Firing up for new station open day

Moreton Bay’s newest fire station is opening up to the public this weekend for a special open day.

Visitors can check out Moreton Bay Central Fire Station and major appliances, at 12 Steel St, Narangba, from 11am-1pm on Saturday.

It will enable the community to get-to-know the local urban and auxiliary crews, see the equipment at the station and have a free sausage sizzle.

QFES Acting Inspector Tony Laurie said plans were to display a new firefighting appliance, which is expected to arrive this week.

There will also be an aerial platform coming from Hendra Fire Station and an emergency tender from Chermside.

A kitchen simulator will be set-up to show how fat and oil fires can start and what actions should be taken.

Around 16-18 staff will be on site to answer questions and with information about fire safety.

Acting Inspector Laurie said the new $6 million station is operating “really well” and has been busy since opening in November.

In fact, firefighters answered their first call just 74 minutes after officially opening. It was one of 37 received in the first 10 days.

“It is a pretty big station and being here now helps relieve other stations, such as Burpengary,” Acting Inspector Laurie said.

Moreton Bay Central’s “administrative boundary” covers all of North Lakes and Deception Bay and parts of Mango Hill, Narangba and Dakabin.

However, operational responses are determined by the closest appliances and in order of recommendation.

The new fire station followed a campaign, driven by Mango Hill Progress Association, to boost emergency service cover in the area.

Before Moreton Bay Central opened, the nearest fire stations to North Lakes were at Burpengary, Deception Bay, Kippa-Ring, Redcliffe and Petrie.