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New Fire House Provides Care to Montrose Residents

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Jun 21, 2012 at 7:56 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jun 21, 2012 at 8:08 AM MDT

MONTROSE, Colo.- It's been nearly six months since Montrose opened its new fire house on the west end of town. Fire officials say the structure has already been a great asset for their district.

It’s the third house for the Western Slope city, and firefighters say because of the flexibility and man power the new establishment offers, they have already seen a reduction in EMS and fire call response times.

"Having the station out on the west end of town here, it can shorten our response times up to five minutes on some of our calls,” said Cory Carwin, a firefighter. “It’s critical when it comes to EMS responses."

If help isn’t available, it could mean life or death for residents in need. "I just want people to be safe out there," said Deputy Chief Dale Erickson.

Erickson says he has seen firsthand the aid the new station has provided to the community, and during this time of year, with brush fires at a high level, the new fire house will supply necessary care.

"This is one of the stations that are going to be in there first,” said Erickson. “Hopefully, the quicker you can get in there, it won't give that fire a chance to grow to an unmanageable situation."

With one or two calls coming in a day, the station has already responded to over 250 calls since they opened this January.

There are three full-time firefighters at the new station 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, fire officials are hoping they will eventually be able to add a fourth, budget pending.

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