Outdated and deteriorating facilities were spotlighted during a tour of the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Station ahead of a third and final public meeting regarding the firehouse’s future Tuesday.
Entering the engine bay as Engine 121 responded to a call with siren roaring and lights flashing, the truck barely cleared the door. Built in 1957, when the company’s fire trucks and ambulance were smaller, the aging firehouse has low ceilings. Today with two fire trucks, a rescue squad truck, an ambulance, a medic unit and a brush truck – roughly 93 tons of fire, rescue and emergency equipment – space is tight.
After six decades of heavy use, the fire station shows signs of deterioration with cracks visible on interior and exterior walls. Second floor amenities for on-duty firefighters are outdated and in disrepair, fire company officials said.