New Hanover County dedicates new Fire Station 13 in Castle Hayne

CASTLE HAYNE, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County Fire and Rescue officially put its new Station 13 into service, and it marks a major upgrade for both firefighters and the growing Castle Hayne community.

Fire Station 13 in Castle Hayne was officially dedicated on Wednesday with a firefighter tradition, “cutting” the ribbon, or uncoupling a fire hose.

New Hanover Fire and Rescue Chief Donnie Hall says the ceremony is more than symbolic.

“The fire hose is actually symbolic of the work that will happen here every single day. When we uncouple the hose, it symbolizes to the community the station is being placed in service,” said Hall.

Hall says the state-of-the-art building on Castle Hayne Road was built with the area’s rapid growth in mind.

“The previous station was a little farther north than we would have preferred to have, whenever you look at a system-wide approach to fire protection. This location allows us to serve better the community,” said Hall.

The facility also included features designed to support firefighter health and wellness.

“They’re independent living areas, so there’s opportunity for quiet spaces, that has to reflect to the mental health, which is a big issue with fire and emergency services. There is water filtration systems here in this facility. We use two different styles to make sure that the water is clear,” said Hall.

Firefighter Chris Casey, who will now be stationed at 13, says the new space is a major improvement from the old location.

“This has been a wonderful upgrade for us as the crews. We have a lot more space to kind of spread out, we have a lovely new kitchen, we got bunk rooms this time, so we don’t all have to share one space,” said Casey.

Casey says the space will also allow for training and readiness.

“Excited to have a big, spacious bay to train in,” said Casey.

Chief Hall says the goal is to support the people who protect the community every day.

“We wanted to make sure we were providing the safest water and a new facility like this to protect the firefighters,” said Hall.

Although crews have been working out of the station for several days, Wednesday’s dedication officially marks the start of full operations at the new facility.