Autumn Raulerson
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
As of Sunday, Nov. 1, Madison County Fire and Rescue (MCFR) is the official provider of fire and rescue operations in the City of Madison. The Madison Fire Department (MFD), which served the city for over 100 years, has been closed for good, a decision that was “[in] the best financial interest [of] the City,” according to a press release from MFD.
According to MCFR and MFD, the County Fire Rescue already responded to the vast majority of incidents prior to the City Commission’s unanimous decision to close down MFD. MFD’s fire station behind City Hall, off of Horry Ave., is no longer manned.
Volunteer fire departments still remain operational throughout the county, and are still assisting in responding to calls. The volunteer firefighters are emergency certified and lend a huge helping hand to emergency operations. MCFR assures residents that “there will be no lapse in Fire or EMS coverage during this transition. Station One, located at 1314 W. Base St., in Madison, will continue providing both fire protection and emergency medical services. MCFR also operates three additional staffed stations in Lee, Greenville and Sirmans, providing coverage and support throughout the county,” in a statement made on their Facebook page.
MCFR also expresses their sincere appreciation to the City of Madison and the members of MFD for their years of service to Madison County. The closure of MFD is the end of a department that has served the county for over 100 years, but MCFR promises it will not affect the care and service residents receive.