Fire station questions are answered
I would like to take this time to answer questions regarding fire station two as in a letter to the editor by Gene Pelham on June 28.
Why is there not a flag pole at station two?
The flag pole has been ordered for some time. The company was going to try to have it to us by our opening date, but did not make it. There is a national shortage and a back log of orders for poles and flags since Sept. 11.
What is the structure out back of the building? This is a drafting pit used for testing the pumps on the fire engines. This had previously been done at the city swimming pool or at the river. The river was not a very good place to do the test because the pumps would suck up silt and debris. This causes wear in the pump and it clogs nozzles, causing damage. The pool was not a very viable testing site as it was extremely hard to get our engines next to the pool. Additionally the weight of the fire engine could cause damage to the apron of the pool.
Why was the sign squared with the road instead of the building? When the sign was being installed, I squared it with the building and then with the road. After looking at in both positions I realized it was a lot easier to read from the roadway when it was squared with the road.
Will there be caution lights installed for emergency vehicles entering the roadway? There will not at this time. I have measured the distance from where a driver coming into town from the Bybee Branch area can first see an emergency vehicle to the point where the emergency vehicle enters the roadway. It is 462 feet and the speed limit is 35 mph on that roadway. A driver should have more than enough room to stop. If this becomes a problem, I am confident the city will install some type of warning device to ensure the safety of the drivers in that area.
In closing I would like to let everyone know we are open 24 hours a day. If anyone ever has questions about the fire service please call me at 473-3435 or if you have any other questions concerning city business you may call 473-1200.
Sincerely,
Kevin Lawrence, Chief
McMinnville Fire Department
313 E. Main St.