 | | | From left, Evan Ford, Mark McCullah and Anthony Stephens - the first MOFD crew to serve at new Fire Station 43 Photo Nick Marnell | | | | | | After 33 months of survival in temporary quarters in north Orinda, Moraga-Orinda Fire District crews moved into brand new Fire Station 43 May 14 as the district opened its first new fire station since 2005 and its third new facility this century.
"The district looks forward to continuing to serve the community from this new facility," MOFD announced in a statement, the district seemingly more relieved than excited that the job was finally complete.
The construction of the new station at 20 Via Las Cruces in north Orinda began after a failed joint venture with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to build a fire station in western Lafayette. The work spanned the administrations of three district fire chiefs. The station required three contractors to finish the job and exceeded its original $4 million budget by nearly $2 million.
Not only is the station the newest in the district, it is also a two-story facility, and with that it honors a unique fire service tradition - the fire pole, which firefighters use to slide from the living area on the second floor to the station exit on the first floor. In addition to sleeping quarters, the station features a pass-through apparatus bay, a kitchen, dining room, workout area and day room.
North Orinda resident Ellen Dale has long been an advocate for the rebuilt fire station. "The new station is beautiful! So much nicer than the 70-year-old structure that was there! I am truly thankful we were able to save our Honey Hill Station, not only for north Orinda, but also Lafayette. It could make a critical difference in the event of a fire north of the freeway," Dale said.
"Once Station 16 in Lafayette reopens, I will sleep better at night," Dale added. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District expects to reopen Fire Station 16 in early July.
A grand opening celebration for Fire Station 43 is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, June 15. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA