Foley is expanding fire protection with plans for a new station in the city’s northeast as development accelerates in that area.

The station will be built on East Fern Avenue between Alabama 59 and the Foley Beach Express, a location city officials say offers quick access to major routes while positioning firefighters closer to new residential and commercial growth.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the project is part of a broader effort to keep public safety services aligned with the city’s expansion.

“We have acquired the land in a northeast quadrant, which we're getting ready to subdivide for our newest fire station,” Hellmich said. “We will have to add some more firemen and that will continue to cover the north half of Foley as it grows.”

Foley City Council recently approved a survey to subdivide a 5-acre parcel on East Fern Avenue into two lots. About half of the property will be used for the fire station, while the remaining portion is planned for a Riviera Utilities water facility.

The property’s current owner is donating the land as a single parcel. Subdividing the site will allow both the city and Riviera Utilities to move forward with their respective projects.

Fire Chief Joey Darby said the site meets key needs for emergency response, including accessibility and terrain.

“It is an ideal location, very flat land,” Darby said. “It’s high and dry and gives us great proximity to the Beach Express and back west to 59. We couldn't ask for a better spot in our northeast. So very excited to get that piece of property that really fits and meets all those needs for us.”

Darby said city officials are working closely with Riviera Utilities to determine how facilities will be arranged on the site. Early planning places the fire station where emergency vehicles would have the best access to the street, improving response times.

Riviera Utilities will study the property to determine whether a well and water storage tank can be located there, a move that could strengthen water infrastructure in the growing area.

“They're excited about this as well,” Darby said. “I really think it's going to be a great layout for us and will really position us well.”