Fernie has initiated the construction of a specialized fire hall to provide firefighters with a safer working environment and enhance their response time. A groundbreaking event took place at 1500 5th Ave. within Prentice Park to commence the development of the new fire hall. The city anticipates that firefighters will relocate to the new facility by the fall of 2027.
According to Fire Chief Brendan Morgan, Fernie firefighters are currently operating from temporary facilities at the public works yard, necessitating them to move between buildings to access their equipment and vehicles before responding to calls. Morgan highlighted that the new fire hall will offer expanded space for vehicles, improved training facilities, and a designated area to separate contaminated gear from clean areas used by firefighters for eating and working.
The construction project follows extensive discussions regarding the optimal location for the fire hall. While some residents, including Bill Sailer, have expressed concerns about Prentice Park as the chosen site, Mayor Nic Milligan affirmed that the council determined it to be the most suitable location after evaluating various factors such as size, accessibility, and alignment with firefighters’ requirements.
The funding for the fire hall, amounting to $7 million, was secured through the Strategic Priorities Fund, alleviating the need for the city to borrow the entire sum. Mayor Milligan emphasized that this financial support will lessen the financial burden on local taxpayers. Despite the upcoming completion of the new facility, Fernie Fire and Emergency Services do not plan to immediately increase the number of career firefighters but aim to enhance readiness for future developments as the community expands.