In recent years, the City of Barnwell addressed many of its facility upgrade needs for water and wastewater infrastructure, or parks and the police department, but a persistent concern remained with its fire department headquarters, an inefficient and outmoded building dating to 1954. The city addressed this critical need with a new fire station, designed not only to house equipment but to accommodate career and volunteer firefighter staff, featuring recreation space, classrooms and physical training space as well as a center for fire service heritage and life safety education. 

While planning, the city carefully researched legal requirements and professional best practices, visiting recently constructed fire department stations in other communities. Barnwell also modernized its procurement code to allow for a construction-manager-at-risk project methodology. The city paid for the $5 million station cost using American Rescue Plan Act funds, a portion of the city’s U.S. Department of Energy settlement funds, state grants and a general obligation bond to be paid off with the city’s portion of the Barnwell County capital projects sales tax.  

Opened in 2024, the station has five drive-through apparatus bays that can be double loaded, providing space for current and future equipment. It has decontamination facilities and provides space for potential staffing or trainee expansions, as well as dormitory space for male and female volunteers. The station can also serve as an emergency management center for hurricane evacuations.  

Contact Tony Dicks at tdicks@cityofbarnwell.com or 803.259.3266.