Twenty-plus years in the making, High Falls Fire and Rescue moved into its new home.
The 33 members are proud this dream has finally come true, as they had discussed a much-needed new firehouse for over 20 years.
“We had come close a couple of times, but for one reason or another, it would never work out,” said Chief Matthew Scott. “We were able to get some land, and for a number of reasons, we were able to make this a reality.”
They outgrew the original fire station and could not house 24-hour firefighters. When the High Falls Fire Department was formed in 1957, they built the original fire station, and in 1976, they added three bays. The new station is 7,500 square feet with six bays and is able to house 24-hour-a-day firefighters.
The new fire station has offices, a training room, bedrooms, and a large open kitchen and living space. They also equipped the station with a generator, as the old house did not have one.
“The biggest need was room to house our trucks, bedrooms and offices and the ability to stay here 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Scott.
High Falls has two Monday-Friday firefighters and has been approved to add a third. Their goal is to hire 24-hour firefighters.
The old station is on Highway 22 in front of High Falls Elementary School. The new station is just a mile away on North Moore Road.
One resident stopped during our interview to let firefighters know how happy she was that they had moved into her neighborhood.
“We are planning an open house event for the community late summer or early fall,” said Scott. They will announce the date and time when it gets closer.
A private individual is buying the old station from High Falls Fire and Rescue.
Feature photo: High Falls Fire and Rescue’s new home on North Moore Road. Photo by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Melissa Schaub.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self.
