New Fire Station Opens In Northeast Forsyth

CUMMING, GA — A new fire station serving the northeastern portion of Forsyth County was opened on Friday.

The new Fire Station No. 8 replaces an old station that was built by volunteers in 1984 and which officials say had long outgrown its usefulness. It is located at 6015 Keith Bridge Rd. in the Chestatee community.

Launched with a traditional "hose uncoupling" ceremony on Friday, the new station is designed for 24-hour occupancy. It is a four-stall facility for vehicles, allowing for growth and the placement of future firefighting apparatus there.

The new station was funded by a combination of county impact fees and money from Forsyth County's special-purpose, local option sales tax.

"For years, Fire Station 8 has been in need of replacement,” said Forsyth County Fire Chief Danny Bowman. "The former Station 8 was a modest, little fire station built with the purpose of sheltering a single fire truck from weather and hosting an occasional meeting. It was never meant to be occupied for 24 hours a day."

The replacement station was built adjacent to the former structure, which was razed prior to
construction. To ensure that the territory served by Fire Station No. 8 continued to have coverage during construction, personnel and equipment from there were temporarily relocated to and responded from Dawson County Fire Station 2, located at 145 Liberty Dr. just off of Highway 53 East.

"The Chestatee Community has long awaited a new fire station," said District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills, in whose district the new station is located. "For many decades, this area was blessed with a dedicated group of local volunteer firefighters. I am certain those here with us today are overjoyed to witness the opening of this replacement fire station."

Photos courtesy Forsyth County Department of Communications