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Work on two new Forsyth fire stations on track
By: Kelly Whitmire Construction on a pair of stations for the Forsyth County Fire Department is about halfway done. In February, the department broke ground on Fire Station No. 6 and no. 8 — work is just more than 50 percent complete for Station 6 and just less than for Station 8. “It was intentionally started with Station 6 about a month ahead of Station 8, so the contractor and all of the subcontractors can easily move job site to job site,” Division Chief Jason Shivers said. “As we find issues or adjustments have to be made at one project, it’s easy to adjust them on the next project.” Shivers said interior work on the stations is just beginning, though they may look more complete on the outside. “What the public will see as they drive by is the exterior blockwork is still underway,” Shivers said. “They’re starting to actually look like a fire station because the exterior surfaces are starting to get fine-tuned.” Station 8 is located on Keith Bridge Road and is a replacement for a station originally built in the department’s volunteer era. While the new station is under construction, the crew normally working there has been based out of a Dawson County fire station near the county line. “The Fire Station 8 response times have not been adversely affected in the construction process,” Shivers said. “We are extremely grateful to Dawson County for their continued support and assistance in letting us house Company 8 with Dawson County. “The concept has worked out as planned.” Station 6 is a new facility located near the intersection of Brookwood and Caney roads in south Forsyth. The county previously had a station with the same name in the volunteer era, and the new facility will address a gap in the numbering. “We’re simply closing in a gap between three fire stations,” Shivers said. “We certainly believe that the response times for Station 6 will improve that territory in the Johns Creek area of the county.” The fire stations will be similar in design to Stations 1, 2 and 12 and will feature four bays for vehicles. Each station will also have a fully stocked gym, kitchen, day rooms and sleeping quarters, among other features. Shivers said the stations should open in early spring next year. Construction for both facilities is being funded through a 1-cent sales tax program and impact fees, which are charges on new development. Work for both stations is being handled by D.A. Edwards and Co. Though no future fire stations have been approved by county commissioners, the department does have long range plans for future facilities. Shivers said the two most likely are a replacement of Fire Station 9 on Browns Bridge Road and a new station on land currently owned by the department on Pittman Road.