By jason Schreiber
The Union Leader Correspondent
BRENTWOOD, N.H. — Fire trucks have finally rolled into their new home, leaving the town’s old fire station empty as it awaits a potential buyer.
Firefighters officially began operating out of the town’s new station at the corner of Routes 125 and 111A on Jan. 9.
The spacious 13,944-square-foot new station, which was approved by voters last March and cost just under $1.7 million, is approximately 4,500 square feet larger than the old station on Crawley Falls Road.
“It’s a big relief to be done with it and to get over here,” Fire Chief Kevin Lemoine said.
The larger bays for the fire trucks and other emergency vehicles have made a big difference, Lemoine said. Some of the trucks could barely fit through the doors of the old station, and when being backed in, a firefighter always had to be on the floor watching to make sure nothing was hit.
The additional space gives the new station two more bays, bringing the total to nine, and features more rooms for storing equipment. It also includes three bunk rooms for firefighters who may have to spend the night in the station, an exercise room, a larger conference room, a washroom with a washer and dryer for fire gear, a shower and restrooms for both men and women.
“The new building has a lot of advantages over the old station. It makes life easier and is certainly an improvement,” firefighter Brian West said.
The building is also more secure, easier to heat, and is much more visible to the public because it sits at a busy intersection.
Lemoine said Caprioli Painting of Newmarket donated the installation of epoxy flooring inside the station, saving approximately $35,000.
Meanwhile, the former fire station remains on the market for $300,000. Lemoine said no one appears ready to buy it, but someone has expressed interest in leasing the building, which sits in an area zoned for commercial and residential use.
Lemoine said the building could be purchased for a home, condominiums, or some other commercial use, like a restaurant.
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