North Charleston’s new fire station off Ashley River Road to fill big need for fire coverage

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The North Charleston Fire Department (NCFD) is preparing to open its newest fire station off Ashley River Road, filling a big need for fire coverage in the area.

“The station was built with expansion in mind as we develop more of the area. The plan is to add a ladder company to that station. We’re gonna start with one engine company in the station and it will house four people,” explained North Charleston Fire Chief Joseph Munn.

The new Fire Station 14 is on Ashley River Road right around the corner from the Watson Hill development. 

“That’s a long way to go around Bacons Bridge Road or Glenn McConnell to 61- so that area is kind of an isolated area,” he said. “By us building a station there, it will improve response times greatly, literally we’re gonna be right outside the neighborhood.”

The City of North Charleston annexed this portion of Dorchester County, but they still have agreements when more assistance is needed.

“We do have agreements with Dorchester County, Saint Andrews, and Charleston. They will back us up in that area,” he said.

So, what does that mean for ISO ratings that can impact your fire insurance rates?

“It will help with the ISO rating. We’re currently a class one, but that area over there was kind of unincorporated, so that was a one X and that X is for unincorporated, but by putting the station out there that should continue to keep us at class one, and as a class one, of course, the insurance rates are the least expensive out there.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Thursday morning and the station will officially be open to serve the community.