The Regional District of Nanaimo and the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department celebrated the official grand opening of the new $7.3M fire hall project on Sunday, July 6.
Many past and current DVFD members, RDN elected and appointed officials, Qualicum First Nation Chief Michael Recalma, fire services members from around the region and residents joined in the festivities.
In addition to the formal opening of the new fire hall, the public enjoyed tours of the building, equipment and trucks displays, learned how to FireSmart their properties and spoke to DVFD members about opportunities to serve with the fire department.
“On behalf of the RDN board, thank you to all who came out to celebrate the completion of this incredible new fire hall. It will better serve both Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department members and the communities in RDN Electoral Areas F, G and H that they help protect," said. Stuart McLean, RDN vice chair and Electoral Area H director. "The many new building amenities support better health and wellness for the firefighters and the design enables future expansion as needed for our growing communities. It is a pleasure to see this new facility now in use by the dedicated members of the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department.”
The new fire hall has numerous features including two drive through bays, separate areas for different operational functions, a dedicated personal protective equipment/turnout gear room, a dedicated decontamination shower, a workshop for gear and equipment maintenance, four individual dorm rooms with a living/kitchen area for a future work experience program and a fitness area.
Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department has two fire halls: Station 61 in Dashwood and Station 62 in Meadowood. The department serves approximately 4,000 residents over more than 130 square kilometres. They also provide fire protection under their mutual aid agreements with eight other fire departments.
“To our community, we are so very grateful to be in our new fire station, we now have areas to train in, decontaminate/clean our gear and equipment, office space and meeting rooms," said Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti. "We cannot thank ou community enough for their support to make this much needed project happen. Our new fire station will serve our community for decades to come, and one we can all be proud of.”
For information on the department, visit dashwoodvfd.com, and for fire services in the RDN, visit rdn.bc.ca/fire-services.
