New $7M Salisbury Fire Station Opens with Enhanced Safety Features

URGENT UPDATE: Salisbury’s firefighters celebrated the grand opening of their new fire station on Saturday, October 21, 2023, marking a significant upgrade in safety and functionality. The new facility, located on Main Street, cost more than $7 million and promises to enhance emergency response capabilities for the community.

Firefighter Abby Brewer, the only female on the team, expressed her gratitude as she now has access to a women’s washroom, a significant improvement from the previous station. “I have my own washroom now, which I didn’t at the old station, which is awesome,” she stated, highlighting the essential amenities that were lacking in the former facility.

The new station boasts expanded training areas and improved emergency response spaces. Brewer noted, “When the truck would move, you’d have to lean up against your locker for the truck to move out… it was crazy.” With the new layout, firefighters can operate more efficiently and safely.

Fire Chief Bradley MacLeod emphasized the importance of the new design, stating that trucks can now enter and exit from both sides of the building, eliminating the previous safety hazards. “Before it was just the two bays and you always had to back the trucks in,” he explained. The station can now accommodate up to 34 firefighters, an increase from the previous limit of 27 due to locker constraints.

The opening ceremony was attended by New Brunswick’s Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin, who acknowledged the improvements but also addressed ongoing challenges, particularly with cellular coverage in the area. “The cellphone troubles are still impacting us,” MacLeod stressed, pointing out that vital communication is hindered once responders leave the station.

Minister Gauvin assured the community that the province is working on enhancing telecommunications infrastructure, stating, “I know it is going to take some time, but slowly but surely we’re going to get there.”

With these upgrades, the Salisbury Fire Department is poised to provide even better service to the community, ensuring that firefighters have the tools and facilities necessary to respond effectively to emergencies.

As the fire department settles into its new home, residents can feel more secure knowing that their safety is prioritized in this modern facility. Stay tuned for further updates on how these enhancements will impact emergency response times and community safety.