A long-planned new $5.3 million fire and rescue station in Franklin County (VA) ignited controversy before the project has even begun, reports roanoke.com.

The proposed Glade Hill Volunteer Fire-EMS Station has drawn pointed criticism from county supervisors for its cost and from volunteer firefighters who say the project has pushed them out, the report notes.

At a recent board meeting, station defenders voiced frustration at mixed feelings on the new digs after years of preparation. They also said that the station’s construction would encourage development in the district.

A decision needs to be made as to whether to accept a $4.8 million bid from a Gretna construction company to start work on the chosen site—near the intersection of Virginia 40 and Turtle Hill Road. Officials, though, postponed that decision until the board’s next meeting on Sept. 21, the report says. The problem lies in that bids for the project are set to expire on Sept. 25.

The proposed station—under discussion since 2011—is a 13,800-square-foot facility, which is bigger than the current 1960s-era station, but the new design still offers only three bays, the same as now, officials say. The $5.3 million price tag includes costs beyond construction, such as the land purchase, surveys, and architectural designs.

The Morrisville (NC) Fire and Rescue Department welcomes into service a new Pierce 100-fooot Ascendant tower fire apparatus during a wet-down ceremony on Saturday, August 21 at 10 a.m. at Fire Station No. 2, according to a press release from the city of Morrisville. The public is invited to attend.

A wet-down ceremony is a tradition celebrated by fire departments to commission new fire apparatus by anointing it with water sprayed from the retiring fire truck. The ritual dates back to the late 1800’s when newly commissioned horses would be washed along with the pumper at their assigned firehouse and then backed into the firehouse bay.

“I think it’s important to introduce the community to the new apparatus and ultimately they own it, so we want to ensure they understand the value and improved service they’ll receive from this piece of equipment,” said Assistant Fire Chief Nathan Lozinsky.

The new apparatus will be designated as Ladder 22 and is the first mid-mount platform in the department’s history. A mid-mount platform has an aerial ladder that raises and pivots from the middle of the apparatus. This allows firefighters the ability to position the ladder nearer to incidents in dense urban environments where operating close to surrounding structures is common. It also allows the length of the truck to be more compact without sacrificing the reach of the aerial, increasing maneuverability. In addition, the platform can be lowered to a steeper negative angle within a smaller footprint, making certain rescues easier.

The former Ladder 22, a 2008 KME 102’ Aerial Tower, will be the first of its type entered into reserve status.  Lozinsky states, “This enables the department to provide consistent capabilities when another ladder apparatus has to be temporarily taken out of service – something we’ve been unable to provide to date.”

Lozinsky adds, “We’re very excited to introduce the Pierce 100’ Ascendant Tower to the citizens of Morrisville. It brings the right mix of advantages and capabilities for our growing community.”

Decatur (IL) will soon have a new fire station and two new trucks for its fire department, according to a report published by illinoisnewstoday.com.

According to the web report, the new fire station will be built on Chestnut Avenue and will replace the current Station 7 at Decatur Airport.

The councilors also approved the two new fire truck apparatus with a cost of less than $1.14 million, according to the web site which also reported the new trucks will replace two vehicles that are 20 years old and have mechanical problems.  

City Councilors in Salisbury (NC) are considering purchasing a new fire truck for $1.17 million from a dealer in Virginia, according to a report published by the Salisbury Post.

According to the newspaper report, the money for the new truck is already included in the 2021-2022 budget which passed in June and any additional funds needed for the new truck would have to be appropriated in the 2022-2023 budget.

The truck is being sold by Atlantic Emergency Solutions, a Pierce dealer, in Virginia, according to the newspaper, which also report the price for the apparatus would hold until the end of August.

If the councilors agree to make the purchase, the truck would be built in about 14.5 months, according to the newspaper.