The Canterbury town of Kaiapoi has opened its new "state-of-the-art" fire station, marking the final station to be reconstructed following the earthquakes.
Fire and Emergency's Christchurch Rebuild programme involved the reconstruction of 12 stations across greater Christchurch.
"Our reconstruction programme ensures that Christchurch and its surrounding areas has a fit-for-purpose network of fire stations able to meet the needs of local communities," said Fire and Emergency’s Canterbury District Manager Dave Stackhouse.
The previous 1962 station suffered significant earthquake damage, with one wing becoming structurally unsound and unusable.
The remaining wing and appliance bays were impacted but remained operational.
The new $8m station features three appliance bays, operational decontamination, storage and breathing apparatus filling facilities, operations, meeting, and training rooms. In addition, there is a four-bay resource garage and a motor vehicle extrication training area behind the station.
Stackhouse said that the station will provide Kaiapoi's volunteers with space to train and respond to all types of emergencies.
"Not only does the brigade benefit from their new station, but it ensures that the community is provided with the best possible support.
"The earthquakes reinforced that our fire stations are more than just bricks and mortar.
"They support our volunteers to do what they do best - serve their community - and they will always answer the call."
SHARE ME