News Summary
The North Myrtle Beach Fire Department is set to benefit from an $18.7 million budget for fiscal year 2026. Key allocations include $12 million for a new Fire Station 7, $4 million for relocating Fire Station 2, and $2.7 million for new fire trucks. Additionally, 27 new firefighters will be hired to meet the community’s needs, enhancing safety amid ongoing growth. This budget also supports overall public safety initiatives, including technology upgrades for the police department.
North Myrtle Beach Fire Department Gets a Major Boost with $18.7 Million Budget for 2026
North Myrtle Beach is making some exciting plans for its fire department with a whopping $18.7 million budget allocated for the upcoming fiscal year of 2026! This investment is aimed at not just expanding facilities but also incorporating the latest in technology to keep the community safe.
Building New Fire Stations
Out of the total budget, $12 million is set aside for the construction of Fire Station 7. This new station will be vital, especially for the rapidly growing area around Water Tower Road. It’s projected to open its doors in late 2026 or early 2027, just in time to serve the rising population.
Additionally, there’s $4 million earmarked for the buildout of Fire Station 2, which is being relocated. This new site has been carefully selected to be less prone to flooding and ensures better accessibility during evacuation situations when tidal events occur. It’s all about keeping both firefighters and residents safe!
Upgrading Fire Equipment
But that’s not all! The fire department’s equipment is getting a much-needed face-lift too. A total of $2.7 million will go towards acquiring new fire trucks as part of a structured replacement schedule. Over the next four years, the department will welcome five engines, a ladder truck, and a tiller.
The buzz is also about Engine 2, which is scheduled to arrive in June 2026, just in time to boost response capabilities. The two rigs for Fire Station 7 are expected to make their debut in January or February 2027, making sure that the firefighters are well-equipped for any emergencies.
New Hires and Personnel Changes
With the opening of Fire Station 7, the department plans to bring on board 27 new firefighters. However, the 2026 budget will begin with hiring 13 new staff members, raising the total number of firefighters to 78. This hiring strategy reflects the city’s commitment to meeting the demands of its growing community.
Public Safety Tech on the Rise
A budget of $1.5 million is dotted for the installation of surveillance cameras around North Myrtle Beach. Meanwhile, the department plans to invest $881,500 in new patrol vehicles, a beach patrol vehicle, a detective vehicle, and a community service vehicle. This is all part of a mission to phase out the outdated Chevy Caprices that have been less than reliable.
Fancy a Pay Raise?
In an effort to retain and attract quality officers, the city is implementing a 5% performance-based salary increase, which is a refreshing change from the usual standard raises. Currently, the police department stands strong with 106 uniformed officers, although there are still 10 positions that need filling.
Spending for the Future
The police and fire departments are just a part of the larger budget picture. Overall, the proposed budget for the city totals a remarkable $221.3 million, with a significant 50% aimed at public safety expenditures. Plus, residents can breathe easily knowing that there will be no property tax increase!
On top of all this, there are plans for a $36 million expansion of the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, with an additionally allocated $6.5 million for more park construction, all aimed at enhancing sports tourism and giving the local economy a solid boost.
As the fiscal year 2026 budget prepares to kick off on July 1, 2025, all eyes will be on city council meetings as they finalize these essential expansions and upgrades. The future of public safety in North Myrtle Beach is looking brighter than ever!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Contract Dispute Over North Myrtle Beach Fire Station Project
Little River Resident Sues Police Over False Arrest Claims
North Myrtle Beach Faces Contract Dispute Over Fire Station
Myrtle Beach City Proposes $26 Million Fire Station Construction
Myrtle Beach Approves $26.5 Million for New Fire Station
Myrtle Beach Police Department Plans New Facilities Amidst Challenges
Myrtle Beach Teacher Sues After Gun Incident at School
Conway Proposes $113 Million Budget for Upcoming Fiscal Year
Widespread Layoffs Hit Federal Agencies, Spark Concerns Over Job Security
Major Job Cuts Hit Veterans Hard
Additional Resources
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- My Horry News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- WPDE
- Google Search: North Myrtle Beach fire department
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: North Myrtle Beach
- Hindustan Times
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
