

Taylor Square, Station 8 (113 Garden Street). A $7.2 million renovation included extensive building and energy saving upgrades, with geothermal HVAC system, LED lighting, a new roof, and solar panels. The building was deep cleaned and painted and the kitchen was refurbished. Lightning protection and an emergency generator were also installed.

River Street, Station 6 (176 River Street). A $5.4 million renovation, scheduled for completion in March 2022, includes upgraded geothermal HVAC system, a new sprinkler system, new kitchen appliances, cabinets and countertops, IT improvements, new lighting, fitness area, and more. The first floor includes a personnel and equipment decontamination area and a separate bunker gear extractor (for washing pollutants from smoke). The living area on the second floor includes 6 new bedrooms, 3 restrooms, and a washer and dryer.

Lexington Ave., Station 9 (167 Lexington Avenue). The $4.3 million renovation, scheduled for completion in March 2022, include upgraded HVAC system, a new sprinkler system, new kitchen appliances, cabinets and countertops, IT improvements, new lighting, fitness area, and more. The first floor includes a personnel and equipment decontamination area and bunker gear extractor. The separate living area includes 4 new bedrooms, 2 restrooms, and a washer and dryer.

A complete renovation of Fire Headquarters is expected to begin later this year. Design work on improvements to Lafayette Square fire station has begun and a feasibility study is underway for Inman Square Fire Station. Design work for Porter Square Fire Station is slated for 2023.

“The men and women of the Cambridge Fire Department are grateful for the investment and commitment of the City Manager and his staff along with the City Council to make these significant upgrades,” said Fire Chief Gerard E. Mahoney. “We are committed to providing our fire personnel with a safe and secure environment in which to work coupled with excellent equipment and training.”

The Nixa Fire Protection District will be hosting an Open House at Fire Station 1, 711 N. Main Street, on Friday April 1 from 5-7 p.m. in advance of the no tax increase bond election on April 5. 

The open house will be an informal come and go type event to provide an opportunity for members of the community to learn about the question on the April 5th, 2022 ballot.

The question asks: Shall Nixa Fire Protection District issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $6,400,000 for the purpose of constructing, furnishing, and equipping a new fire station; renovating, improving, and repairing existing fire stations; and acquiring fire trucks, vehicles, and other firefighting and emergency apparatus and equipment?

Members of the Board of Directors and Administrative Staff will be on hand to discuss the renewal of this Bond Issue. Plans and Information for the projects being proposed will be available for the public to review. Those projects have been identified as:

1. Construction of a brand-new Fire Station #1 at 710 N. McCroskey Street on property purchased and owned by the District since December 2021. Cost of this project will include furniture, fixtures, and equipment necessary to operate the new Fire Station.

2. Renovation of the current Fire Station #1 located at 711 N. Main Street to serve as a fire training center with improved public meeting spaces and general repairs and upgrades. Upgrades and repairs to other existing fire stations as funds allow.

3. Purchase of fire apparatus and equipment starting with an immediate purchase of one new Fire Engine. Other apparatus purchases to be determined as funds allow.

Please consider joining us at the Open House on Friday April 1st to learn more about the Bond Issue and future plans of the Fire District.

The new Station 15 will be a 12,342-square-foot station including a 1,585-square-foot community room. The station was designed by KRH Architect out of Dalton (GA) and will be constructed by Cooper & Company General Contractors out of Cumming (GA).

According to Division Chief, Dean Floyd, “The new station can accommodate up to six (6) firefighters per shift with room to expand for an additional two firefighters per shift if needed in the future. The station will have three bays, a large kitchen/dining area with an adjoining day room, and an exercise room that is also a safe room in the event of severe weather.

The new station is scheduled to open sometime in February of 2023.

Mercedes to launch the most advanced 2” attack line that delivers 210-300 GPM flows with 30% less weight – offering an alternative to the challenges of the 2.5” hose.

MARCH 28, 2022, MONTREAL QC, CANADA – Mercedes Textiles Ltd. has announced the launch of the newest innovation in fire hose – a 2” attack hose that delivers 2.5” flows with up to 30% less weight for superior maneuverability and handling: the KrakenEXO SUPER IITM.

Engineered to address the tactical challenges of the 2.5” attack line, the KrakenEXO SUPER IITM offers a more manageable size and weight, while still achieving 210-300 GPM with increased flexibility, high kink resistance, and low friction loss – all combined with Mercedes Textiles’ proven strength and durability.

“At Mercedes Textiles, we design innovative products that answer the challenges of the modern fire service, pushing the boundaries of performance”, said Bob Richardson, President of Mercedes Textiles. “We look to firefighters to tell us what they need so that we can engineer products that evolve alongside progressive firefighting tactics. We developed the KrakenEXO SUPER IITM specifically to address current realities of the fireground.”

Realities that Captain Franklin “Linn” Baxa experiences daily with Buckhannon Fire Department in West Virginia. “We are a low-manpower fire department. We only recently went to three people per shift, backfilled by volunteers. Everything we do is with minimal manpower. In order to achieve the GPM we wanted – a lot of water – followed by a manageable nozzle reaction for a single firefighter, we went with the KrakenEXO SUPER IITM,” explains Cpt Baxa. “There is a big difference between this 2” and our previous 2.5” hose. The KrakenEXO SUPER IITM gives you more water in a fire hose that suits our departments staffing levels. We’re pumping our 200’ at 110PSI; it knocked nozzle reaction down to 96lbs. So much easier to work with!”

Compared to a standard 2.5” hose, KrakenEXO SUPER IITM is up to 40lbs lighter per 50’ and up to 160lbs less over 200’, which makes a substantial difference when placing the line into operation. With a 2.125” internal diameter, it is also more ergonomic – easier to grip, hold on to, and maneuever. It is especially applicable for operations where larger flows are required, but low manpower is a reality.

“Limited staffing is a common challenge in the fire service, across all of North America. Combined with the reality of bigger, faster-burning fires that require bigger GPMs, we see the 2.5” line deployed often, adding further challenges related to weight, maneuverability, and speed,” explains Jamie Emblem, Mercedes’ Northeast Regional Sales. “At Mercedes Textiles, we’re always looking to provide new, more efficient and effective ways to get water on the fire. That’s exactly what the KrakenEXO SUPER IITM does – lets the frontline ‘fight the fire, not the hose’.”

The KrakenEXO SUPER IITM officially launches at FDIC on April 28th at the Mercedes Textiles Ltd. booth (4950/51). National Fire Radio hosts will be onsite for a product reveal and live sessions, including interviews with industry experts like Lt. Ray McCormack (FDNY retired).

Preview the KrakenEXO SUPER IITM in action at www.mercedestextiles.com/SUPER2. Stay tuned for more at launch.