Oxford,
05
December
2018
|
08:00
Europe/London

New fire station opens in Carterton

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Carterton Fire Station VIDEO

Oxfordshire’s 25th fire station has opened at Carterton; part of the county council’s commitment to residents’ safety – the first new fire station in the county this century. The previous opened as a replacement in Eynsham in 1985.

For the first time, a fire engine is based in the town, enhancing firefighters’ ability to respond quickly to emergencies throughout West Oxfordshire; helping residents live safe and healthy lives.

The new facility complements fire stations in Burford, Bampton and Witney, giving Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service greater call-out flexibility.

The location of the fire station – an industrial unit at 1 Clare Terrace – is temporary, until a new state-of-the-art station is built at Monahan Way.

Most of fire crew have been with the service for over 14 months, previously based at Bampton fire station.

Simon Furlong, Chief Fire Officer, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said at the ceremony: “We are really pleased to be opening a new fire station in Carterton, providing a local crew to support our prevention and protection activities in West Oxfordshire and across the county.”

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Residents safety is our priority. This temporary fire station is a secure location for a fire engine and crew.

“It’s an important stepping stone towards providing a permanent base for fire and rescue in Carterton. Something we’ll be pursuing vigorously in coming months.”

Carterton fire station was officially opened on Wednesday 05 December.

Guest were given a guided tour of the facilities, including the fire engine, and an opportunity to interview fire crew.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service attended 6,488 emergencies across the county in 2017. They also run educational campaigns on road and home safety, as well as advising and enforcing fire safety legislation to local businesses.

On-call firefighters work from all of its 25 stations, with whole-time firefighters based at six of these locations: Oxford, Slade, Didcot, Abingdon, Banbury and Kidlington.

The service is currently recruiting people to train as on-call firefighters. For further information, visit the website: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oncallfirefighters or email fire.recruitment@oxfordshire.gov.uk