In a significant move to enhance the infrastructure and working conditions of the city's emergency services, the Ayuntamiento (City Council) of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has announced a comprehensive renovation of the Miller Bajo fire station, the central hub of the Servicio de Extinción de Incendios y Salvamento (SEIS) – Bomberos.
Investment and Scope of the Project
The renovation, which is the most extensive in the history of the fire station, is backed by a substantial investment of 2.1 million euros. This funding is provided through the remanents of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, highlighting the collaborative effort between local and insular authorities to improve public services.
Key Improvements
The project, presented by Alcaldesa (Mayor) Carolina Darias and the President of the Cabildo insular, Antonio Morales, encompasses several critical areas:
- Redistribution of Dormitories: The existing dormitory area will be revamped to include 20 individual rooms, up from the current eight double rooms, ensuring each firefighter has their own space.
- Rehabilitation of Training Tower: The ten-story training tower, used for simulating various types of fires and rescues, will undergo significant improvements. This includes demolishing existing railings, sanitizing the concrete edges, and redesigning new railings with safety lines to enhance the safety of firefighters during training.
- Administrative and Recreational Areas: The building will see a redistribution of office spaces, the creation of new recreational and rest areas for firefighters, and the installation of new bathrooms, including one adapted for individuals with reduced mobility.
- Accessibility and Modernization: The project includes the installation of an elevator to ensure the building meets accessibility standards. Additionally, there will be a thorough renovation of the electrical, plumbing, sanitation, fire protection, and air conditioning systems.
- Kitchen and Storage Facilities: Improvements will also be made to the kitchen, pantries, storage areas, and cleaning facilities to enhance the overall working environment.
Timeline and Additional Investments
The renovation is expected to take 14 months to complete. This project is part of a broader modernization plan for the SEIS – Bomberos, which has seen recent investments in new fire trucks, including three first-response vehicles, a water tanker, and a command vehicle, as well as specific equipment for traffic accidents and personal protective gear for firefighters.
Commitment to Public Safety
Alcaldesa Carolina Darias emphasized the importance of this renovation, stating that it will significantly improve the conditions for firefighters and, by extension, enhance the services they provide to the community. President Antonio Morales highlighted that this project aligns with the Cabildo's philosophy of supporting emblematic and essential public works, underscoring the critical role of the fire service in ensuring public safety.
This major renovation reflects a commitment to modernizing and strengthening the emergency response capabilities in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, benefiting both the firefighters and the community they serve.
