A new Rural Fire Service Brigade building at Duffys Forest officially opened its doors yesterday, 25 June.

Council, in partnership with the Rural Fire Service, demolished the existing building that was built in 1965 and have constructed a new modern fit-for-purpose building.

The building includes a multi-function room, kitchen, cleaning area, utility room, accessible bathroom facilities, media room and parking for up to four fire trucks.  There will also be parking spaces for an additional 10 vehicles outside the station.

Mayor Sue Heins said the new fire station would better house the growing number of brigade members in the area.

“The Rural Fire Service (RFS) play a critical role in protecting our community and pristine bushland and it is great to see it now has a base that is in line with current standards and fitting with the vital service it provides.

“While the majority of project’s capital funding came from Rural Fire Service headquarters, with some funds provided by Council, I would also like to acknowledge the significant fundraising efforts of the Duffys Forest Rural Fire Brigade who contributed $200,000 to the new fire shed.”

The original fire station had only two minor alterations since 1965, but over the years, a larger, better building was required.

The NSW RFS is the world’s largest volunteer fire fighting service and the Northern Beaches has a proud history of volunteer firefighting.