Construction moving along for new Semmes fire station
SEMMES, Ala. (WKRG) — The construction of a new fire station in Semmes is making progress.
The $4.3 million project began in January. The larger facility will replace what is currently known as Fire Station #3.
Semmes Fire Chief Kevin Brooks said that the location was temporary.
“It was put there in about 2012,” Brooks explained. “We just wanted to upgrade our facilities and move it to a better location as we continue to grow.”
The new Fire Station #1 is located on Schillinger Road. The new location is expected to help improve response times for firefighters.
“It’ll be in our commercial district, so we’re real excited about moving that station because it’s very long overdue,” Brooks said. “On every call, we’re going to save at least a minute and 20 seconds.”
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Brooks said better response times mean good news for residents and their insurance rates.
“Insurance rates are based on response times so the quicker you get there, the quicker you can mitigate the incident, save property, save lives,” Brooks explained.
Fire Station #1 will house both administrative staff and firefighters.
“The firefighters will be able to stay there during hurricanes during inclement weather to respond out of there, which is going to help out the citizens,” Brooks said.
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Semmes Mayor Brandon Van Hook said he is proud to see the new addition to the growing city.
“We’ve got this new station being built, and on top of that we’ve replaced one brand new engine; we have another ladder truck coming next month,” Van Hook explained. “We’re excited about all the new additions. But again, it’s for the people, not for us.”
The project is expected to be finished by the end of the year, but it could be completed as early as the fall. In addition to the new location, there are two other fire stations ready to respond to emergencies.
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