Hendersonville – Firefighters’ traditional ceremonial push-in of a new fire engine follows a fire hose uncoupling in the bays, as the community celebrates a much larger and more modern main station. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Tours follow from about 1:30 until 3 p.m.
The new 19,475-square foot, solar power-capable station has four vehicle bays. It is about twice the size of its predecessor, which was demolished. Its Boyd Park site used to also contain the city-run miniature golf course. The new course is off North Main, around the corner of Five Points.
Parking for the grand opening is available on-street and at nearby St. James Episcopal Church (766 N. Main St.) and Bruce Drysdale Elementary (271 Bearcat Blvd.). Only invited dignitaries and attendees with genuine “mobility challenges” are allowed to park on the station’s parking lot. Mobility-impaired people can use the main entrance on the north side and its elevator. Others should enter the station from its bays on North Main Street for the ceremony.
Operations shifted to the new station this summer, after being part of Station 2 on Sugarloaf Road during a year and a half of construction. Fire Station 1 is at 851 N. Main St. near Five Points and Hendersonville High School (HHS), just north of Downtown Hendersonville. Specifically, it is on the island between busy one-way lanes of North Main Street/U.S. 25 North. Thus, its access is in either direction of that traffic corridor.
Fire calls are somber occasions and at times life-and-death crises, while responders are cherished local heroes. This main fire station has a fond role in HHS sports heritage. Once in a while, just after the Bearcats scored a football touchdown or soccer goal, a fire truck happened to pull out on an emergency call and blare its siren and flash red lights. This was as if the crew was celebrating the home team’s score.
More Space, Modernized
The $12.85 million project had strong support of Hendersonville City Council. Veteran Council member Jeff Miller stated, “I’m very proud of my part in this new Fire Station 1. These men and women deserve a solid and safe building, as well as a beautiful building to welcome folks to Hendersonville.” He called the project a “great effort by staff, the HFD, Council, and a very professional construction company. It’s fabulous.”
The new station’s operations far exceed those of its predecessor, which City of Hendersonville Communications Manager Allison Justus noted was deemed “no longer adequate for the growing” department. It rates as ISO Class 1 exemplary in fire protection.
“The new station will house three companies and their battalion chiefs, corresponding living quarters, restrooms and shower facilities,” Justus explained. There are also “administrative offices (including for the fire marshal), life safety division offices and a fire department training room.” Female firefighters get their own restroom and showers.
There are three full-length/pull-through apparatus bays for a long ladder truck and two fire engine trucks. A half-bay is for a smaller quick response vehicle (QRV). Bays have bi-folding doors.
Edifice General Contractors managed construction of ADW Architects’ plans.
Solar Power; Cleaner
Solar power is a cost-saving capability. The new station is “photovoltaic array-ready,” meaning the conduit is installed. Solar cell panels, if put in, would convert sunlight into electricity.
Other high-tech touches include fiber optic-supported internet, and enhanced security and alerting systems. Air quality will improve with better “venting apparatus exhaust,” Justus said. “Low volatile organic compound (VOC) finishes” include in paint’s volatile organic compounds, resulting in extra-low vapor content as a further health measure.
Exterior and ground improvements are also plentiful. There is new sidewalk, curb, and gutter around the site. A $70,000 state water resource grant paid for what the City terms as “sustainability” features. They include improved groundwater and stormwater management, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, “heat island reductions and permeable paver parking areas.”
Check www.hvlnc.gov/FS1grandopening for further information.