PIGEON FORGE, TN – The Pigeon Forge Fire Department will honor a centuries-old tradition when it officially opens the city’s new state-of-the-art $20 million fire station.

An apparatus push-in ceremony will highlight a community grand opening celebration on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pigeon Forge Fire Department’s Station 1 (225 Pine Mountain Rd.) During this historic fire service tradition, apparatus Rescue 21, a heavy rescue truck, will be physically pushed into the fire station by city officials and past and present Pigeon Forge firefighters, signifying the vehicle’s rededication to public service while honoring all members of the firefighting community.

The push-in ceremony dates to the days of horse-drawn engines. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, crews would unhitch the steam pumpers and manually push the equipment into the building.

“Our grand opening celebration on Oct. 19 is an opportunity for our Pigeon Forge Fire Department to introduce and welcome our community to its new fire station,” said Pigeon Forge Fire Department Interim Chief Joshua Carr. “Pigeon Forge Fire Department’s Station 1 is a testament to the people we serve, and it’s a physical representation of our commitment to public safety and the trust this city has placed in each of us.”

The public is invited to join city officials and fire department personnel for the grand opening event. Firefighters will be on hand to provide tours and answer questions about the facility and firefighting. The grand opening event gets underway at 2 p.m. The push-in ceremony takes place at 2:30 p.m. followed by facility tours.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 13, 2024, for the new fire services headquarters which spans 30,216 square feet. The facility includes in-house training facilities as well as expanded accommodations for firefighters.

“Pigeon Forge’s new fire headquarters signifies our city’s commitment to the highest standard of safety for both our community and our firefighters,” said Pigeon Forge Mayor Kevin McClure. “We invite our residents and visitors to celebrate at our grand opening ceremony as we honor both our past firefighters as well as the current men and women who have bravely chosen to devote their lives to duty and service.”