Audio Transcript

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Welcome to Calgary's Fire Headquarters! This old brick firehall that's sit diagonal to the intersection is actually Fire Hall No.1. It was once one of the largest and most advanced fire halls in the country!

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It first opened in 1911 as the Calgary Fire Department’s new headquarters, and for a while was actually the only fire hall in the city to be motorized! The hall’s first fire chief was James Smart, who was apparently very beloved during his time, known to be extremely dedicated to both his firemen and the citizens of the city. When they were putting out fires and spectators got too close, he was known to turn the hoses on them to keep them out of harm’s way!

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The building was designed at an angle due to the recommendations of a number of planning experts. They said that this would bring an increased visual interest to the streetscape.

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I don't know about you, but I'd say it worked!

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