Firefighters in Camborne and Redruth will be shortly making the move to Tolvaddon after being given the keys to Cornwall’s newest fire station.

Many years in the planning and after a year-long build, the brand new custom built Camborne, Pool and Redruth Community Fire Station will open its doors later this month.

Contractors from Kier Construction handed over the keys to station manager Mark Salter last week, prompting crews to start the task of moving into their new home.

Crews will begin to respond to emergency calls from the station later this month and in the run up to official move will rehearse mobilising fire appliances from the Tolvaddon site. When fully operational, wholetime and on call firefighters will be based at the station which will provide 24 hour cover for the Camborne, Pool and Redruth area. The station will house three fire engines, as well as a rescue tender –used to respond to road traffic collisions and animal rescues among other incidents – and a rope rescue vehicle.

“Our immediate focus, prior to going live, is to ensure that all our critical systems are functioning correctly," said Mr Salter. "This includes the testing of our mobilisation and deployment procedures and completing a series of operational preparedness checks before we officially move in,”

“Firefighters will be spending as much time as possible here at the new station over the next few weeks in order to become familiar with the operating area and to become more accustomed to their new surroundings. We will be working with the local community to make sure we are considerate of their needs and will be inviting neighbouring residents to a series of drop in sessions at the station after we go live.

“Today is a momentous occasion and is a testament to the determination of our Chief Fire Officer and principal management team who have taken a long held ambition of the service and made it a reality. I very much look forward to serving at the new community fire station and feel immensely proud of what Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has achieved.”

Councillor Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for communities, said: “I am delighted that our dedicated fire fighters will be moving to these new, purpose built, premises. Together with the new Hayle Community Fire Station this will enable CFRS to reach almost 14,000 homes in the area more quickly and will provide fire cover second to none. I would also like to thank Kier for their co-operation, efficiency and attention to detail in the construction of the new station.”

Stuart Denslow, project manager for Kier Construction, added: “We have been pleased to be part of the process to provide CFRS with a new fire station, it has been a challenging project however we have enjoyed the collaborative working relationship with the Fire service and project team and look forward to seeing the facility go live.”

The new station is an important investment for the service, with the new building replacing two stations which were more than 50 years old. The relocation to the new station and facilities is expected to save the service around £500,000 a year in maintenance, running and operational costs.