Firies move into new home

It was a case of out with the old and in with the new for Albany’s career firefighters, who moved into their new home late last week.

After more than 70 years at their previous firefighting base on Collie Street, firefighters moved across to the $9 million fire station on North Road last Thursday.

Having been recently completed, the new base for the 26 firefighters is the latest upgraded head-quarters in regional WA.

Firefighters undertook their last shift in the Collie Street station last Thursday before moving to their new location.

The new station, which is expected to be officially opened in May, features three appliance bays, a breathing apparatus servicing area and other modern amenities, including a spacious gymnasium, study, kitchen and a dedicated training area.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Great Southern district officer Kevin Parsons said the proximity to key infrastructure and direct access to main arterial roads was expected to reduce response times to incidents

But Mr Parsons said the new home meant appliances would often be entering onto busy North Road and drivers would need to be alert to fire trucks entering the road in the case of an emergency.

“It puts them in a better location to respond to a lot of incidents around Albany,” he said.

“It’s also a better location to major roads around Albany and out of Albany at the same time. “Drivers need to be aware that emergency vehicles will be entering onto North Road, which is a new experience for travellers on North Road.” Mr Parsons said the new station had the capacity to cater for growth, with six officers on each shift, which could increase if needed in the future.

The Albany Fire Station and Fire Officer’s House on Collie Street was added to the State heritage register in 2015 and is set to be put on the market.