VIDEO: West Florence Fire Rescue is consolidating into the new Florence County Fire Rescue as part of a major overhaul that began in 2014.
The consolidation aims to strengthen emergency resources and services across the county.
The seven agencies to eventually combine are Sardis-Timmonsville Fire Protection, Johnsonville Fire District, Howe Springs Fire District, Hannah Salam Friendfield Fire District, and Windy Hill, Olanta Fire Districts.
Officials said the move will provide residents with more consistent, equitable and effective fire protection.
The consolidation will be achieved through better resource management, standardized training, improved purchasing power for equipment and unified financial accountability.
โWeโve also started purchasing more for all of the agencies as opposed to just one agency at a time when it comes in regards to bunker gear, firefighting gear, air packs, and other large ticket items are now being purchased for the entirety of the county fire service as opposed to just agency by agency,โ said Anthony Fox, Florence County Public Information Officer.
