Fernie has initiated the commencement of constructing a specialized fire hall, a venture intended to provide a safer environment for firefighters and expedite their response to emergencies. A groundbreaking event was conducted on Tuesday for the upcoming fire hall situated at 1500 5th Ave. within Prentice Park. The city has projected that firefighters will relocate to the new facility by autumn 2027.
According to Fire Chief Brendan Morgan, Fernie’s firefighters are currently operating from temporary locations at the public works yard, necessitating them to shuttle between buildings to access their equipment and vehicles before responding to calls. Morgan highlighted that the transition from the fire hall to the field takes longer than expected due to the current setup.
The new fire hall is expected to offer increased space for vehicles, enhanced training facilities, and a dedicated area to segregate contaminated gear from clean zones where firefighters eat and work. Morgan emphasized the importance of having separate clean and contaminated spaces to prevent the spread of carcinogens and other harmful substances brought back by firefighters after responding to incidents.
Additionally, the new facility will include provisions for an emergency operations center, enabling effective planning during wildfires and other crisis situations. The decision to construct the fire hall comes after extensive discussions regarding its location, with city officials emphasizing the necessity for a modern facility to cater to present and future emergency requirements, particularly in light of the community’s growth and recurring wildfire threats during summers.
While some residents, like Bill Sailer, have expressed reservations about the chosen site at Prentice Park, Mayor Nic Milligan affirmed the council’s confidence in the selection. Despite considering alternative locations, the council concluded that the Prentice Park site offered the best suitability in terms of size, accessibility, and meeting the operational needs of firefighters.
The project secured $7 million in funding from the Strategic Priorities Fund, alleviating the need for the city to borrow the full amount through a proposed bylaw. Mayor Milligan acknowledged the financial relief provided by the grant, which is anticipated to reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers. Fernie Fire and Emergency Services presently comprises eight career firefighters and 25 paid on-call firefighters.
Although the new fire hall will not result in an immediate increase in career firefighters, Chief Morgan affirmed that it will facilitate the department in adapting to the evolving needs of a growing community. As Fernie continues to expand and transform, the new facility is deemed essential for enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring firefighter safety.