Braintree Fire Department Headquarters Will Receive Major Renovation

BRAINTREE, MA - The Braintree Fire Department headquarters is slated for major renovations later this year, according to an article in The Patriot Ledger.

The antiquated building on Union Street, constructed in 1931, has been a state of disrepair for years. Several broken windows in the rear of the headquarters have been boarded up or covered with cardboard. Some offices don't have windows, and others have frames painted with lead paint.

The interior of the building is of greater concern. Like other older fire stations, the building contains asbestos. The roof leaks, as well as the pipes, causing mold.

"Largely, this building has not been touched since it was built in 1931," said Fire Chief James O'Brien, who has been in this position for the past decade. He called the project "long overdue."

Firefighters not only work in these conditions, but also eat and sleep there during their shifts. According to the Firefighter Now website, most fire departments operate 24-hour shifts.

The Town Council in May approved an additional $7 million for work at the fire headquarters, bringing the total allocation of funds to $11.5 million. The money was part of a $21.6 million capital budget plan by Mayor Charles Kokoros.

Plans for the project, which are nearly complete, call for adding a two-story addition to the side of the building. Much of the interior will be gutted.

In addition to the roof replacement and some external repairs, there will be renovated and enlarged dormitory space for firefighters. There will also be new restroom and shower facilities, a decontamination area, a fitness center, a new kitchen and a training area.

In other fire-related news, the Braintree Police Department announced in a Facebook post Wednesday evening that this week, the fire department "responded to numerous outside fires in mulch, grass and even a tree." Factors include lack of rain as well as the improper disposal of smoking materials.

"If you’re gonna 'rip a butt,' please dispose of it property and not flick it out the window," the post cautioned.