The South Western Fire Area Administration Scheme Order, 1948

ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS

GUESTS ASSEMBLE 

PLATFORM PARTY ASSEMBLE 

INTRODUCTION
Firemaster J. Jameson F.B.I.M. 

UNVEILING OF COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE
Councillor James Jennings, J.P.,
Chair, Police and Fire Committee 

DEDICATION
Rev. Elizabeth Houston

CONCLUDING REMARKS 

Work commenced on the Construction of the new station in July, 1991 and was completed on 10th July, 1992.
The total capital cost of the project was £464,836.
The station is built on land at Bridgend Road, Dalry, formerly owned by the District Council and British Rail.
A retained crew of one Sub Officer, one Leading Firefighter and eight Firefighters operate from the station.

HISTORY 

Prior to l942, Dalry Fire Station comprised a hut, situated in Courthill Street, which housed a ‘barrow’ and a small quota of firefighting equipment. The service was provided by the local council at that time. Sometime later the building at James Street was acquired and refurbished as a fire station.
During this period a variety of appliances have been used, ranging from a Bedford vehicle towing a light trailer pump to a Bedford ‘Fire Warrior’.
The first major fire in the town was in 1937 when the Victory Cinema in New Street was ablaze. The incident was tackled using the ‘barrow” with much needed support from appliances from Ardrosssan and Kilmarnock.
In 1952, a major fire at St. Margaret’s Parish Church caused extensive damage to the large and impressive landmark. The cause of the fire was heat generated from the steam organ!
The station was operated during the war years providing fire cover for the Garnock Valley area, those early days still well remembered by Mr. J. Bryce, at 74, the oldest surviving firefighter.

THE NEW STATION 

The station is of a standard design, developed by the Brigade and officials of the Department of Architectural and Related Services. It is finished to a high standard aimed at blending into the local surroundings whilst being compact and economical.
Full central heating is installed and the building specification, including the new ‘up and over’ doors, ensures maintenance costs are kept to a minimum.
Unique features of the new station include full Breathing Apparatus maintenance facilities as well as an underground water storage tank with 5,000 gallon capacity.
A spacious car park together with flood lighting and a full security system completed a very attractive new fire station set to enhance the provision of firefighting facilities in DaIry.

MAIN CONTRACTOR
W. Paton & Sons, Ltd., Ayr 

ARCHITECT
Mr. D. Gray, Dip.Arch.(Abdn.), R.I.B.A., A.R.I.A.S., Dip.T.P., F.B.I.M.
Director of Architectural and Related Services
Strathclyde Regional Council 

PROJECT ARCHITECT
Mr. G. Campbell

NEW BASE FOR DALRY FIREFIGHTERS 

Dalry’s retained firefighters now have a new base – a custom built complex which boasts state of the art technology and facilities.
Strathclyde Firemaster, John Jameson officially opened the Fire Station – just off Blair Road – on Monday night.
The £500,000 purpose built complex completely accommodates the crew of ten and their water tender ladder engine and where they once were obliged to leave the station for part of their training, the team can now complete their weekly drill at their base.
Inside, firefighters now have a lecture room with canteen facilities, a small administration office, storage for one appliance, toilets and showers and a drill tower.
Sub Officer Arthur Freel said “The benefits of this station is that it offers up to date facilities and a better environment to work in which gives everyone a boost.
“The former station was an old building. But here, we have everything on site including a drill ground.
“Before, we had to go to other sites for certain drills. We used to use the school or Roche Products or the river for some exercises.
“Training night is Monday for two hours during the winter and three hours in the summer.
“We have more equipment here than many other stations – including a burglar alarm when we’re all out!
“There’s everything from up to date cutting gear to gas suits. We use the cutting gear when there’s road accidents or when children get stuck in railings.
“The gas suits are used when we are in a toxic atmosphere and the gas can go through the pores.
“We use the suits in conjunction with breathing apparatus.”
Since the crew moved to the new station three months ago, their turn out statistics have shot up 50 per cent.
Said Sub Officer Freel: “It must be coincidence!”
Each retained firefighter at Dalry Fire Station is on 24 hour emergency call out. They have to be dedicated.
Sub Officer Freel said: “Everyone does the job for the benefit of the community and the excitement of the job. But it’s quite hard to get into the service now.
“There’s theory exams, a strength test and two courses to go through in Glasgow before they become retained firemen.”
The public will be able to view the new premises of Dalry Fire Station early next year during an open day.
<PHOTO> Chairman of the Regions Police and Fire Committee. Councillor James Jennings J.P. unveils the commemorative plaque at the opening of the new Dalry Fire Station.
<PHOTO> A819XSJ in front of station.
<PHOTO> Firemaster John Jameson (centre) with 79 year old Jim Bryce, the oldest surviving firefighter in the area and the crew of ten retained firefighters at Dalry Fire Station.
<PHOTO> Mr Jameson addresses staff at Dalry Fire Station during the official opening of the new premises.
(Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, Friday, October 30, 1992. Page 10.)

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