History of Forestdale Fire District
What is now called Forestdale Fire District began on September 30, 1965 as the Hillview 78-West Fire Department as a volunteer fire department. On September 26, 1972 a special election was held to approve the creation of Hillview 78 West Fire District. That election passed and on January 1, 1973 the Hillview 78 West Fire District began operations under State of Alabama ACT 79. The Board of Trustees hired the first paid firefighter’s in mid year1973. The staffing was two (2) personnel working each shift 24 hours a day.
In early 1976, with the evolution of Emergency Medical Services the first Paramedic’s were introduced into the Hillview 78 West Fire District.
In 1984 Fire Station #2 was built on the western end of the fire district. Another engine was placed in service and manned by an additional two (2) personnel.
At the July 28, 1986 board meeting, it was approved to change the name from Hillview 78-West Fire District to Forestdale Fire District, to better represent the communities that they serve.
In 2003, the board of trustees could not locate any incorporation documents from the formation of the Hillview 78-West Fire District or at the time of the name change to Forestdale Fire District. They asked the current attorney how they should proceed and he advised them to file a Certificate of Incorporation, which they did on July 29th, 2003.
In January 2010 the Forestdale Fire District added an additional service to offer its citizens. The first Ambulance Transport Unit was placed in service. One (1) man was hired per shift to assist with this added service. All though this service comes with an added cost, this is extremely valuable to the citizens we serve. Our Paramedic’s strive to provide the best possible care and by being able to provide transportation without any delay allows continuing of medical care from the prehospital setting directly to the hospital emergency department.
In November 2018 the Forestdale Fire District completed a lengthy remodel and addition of a building to house the new Fire Station #1. This new station houses the personnel and fire apparatus from the old Hillview Station. Fire Station #1 has the Fire Administration Offices, an up to date Training room and the Business Office.
The District currently employees twenty-two paid personnel, has three (3) stations. The District has five (5) personnel on duty each day. The Fire Chief works days Monday – Friday. A Fire Marshall is employed part time to maintain all fire investigations and building inspections. Each day two (2) ALS Fire Engines and one (1) ALS Ambulance Transport Unit are in service.
The Forestdale Fire District currently has an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 2 rating.