November 24, 2023 3:45 a.m.

North Douglas County Fire and EMS has purchased approximately two acres of property along with buildings located at 531 John Long Road in Rice Hill.

Fire Chief Brian Burke said the property was a restaurant at one time.

Burke said State Senator David Brock Smith was able to acquire funding for this effort through Senate Bill 5506. Burke said being able to get the property, where one of the district’s leased stations is located, secures the longevity of service being provided to the community. NDCFEMS is currently working with other agencies to assist with developing a multi-agency training center on the property, which is strategically located along Interstate 5.

Burke said with the funding available, the district will be able to begin construction of housing for eight volunteers in need, Designing the project has already been started and safety testing is in progress. The current building will be used for training for several months, prior to the start of remodeling.

Burke said he would like to thank State Senator David Brock Smith, State Representative Virgle Osborne and the Douglas County Commissioners for their roles in the project.