FLORENCE COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – West Florence Fire Rescue is consolidating into the new Florence County Fire Rescue as part of a major overhaul that began in 2014.
The consolidation aims to strengthen emergency resources and services across the county.
The seven agencies to eventually combine are Sardis-Timmonsville Fire Protection, Johnsonville Fire District, Howe Springs Fire District, Hannah Salam Friendfield Fire District, and Windy Hill, Olanta Fire Districts.
Officials said the move will provide residents with more consistent, equitable and effective fire protection.
Improved services and resources
The consolidation will be achieved through better resource management, standardized training, improved purchasing power for equipment and unified financial accountability.
“We’ve also started purchasing more for all of the agencies as opposed to just one agency at a time when it comes in regards to bunker gear, firefighting gear, air packs, and other large ticket items are now being purchased for the entirety of the county fire service as opposed to just agency by agency,” said Anthony Fox, Florence County Public Information Officer.
These changes could lead to potentially lower ISO ratings, which may result in better insurance rates for residents and a more streamlined emergency response across the county.
The consolidation is also expected to improve fire and emergency response times due to increased staffing and more resources being available.
“We don’t expect anything but an improvement in fire response because we’re going to still see a combination of career firefighters and volunteer firefighters responding to calls both in West Florence and throughout the county,” said Fox. “So the fire service throughout the county is going to do nothing but improve in the consolidation process.”
West Florence Fire currently employs 35 people, including volunteers and 20 part-time paid staff.
Countywide, Florence County has over 500 firefighters spread among 34 stations.
Florence County Fire Rescue is actively hiring command staff and new firefighters, with hiring ongoing throughout the year.
No fire station closures are planned at this time.
The estimated time for the completion of the consolidation has not been determined.
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