Schwarzach plans fire station on public swimming pool grounds

Schwarzach im Pongau plans to build a new fire station on the grounds of its municipal outdoor swimming pool, ORF reported. Parts of the pool facilities will have to be relocated, while most of the swimming pool will remain.

Mayor Andreas Haitzer said nine options had been examined, including renovation, refurbishment and new construction at different locations. The selected plan calls for the new station to be built on the meadow beside the pool. A new children’s pool and paddling pool are also planned.

The location in the market town is well protected, Haitzer said, and the municipality will not have to buy land. The new fire station is expected to cost about five million euros.

The 87 active firefighters, the youth fire brigade and seven vehicles are scheduled to move into the new building in 2030 or 2031.

Fire brigade commander Markus Buzanich said the project was necessary because the existing station was outdated. The new building will provide more vehicle bays, while the demands on volunteer firefighters are becoming greater and more dangerous.

The future use of the current station on the market square will be decided with input from Schwarzach residents.