SILSBEE, Texas — Volunteer firefighters and residents in Silsbee are looking forward to the grand opening this weekend of the city's newest fire station.
In December 2021 the Silsbee Independent School District board of trustees sold the property where the old Kirby Elementary School once stood to Hardin County Emergency Services District Six.
More than two years later, the brand new 16,000 square-foot-fire station has been built on the 13.5 acre piece of land.
The public will get its first up-close look at the new facility on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the new station in the middle of Silsbee at the corner of N Fifth and Highway 418.
Following the ceremony the firehouse will be open for the public tour until noon.
"We tried to build this station for 20, 30 years from now. To be still fully functionable and doesn't really require a whole lot. We have an upstairs, downstairs, restrooms and showers," Silsbee Fire Chief Robin Jones said.
The station has training rooms, a commercial grade kitchen and an exterior built to withstand 140 mile per hour winds.
The revamped exterior was an important reason Hardin County ESD #6 board president Matt Dulaney says they supported this project.
"We wanted and needed something to be a wind-rated building. Also to house our fireman in case of an evacuation time, so they can be under one roof. Also the station is designed for when we become a paid station, they can convert the upstairs to dorms," Dulaney said.
Jones is hoping for a big community turnout at the station's open house.
"This is for the community and we want everyone to come out with their families and get the tour because this wouldn't be possible without the community and their support. So, definitely we invite you to come to the open house with your family," he said.
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