WILMINGTON — In an effort to maximize the effectiveness of New Hanover County Fire and Rescue, a new “state of the art” fire station is being constructed to replace the aging Station 16, located in Ogden.
The original facility was built in 1961, and is obsolete by today’s standards. According to County Manager Chris Courdriet, this is the second busiest station in the county, and it’s no longer capable of supporting the needs of residents and visitors to our area.
Yesterday morning, County officials gathered at the original station, located at 7375 Market Street, for a groundbreaking ceremony. The old facility will be razed and the new building constructed on the same site.
The new Station 16 will be nearly double the size of the old building, and will feature updated equipment like a decontamination space, living quarters and a gym.
“We’re building this with growth in mind,” Courdriet said. “This is being built with technology that the fire service of the future will need.”
The new station will be home to both firefighters, and EMS personnel.
The process began in 2015, and construction is scheduled to be completed in September, 2018.
“We’ve been working on this project for many years,” said Chief Donny Hall with NHC Fire and Rescue. “We’re excited to be able to bring a state of the art facility to this community, that will help with emergency response for the citizens and visitors, who come to New Hanover County.”
For more information, visit nhcfirerescue.gov.
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