Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage to Sanibel Island, Florida, in September 2022. One of the most heavily damaged structures was Fire Station 172, which served as the island’s primary fire station.
The station was flooded with over 10 feet of water, and the damage was so extensive that it had to be demolished. The Sanibel Fire Department has been operating out of a temporary facility since the storm, but the need for a new fire station is urgent.
The construction of a new Fire Station 172 is underway, and it is expected to be completed in 2024. The new station will be located on the same site as the old one, but it will be elevated to protect it from future flooding.
The new station will also be equipped with state-of-the-art fire and rescue equipment. This will ensure that the Sanibel Fire Department is able to continue to provide the best possible service to the island’s residents and visitors.
The rebuilding of Fire Station 172 is a symbol of the Sanibel community’s resilience in the face of adversity. It is also a reminder of the importance of investing in public safety infrastructure.
