FOLEY – The City of Foley is expanding fire protection with plans for a new fire station in the northeast area of the city.
The station will be built on East Fern Avenue between Alabama 59 and the Foley Beach Express. The new facility will help meet public safety needs as development continues in the northeastern part of Foley.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the city is preparing the site for construction of the new station.
“We have acquired the land in a northeast quadrant, which we’re getting ready to subdivide for our newest fire station,” Hellmich said. “We will have to add some more firemen, and that will continue to cover the north half of Foley as it grows.”
Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby said the location offers several advantages for emergency response.
“It is an ideal location, very flat land,” Darby said. “It’s high and dry and gives us great proximity to the Beach Express and back west to 59. We couldn’t ask for a better spot in our northeast. We’re very excited to get this piece of property that really fits and meets all those needs for us.”
The Foley City Council approved a survey to subdivide a five-acre parcel on East Fern Avenue into two lots. Approximately half of the property will be used for the fire station, while the remaining portion is planned for a Riviera Utilities well and water-storage facility.
The current property owner is donating the land as a single parcel. Subdividing the property will allow both the city and Riviera Utilities to use the site for their respective facilities.
Darby said city officials are working with Riviera Utilities to determine the final layout, with plans to place the fire station in a location that allows the best access for emergency vehicles. Riviera Utilities will also study the site to determine whether a well and water storage tank could be located on the property.
“They’re excited about this as well,” Darby said. “I really think it’s going to be a great layout for us and will really position us well.”