Lowcountry counties build emergency service buildings amid rapid population growth

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD–As the Lowcountry population continues to surge, Charleston and Georgetown County officials are expanding emergency services to keep residents safe.

Charleston County, now home to over 850,000 people, is planning a new emergency operations headquarters. Leaders are also building a fire station in West Ashley and renovating EMS Station 8 on Edisto Island—projects aimed at improving response times and increasing capacity.

“This will increase the presence of EMS, fire, and sheriff’s office resources—making sure they’re properly positioned and equipped,” said Carl Fehr, Division Chief of Charleston County EMS.

In Georgetown County, where officials say the population has more than doubled since 2021, a new facility is in the works to house the Emergency Operations Center, 911 dispatch, and emergency management staff.

“As our population grows, we have to grow with it,” said Emergency Services Director Brandon Ellis.

Both counties emphasize that the ultimate goal is faster, more efficient emergency response across the region.

Georgetown County is now accepting bids for construction, while Charleston County remains in the planning phase.