Columbia Fire Department Plans New Fire Station to Enhance Services and Community Connection

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Exciting Changes Coming to Our Firehalls!

Yes, you heard it right! Our beloved city of Columbia is getting a shiny new fire station on Ferguson Street as part of an upgrade to the current Olympia Park Station. That’s right – it’s almost time to say goodbye to the little fire station that has served us well since it was converted from a flower shop back in the 1990s. It’s clear that our fire department has outgrown their cozy digs, and they are ready for a change!

The Need for New Space

With our city growing and the demand for fire services increasing, it’s vital that our firefighters have the resources they need to keep everyone safe. The new firehouse, which will be located on Bluff Road, is designed to accommodate more equipment, resources, and perhaps even an additional fire truck! It’s all about providing the best possible service for the residents of Columbia.

What’s Different This Time?

Assistant Chief Mickey Folsom of the Columbia Fire Department (CFD) is brimming with excitement about the plans. He mentioned that the new structure is not just about having more space but also about creating a better environment for our firefighters. “When we designed this firehouse, we thought about the future. We thought about future growth,” he said. How cool is that?

One major improvement you can expect is the accommodation for up to nine personnel, unlike the current fire station, which can only hold five. More people means better coverage and quicker response times, which we all appreciate.

Supporting Our Heroes’ Health

An important aspect of this new firehouse is their initiative to promote healthier working conditions for the firefighters. Chief Folsom emphasizes the implementation of a cancer prevention initiative that aims to cut down on exposure to harmful toxins. They’re setting up an exhaust system that captures harmful emissions right when the firefighters return from a scene. This change will help protect our heroes from hazardous materials they may encounter while keeping us safe.

Project Timeline and Budget

The journey to this new fire station is unfolding in four phases. The first phase, the schematic design, is already complete! Next up are the construction drawings, and once that’s all set, construction will begin. The estimated total cost for this exciting project is around $10 million, funded by a mix of general funds and a grant. Pretty impressive, right?

A Community Space

In addition to all the shiny new features, the new fire station will have a community room that residents can use for meetings or community gatherings. Chief Folsom enthusiastically shared that “any firehouse is the citizens’ firehouse,” making it clear that this space is not just for the firefighters but also for the community they serve. It looks like our firefighters will be even more connected to the citizens they protect!

Looking Ahead

The next steps in this project will involve a final review and approval of the construction drawings, projected for completion in the Spring of 2025. With anticipated completion between winter 2026 and spring 2027, we can expect this new fire station to be up and running before we know it!

So Columbia, get ready for an exciting upgrade to your fire services! With a new firehouse on the way, we can all feel a little safer knowing our firefighters will have everything they need to keep our community secure.