麻豆视频

It鈥檚 been one of the most interesting and even historic years in a long time for the Estevan Fire Rescue Service.

Not just because of the fires and the other calls they have handled, although the local firefighters have certainly been busy, just like any other year. And not because of the other activities the firefighters have appeared at in the community.

Adding to this year鈥檚 workload has been the transition from the current cramped fire hall on Third Street to the spacious new fire hall on 13th Avenue, which used to be home to Murray GM鈥檚 Estevan dealership.

The decision to purchase the old Murray GM building is likely one of the smartest decisions made by local civic leaders in a long time. At one time, the plan was for the fire department to retain its current fire hall, and build a second fire hall in the north end of the city.

There was also talk of just building a new fire hall, and operating out of one location. It would have been a pricey venture, in the neighbourhood of $7 million to $10 million.

The current fire hall doesn鈥檛 give the fire department enough room for its fleet of fire trucks. One fire truck and other rescue equipment had to be stored at city yard.

So when the opportunity came up to purchase the former Murray GM building for $2.3 million, it looked to be a common sense decision.

When you consider that the former Murray GM building is in good shape, its service bays could be altered to accommodate the fire trucks, that there would be enough storage space for the fire department鈥檚 trucks and other equipment, that the building has plenty of office space, and that the parts area could be transformed into a training area, the purchase became the no-brainer of the decade.

Our firefighters deserve to have a high-quality, modern and spacious building where they have the space to train and enhance their skills, and have quick and easy access to the fire trucks. We鈥檙e very fortunate in Estevan to have a paid, on-call department with dedicated and well-trained members.

The current fire hall was a suitable space that served the local fire department well for many years, but it is no longer suitable for what the department needs.

The new fire hall not only has space to grow into, but it鈥檚 also centrally located, and gives the department easy access to all corners of the city.

Next week is Fire Prevention Week. It鈥檚 not just a week to think about fire safety and how to escape a building in case of a fire, but to thank the local firefighters for all they do for the community.

And while they won鈥檛 be moving into their new home during Fire Prevention Week, the pending move is something worth celebrating.