DeSoto County is one step closer to getting a new fire station in the unincorporated area. DeSoto County Board of Supervisors President Michael Lee, Bridgetown Fire Department Chief Jerry Sides, developer Burke Hendrix, and others got a first look at where Bridgetown Fire Station #2 would be located. Hendrix is donating two acres of land as part of his Short Fork Farms development on Getwell Road, just north of Holly Springs Road.
“When he presented Short Fork Farms, I asked him if he would be willing to donate some land for a second Bridgetown Fire Station and he said absolutely,” said Supervisor Lee. “Adding this additional Fire Station will help increase coverage and help lower the ISO fire rating from a 10 to a seven or six, which will help homeowners save hundreds of dollars a year on insurance.”
Chief Sides shared an example of how much a difference it can make. “As it stands right now, about a mile and a half up the road, there’s a community up there with a line in the middle of it,” said Sides. “Half of those folks are in a 10-rated insurance area. The other half are in our fire district and they are at a 6 rating. It could mean $600-$800 a year savings in homeowner insurance premiums.”
The higher rating is based on distance to a fire station. A system is in place to make sure everyone has great fire protection. “Right now if someone in the area was to call 911 for a fire, the three closest fire departments will respond,” said EMA Director Chris Olson. “It doesn’t matter where those three stations are located, in the city or county, they will immediately respond. The Board of Supervisors and city leaders all work together for the safety of citizens.”
“I’ve spoken with Chief Sides many times about the need for a second station. I’m glad we were able to work something out,” said Lee.
Chief Sides said this donation is such a blessing. “This is fantastic and so exciting. We have been looking for land in this area for many, many years.”
The next step is for Bridgetown Fire Department to come up with a design and raise money to build it. Bridgetown, like the seven other volunteer fire departments in unincorporated areas of the county, are independently run. They are funded by fire dues, donations, Insurance rebate funds, and a percentage of 2 Mills collected with property taxes.
Bridgetown hopes to have the new station up and running in about two years. Bridgetown’s current station will remain active.
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