Improving fire department response time is a top priority for Valdosta and a recent announcement is delivering on that promise.
The city’s growing population has brought about a lifesaving need in the Azalea City.
Valdosta will soon welcome a new fire station to its city limits. City officials studied data for the past three years that showed a call volume increase, indicating a need for another fire department location.
“You know, our goal here in the City of Valdosta is that when we receive a call, we’re from our door to yours in five minutes or less. So, we have a need up there. We’re more eight, nine, to nine-and-a-half minutes response time. And, of course, it’s a congested area up on the north end of Valdosta,” Brian Boutwell, Valdosta fire chief, said. City officials say 12 months from now, Station 8, which would be located on North Forrest Street, will begin renovations to have a fully functional fire station and police substation.