Harwich Fire Department Unveils New Substation

Harwich Fire Chief Norman Clarke Jr. speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday for a new substation in East Harwich.

HARWICH – Harwich Fire Department officials unveiled the new fire substation facility over the weekend.

A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was held Saturday at the new $6.75 million facility on Route 39 at Route 137 in East Harwich.

Fire Chief Norman Clarke Jr. said the new station is a much needed upgrade over the old substation designed in the early 1970s and thanked firefighters for working through the challenging conditions.

“For the many years leading up to this new fire house there was never a complaint about unacceptable living conditions that you work in at that old station,” Clarke said.

Clarke said the station is a second home for the firefighters and that they deserve a livable space.

“One of my last missions – I checked that box off and got you the station you so deserve,” Clarke said.

The new station has enough space for two fire engines, two ambulances and four two other vehicles.

It features five bunk rooms, a first aid room, fitness room, kitchen, and a meeting room, which will be available to the public.

Firefighter gear will also be stored in a different part of the building that has lower air pressure in an effort to keep contaminants out of the facility’s living quarters.