The chief of the Mahone Bay and District Fire Department says they have outgrown their current facility.
Russell Acomb told town council that firefighters have no room for storage, no showers, not enough parking space and no facilities to clean gear or sanitize equipment.
The department was built in the 1960s to accommodate two or three trucks but they have expanded to five trucks and a boat over the last 55+ years to also service Maders Cove, Oakland, and Clearland.
Acomb says times have changed and they need to adjust.
“When the station was built it was ideal but back then firefighting was firefighting and now it’s water rescue, medical, just about any emergency situation.”
Acomb says he believes they will need to replace the aging hall within two to three years along with one of their pumper trucks.
Mayor David Devenne says he sympathizes with the fire department over their current situation.
“The fire hall that the town has for their volunteer fire department needs to reflect the changing role of the firefighters. We need to give them the right kind of place to work in.”
The town has not committed any funds yet as a solution.
Council will attend firefighters practice on July 4 to further understand the challenges they are facing.
The town will then begin the process of discussing features, design and costs of a new department while also holding information sessions for the public.
