Bristol, TN Fire Department Opens Doors to a New Fire Station
In a significant development for the city, Bristol, Tennessee, has just unveiled a brand-new fire station near Holston View Elementary. The station, which has been operational since July, aims to boost safety and efficiency for both firefighters and residents.
This new facility replaces the old station two that was built way back in the 1960s. According to Fire Chief Mike Carrier of the Bristol, Tennessee Fire Department, the new station is equipped with numerous upgrades and state-of-the-art safety measures.
“This station has an exhaust removal system and an air scrubber system,” Chief Carrier explained. “These systems work together to eliminate carcinogens that come from oils, fuels, and truck exhaust, thus making the environment much safer for our firefighters.”
Carrier emphasized that longevity was a crucial factor in the design of the new facility. “The features built into this station make it so that it should be able to serve the citizens of Bristol and this particular area for the next 50 years or so,” he said.
Firefighters working at the station expressed their gratitude for the new workspace. “This is definitely a big upgrade from what we had,” said firefighter Preston Cox. “The old station was small, and most of the rooms were more or less open spaces. Here, we have individual rooms, which allows us to sleep better whenever we have the chance.”
One unique aspect of the new station is the community safe room. This room is designed to provide a safe area for anyone in need during any type of emergency situation. Those seeking refuge can simply lock the door and use a phone that directly connects them to dispatch.
Chief Carrier also highlighted the strategic placement of the new station, aimed at reducing response times. “We are really shooting to get that first unit and crew on the scene within four minutes of an initial call for a structure fire,” he said. “Where the old station was located, it was pretty hard to hit those timelines.”
To mark the official opening of the station, a hose uncoupling ceremony, similar to a ribbon-cutting event, will be held on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.
The new fire station stands as a testament to Bristol’s commitment to community safety and improved emergency response. With its upgraded facilities and high-tech safety measures, the station is poised to serve the Bristol community effectively for years to come.
