The South Western Fire Area Administration Scheme Order, 1948

The South Western Fire Area Administration Scheme Order, 1957

Establishment 2000

New Station officially opened on 26/10/1992. Station cost £385,294-11p.

NEW BASE FOR DALRY FIREFIGHTERS 

Dalry’s retained firefighters now have a new base – a custom built complex which boasts state of the art technology and facilities.
Strathclyde Firemaster, John Jameson officially opened the Fire Station – just off Blair Road – on Monday night.
The £500,000 purpose built complex completely accommodates the crew of ten and their water tender ladder engine and where they once were obliged to leave the station for part of their training, the team can now complete their weekly drill at their base.
Inside, firefighters now have a lecture room with canteen facilities, a small administration office, storage for one appliance, toilets and showers and a drill tower.
Sub Officer Arthur Freel said “The benefits of this station is that it offers up to date facilities and a better environment to work in which gives everyone a boost.
“The former station was an old building. But here, we have everything on site including a drill ground.
“Before, we had to go to other sites for certain drills. We used to use the school or Roche Products or the river for some exercises.
“Training night is Monday for two hours during the winter and three hours in the summer.
“We have more equipment here than many other stations – including a burglar alarm when we’re all out!
“There’s everything from up to date cutting gear to gas suits. We use the cutting gear when there’s road accidents or when children get stuck in railings.
“The gas suits are used when we are in a toxic atmosphere and the gas can go through the pores.
“We use the suits in conjunction with breathing apparatus.”
Since the crew moved to the new station three months ago, their turn out statistics have shot up 50 per cent.
Said Sub Officer Freel: “It must be coincidence!”
Each retained firefighter at Dalry Fire Station is on 24 hour emergency call out. They have to be dedicated.
Sub Officer Freel said: “Everyone does the job for the benefit of the community and the excitement of the job. But it’s quite hard to get into the service now.
“There’s theory exams, a strength test and two courses to go through in Glasgow before they become retained firemen.”
The public will be able to view the new premises of Dalry Fire Station early next year during an open day.
<PHOTO> Chairman of the Regions Police and Fire Committee. Councillor James Jennings J.P. unveils the commemorative plaque at the opening of the new Dalry Fire Station.
<PHOTO> A819XSJ in front of station.
<PHOTO> Firemaster John Jameson (centre) with 79 year old Jim Bryce, the oldest surviving firefighter in the area and the crew of ten retained firefighters at Dalry Fire Station.
<PHOTO> Mr Jameson addresses staff at Dalry Fire Station during the official opening of the new premises.
(Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, Friday, October 30, 1992. Page 10.)

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