COLUMBIA, S.C. — Exciting Changes Ahead for Columbia’s Fire Department!
Columbia is on the brink of a marvelous transformation with the plans to build a brand new fire station on Ferguson Street. This replacement for the Olympia Park Station is set to make a big difference in how the Columbia Fire Department operates, especially with the expected growth in the department!
The Need for a New Facilities
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. The current fire station located in Olympia started its life as a flower shop back in 1977! Yes, you heard that right! It was turned into a firehouse in the 1990s, but it seems time has caught up with it. Fire officials from Columbia have indicated that the station is simply too small to support the needs of today’s fire service. With plans for a new location on Bluff Road, this change couldn’t come at a better time.
Room to Grow
The new firehouse is designed to accommodate up to nine personnel, a significant increase from the current capacity which only allows for five. This new facility isn’t just about more beds; it’s all about creating a healthier and safer environment for the brave individuals who put their lives on the line to keep the community safe. Assistant Chief of Administration, Mickey Folsom, shared his excitement: “When it comes to safety, when it comes to the hot, warm, cold zone, when it comes to a place to study, place to fellowship with one another, everything about this place is new and different.”
Keeping Firefighters Safe
One of the standout features of the new firehouse is a cancer prevention initiative designed to tackle some of the health risks that firefighters face. The new exhaust system will help eliminate harmful carcinogens from the air as firefighters return from scenes. “When our firefighters come from a scene, we go into different types of scenes. As toxic as they can be, it’s crucial to mitigate those risks,” Folsom explained.
The Project Timeline
As for the building process, the new fire station project is divided into four phases. Phase one has just wrapped up with the completion of a schematic design. What’s next? The team will be focusing on the construction drawings, followed by the actual building phase, and ultimately, the project closeout. Excitingly, the project is estimated to cost around $10 million, with funding coming from general funds along with a grant.
A Community Space for All
This new facility isn’t only for firefighters; it’s also a place for the community! There will be a community room available that residents can use for meetings and events. As Folsom put it, “Any firehouse is the citizens’ firehouse. They can come by at any time.” This mission reflects the commitment the fire department holds for fostering close ties with the Columbia community.
Looking Ahead
As for when you can expect to see this impressive new station? Final reviews of the construction drawings should be finished by Spring 2025. And with everything going as planned, the project is expected to wrap up by winter 2026 or spring 2027. It’s certainly an exciting time for Columbia and its fire department.
Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as this project unfolds. It’s a big step forward in enhancing the safety, comfort, and service for both the firefighters and the community they serve. Cheers to progress and safety in Columbia!
