Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 15, 1994                   TAG: 9404150065
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: By KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

FIRE DEPARTMENT GETS NEW GENERATOR

Its powerful generator meant the Fire Department could provide electricity, heat and hot water to many people whose homes were without those necessities. More than 250 people took advantage of these amenities during the the February ice storm, including many residents of the English Meadow Retirement Center who were evacuated when a small fire knocked out power to the center.

Then, the generator burned out. The station was able to continue as a shelter by using several small generators to provide power. Food was donated by English Meadow.

This spring, the town of Christiansburg purchased and installed a new $19,444, 100 kilowatt generator.

"This fire station is the only emergency center that is self-contained in Montgomery County that is a shelter," Fire Chief Jimmy Epperly said.

During the ice storms, the department was sometimes responding to a call a minute, meaning volunteers had to be available. The department's shelter is there for firefighters and their families who may have lost power and heat at their homes. The department also wants to provide shelter for other people in need, such as the retirement home residents.

"We don't turn away anybody," Epperly said.

The Christiansburg Fire Department was established in 1911. It serves the town and parts of Montgomery County. It has 30 active volunteers who are supported by the department's Ladies' Auxiliary.