Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are honoured to have the Princess Royal, officially opening Exeter’s new fire stations, Middlemoor and Danes Castle, on Friday, 26 February.

The media are invited to attend the event.

Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said: “The new stations improve our ability to respond to fires and other emergency incidents in the city and surrounding areas. Middlemoor station is ideally situated to deal with incidents in the M5 corridor and on the eastern side of Exeter, which has seen large numbers of new homes and businesses in recent years.”

Both Middlemoor and Danes Castle Fire Stations are state of the art and built to an environmentally-friendly design, reducing the carbon footprint has been a key focus throughout, with cost-saving electrical devices and natural ventilation systems.

Rainwater is stored and recycled for non-drinking purposes, including providing water for the toilets. As part of the station’s ‘green’ initiative, more trees are being planted on site and bat boxes introduced in order to encourage local nature conservation.

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Note to Media

Due to the nature of the royal visit arrangements for media access are restricted but every effort will be made to make sure that they you receive accurate, timely and informative coverage.

Media attendance needs to be confirmed prior to the event for name badges to be printed, please contact Suzie Izzard, Press Officer on 01392 872296 – email sizzard@dsfire.gov.uk

If Media are only able to attend one station Danes Castle in Howell Road is suggested.

Timings
Middlemoor Station:
Princesses Royal to arrive at 10:50 and depart for Danes Castle at 11.35.
The media will have access to meets and greets at front of building and unveiling of temporary plaque at rear of building.

Danes Castle Station:
Princesses Royal to arrive at 11:55. The media will have access to meets and greets at front of building. Drill presentation of an aerial rescue using the station tower and unveiling of plaque at front of building.

Once HRH has left at 13.00 – media can conduct interior interviews.

HRH Link
http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Royaldiary/Locationsandtimes.aspx

Brief History
Middlemoor was the first station to become operational on the 9 September 2009, build on an area of land at the Police Headquarters, boasting four bays for fire appliances and other specialist vehicles.

Danes Castle in Howell Road became operational within a week of Middlemoor and replaces the old fire station, which dated back 70 years; it has four fire appliance vehicles, including a water bowser and aerial ladder, a four-storey, state-of-the-art drill tower to replaces the old brick one and the installation of the original pole-drop that has been in operation since 1931.

During the 14 months of the rebuilding of the station the crews operated out of porta cabins, while continuing to serve Exeter.

Danes Castle is also home to Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service groups support team, fire safety inspection officers and the community safety unit, plus administration staff. 

Both stations have within them a community use lecture room which is assessable to the community.