One of Lake Country’s first-in fire trucks is on the sidelines after being damaged in an incident Sunday that could have been much worse.

After attending a single vehicle accident southbound on the new stretch of Highway 97 near Oyama, a Lake Country fire engine stayed behind, closing off two lanes of the three-lane stretch of highway, as RCMP and members of the public remained at the accident scene.

However according to the Lake Country Fire Department, a pick-up truck ignored its members who were doing traffic control and drove through the lanes that were closed, attempting to cut back into the fast lane, near the accident scene.

The new station has the capacity for three fire trucks and 14 firefighters. The old one could only house one fire truck and the space inside only allowed six firefighters.

Inside the building firefighters showed off the better sleeping quarters far away from the loud trucks. That was designed to cut down on the sleep deprivation which is so common among firefighters. 

Plus the perks of new comfortable spaces and a gym are readying the firefighters for the next 911 call.

The city started negotiations to enter into an inter-governmental agreement with Van Buren Township. Under the agreement, Belleville's only firehouse would shut down and the town of nearly 4,000 residents would rely on services from Van Buren Township.

"I'm concerned jumping into an agreement like this is going to leave the community with a hole," Rix said.

His sentiments were echoed by many who question what the outside fire services would provide for Belleville residents.