MOUNT NEBO, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Wilderness Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) is proud to announce the establishment of a second fire station in the Mount Nebo area, addressing the urgent need for enhanced emergency services in an underserved rural community. This new fire station will significantly decrease emergency response times, improve public safety services, and reduce homeowner insurance rates, benefiting both residents and travelers passing through the region.
WVFD began operations in 1994 with one fire station in Mount Lookout, serving the surrounding communities of Mount Lookout, Mount Nebo, Pool, Runa, and Nallen. However, as volunteer firefighting dynamics have shifted and membership has declined, response times to certain areas, particularly Mount Nebo, have increased. Currently, volunteer firefighters living in Mount Nebo must drive to Mount Lookout to retrieve fire apparatus before responding back to their community in an emergency.
Go-Mart has graciously allowed WVFD to construct the fire station on an unused section of their property. The new fire station is expected to be operating by November 7, 2024, and will house fire and rescue vehicles. This project addresses a critical public safety need by establishing a station closer to the Mount Nebo community, allowing WVFD to split its vehicle fleet and equipment between the two stations, thus improving coverage and response times.
“The significance of this new station cannot be overstated,” said Noah Allen, Fire Chief of WVFD. “It will enable us to provide faster, more efficient emergency services and improve safety for our entire community, including travelers along US 19. This project will ultimately save lives, reduce property damage, and enhance overall public safety.”
In addition to improving response times, the new fire station may help reduce homeowner and business insurance rates, as many residents in Mount Nebo will now be within five miles of a fire station, a key criterion for insurance discounts.
WVFD invites the community to celebrate this important milestone with an open house and dedication ceremony on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, from 2 PM to 3 PM at the new station located at Go-Mart, 2014 Old Mount Nebo Rd, Mount Nebo, WV 26679. All are welcome to attend and learn more about how this new station will enhance emergency services in the area.
