MBFD, HCFR provide update on new fire stations as population grows

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - Between Horry County Fire Rescue and Myrtle Beach Fire Department, four new fire stations are being built in the county to accommodate population growth.

Horry County Fire Rescue fielded nearly 80,000 calls in 2023, surpassing the 2022 numbers.

HCFR Spokesperson Tony Casey told WMBF News the department is already up more than 500 calls than they were this time last year.

“We have no signs to believe we’re slowing down,” said Casey.

HCFR is growing with its demand. Construction is close to being done on three new fire stations in Forestbrook, in the Nixonville area, and the Longs area. All three are expected to be operating by the middle of 2024.

And as for staffing those stations, Casey doesn’t expect that to be a problem.

“Last week we kicked off a new recruit class of people, so 38 of those new people that we brought on-- approximately mid-50s for the size of that class-- 38 of those are new positions to fill these new stations we’re opening up,” said Casey.

The Myrtle Beach Fire Department is also expanding. Crews will rebuild Station 3 on Kings Highway. They will also add administration offices and a training center.

Fire Marshall Christian Sliker said the upgrades to Station 3 are important because it runs a majority of the department’s calls.

“This is a great opportunity for our city and our fire department to bring administration, Station 3, and our training together, basically under one roof,” said Sliker.

Sliker added that MBFD responded to fewer fires in 2023 than in 2022, but had more calls for service overall, and members are always preparing for future growth. The Station 3 rebuild will come with more staff members and equipment.

“The old Station 3 housed an engine, a squad, and a county ambulance,” said Sliker, “The new station is going to house an engine, a ladder truck and also still have the county ambulance running through it. We want to ensure that if the calls do increase at an exponential rate, we want to have the proper apparatus in the proper place so we can provide that best service.”

Sliker said MBFD members should be moved into the new Station 3 in a little over a year.

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