Construction work began last week at the site of what will be Augusta's first new fire station since Lyndon B. Johnson was president.

The Kennebec Journal reports an official groundbreaking ceremony for the roughly $4 million station is scheduled for Thursday in north Augusta.

The last time Augusta had a new fire station, the Augusta Fire Department responded to 500 fire calls a year. The department now responds to 1,300 fire calls in addition to 4,500 calls requesting emergency medical service.

Chief Roger Audette says the new station will provide more room for firefighters, trucks, ambulances and other equipment.

Construction is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2017. It will not be finished by the time Augusta's new multipurpose ladder firetruck is expected to arrive in November.   (AP)

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