GORDONVILLE -- Gordonville area residents can rest a little easier at night knowing that a new fire substation on Missouri Highway F near Tilsit is up and running.

"Every resident now lives within five miles of a fire station," said Gordonville Fire Chief Roger English.

The new location in Tilsit is more than just a fire station; it also doubles as a community disaster center.

The fire department hosted an open house Sunday at its newest location. Visitors got to tour the station house and see the trucks and equipment used by the department. They also learned how the enhanced 911 service allows a quicker response by emergency vehicles.

In addition to housing fire trucks, the station is equipped with a kitchen, a handicap accessible bathroom with a shower and a finished area above the kitchen. There are also offices that could serve as temporary living quarters for firefighters.

The Gordonville fire district is one of the oldest in Cape Girardeau County. Five years ago it was incorporated as a tax district.

Construction on the new building began three years ago and was completed as money became available.

With area residents living so close to fire stations they don't have to worry about a long wait should there ever be a fire. And they also receive the benefit of decreased insurance costs with help so readily available.

Although Gordonville firefighters are volunteers, they receive the same training as firefighters for any fire department in the state, said Larry Galloway, who has been a firefighter for 12 years.