With Baldwin County's rapid growth fueling the need for expanded emergency services, the Summerdale Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) has unveiled a new $4 to $5 million fire station designed to enhance its capabilities.

The new facility, located on County Road 32, offers improved access to major routes and modern amenities to better serve the community. A grand opening and dedication ceremony took place on March 22.

EXPANDING TO MEET GROWING NEEDS

The new station is an addition to the department's existing facility, not a replacement. According to VFD members, the expansion was necessary to keep pace with the area's explosive growth. The site was strategically chosen for its proximity to State Highway 59 and Baldwin Beach Express, allowing firefighters to respond quickly in all directions.

"This (location) gives us capabilities to head north, south, east or west with ease," the department said.

Funding for the project came from the Town of Summerdale and the area's fire tax. Several VFD members conducted a needs assessment, calculating the town's projected growth and determining that additional resources were essential. To develop the plan, they toured other fire departments and sought input from current and former chiefs.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY

The 16,000-square-foot station, designed by Walcott Adams Verneuille Architects and built by TerMac Construction, features five pull-through bays. This design contrasts with the department's older Station 2, which has eight back-in bays.

The new building offers modern amenities aimed at supporting firefighters' well-being and efficiency. It includes five separate bunk rooms with bunk beds, providing overnight accommodations for up to 10 volunteers. The open-floor kitchen, dining area and day room are designed to foster camaraderie, while a large training room offers space for instruction, complete with separate bathrooms located outside the living quarters.

A decontamination room with a shower was incorporated to reduce exposure to cancer-causing agents, keeping contaminants away from living spaces. The facility also includes ample storage and an administrative office for the chiefs and secretary.

NEW EQUIPMENT AND EXPANDED FLEET

The station's recent open house featured the department's newest addition: a 2025 Spartan/E-One Rescue Pumper with a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump and a 1,000-gallon water tank. The truck, purchased from Sunbelt Fire in Fairhope, strengthens the VFD's emergency response capabilities.

The department's fleet includes:

• 2006 HME/Ferrara Rescue Pumper

• 2000 HME/Ferrara Rescue Pumper

• 1994 Freightliner FL70 Medium Duty Walk-In Rescue

• 2005 Ford F-350 Brush Truck

• 1960 Ford F-600 Fire Truck

• Four staff trucks

VOLUNTEER FORCE AND MUTUAL AID

Summerdale VFD is entirely volunteer-operated, with 48 members serving the 40-square-mile coverage area. The staff includes three chiefs, three captains, three lieutenants, three sergeants, 30 firefighters and six cadets. The department provides nearly round-the-clock coverage, staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

To strengthen its emergency response network, Summerdale VFD has automatic aid agreements with several neighboring departments, including Robertsdale, Elberta, Fish-River Marlow, Elsanor and Magnolia Springs volunteer fire departments.