After years of working in a building that did not meet its needs, the department is excited to move to the new Central Fire Station on North Street, said Fire Chief John Duross. The new station replaces the 1938 Central Fire Station on Thornton Avenue.

The new 21,660-square-foot building includes a single-story area for fire apparatus and a two-story wing for administration and staff living quarters.

Voters in February 2010 approved spending $5.9 million on the project.

While walking through the station Monday afternoon, Duross said the building will serve the department well for years to come.

The buildingcontains a separate area for dealing with hazardous waste. Duross said the old station did not allow for proper separation of the hazardous waste containment area. The building also includes a fire protected area for files previously stored in an attic.

The living quarters area of the station includes a day room for a television, fitness room, kitchen and bunkrooms for staff.  An extra bunkroom and office were included in plans to accommodate future growth in the department, he said.

Duross said the “pride and joy” of the new station is the lobby area that serves as a small fire museum. Cases mounted on the wall display artifacts such as old badges and historic photos. An 1848 hand-drawn and hand-pumped fire apparatus serves as a centerpiece for the area. Duross said it was delivered to Saco in 1848 and in the past was stored in a barn.

The fire department on April 30 will host a grand opening and dedication ceremony. The event will begin at 8 a.m. on Thornton Avenue as the station is formally closed and its colors retired. Trucks will then lead a procession to the new station on North Street.

The grand opening and dedication ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by self-guided tours and refreshments. Although not required, RSVP can be made athttp://tinyul.com/sfdrsvp or by calling 282-3244.

– Staff Writer Gillian Graham

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.