Wilmington Fire Department looks at a new pier

The Wilmington Fire Department could soon begin work on a new pier in the Intracoastal Waterway, but it just needs to find a home.

The $60,000, 200-foot pier would mean a new home for the department’s fire boat. It will be located near the Wrightsville Beach Public Works Department.

Fire officials said the pier would cut response times to fires on and along the Intracoastal Waterway.

City officials said the pier would not cost taxpayers any additional money because it’s coming from the fire department’s capital budget. Chief Jordan said it is a win for everyone involved. “Because we will have a boat in that area since we have areas along the waterway that belong to the city. It will be a win for Wrightsville Beach because they don’t have any fireboat water capabilities at the present time,” he said.

Fire operators for the boat would be based at the Landfall Fire Station. The Wrightsville Beach Town Council still has to approve the project. They will vote on the proposal next week.