PICKENS COUNTY—Pickens County in close to purchasing land for Rocky Bottom’s new fire station.

County Administrator Chappell Hurst says a deal should be made within the next few weeks.

“We purchased a fire truck for the Rocky Bottom Fire Department months ago,” said Hurst. “We are working on (finding some land for the station), and we’ve located some property that appears to be very suitable.”

Hurst says all that’s left is negotiation.

“We’re working with the land owners now to try to reach some kind of deal,” said Hurst. “We believe we’ll have some kind of property by the time we meet again.”

With potential land on the horizon, Hurst says station officials have also been able to acquire some needed equipment as well.

“They needed some additional air packs, and they were able to (obtain) a grant and get four new air packs,” said Hurst. “They’re ready to go equipment-wise now. All we need to do is secure the building now.”

Rocky bottom officials say this is a much needed project for the city.

“This will help us and help the people in Rocky Bottom,” said Rocky Bottom Fire Board Member Tony Kelley. “We’re over the mountain, and the nearest truck is down on the other side of the mountain. Basically what they’ll do is put out embers when they get there because they can’t get the truck up there quick enough.”

“(A station) allows us to get drivers to the fire in time to save the building, or if anybody is in there, get them out,” said Kelley. “This will lower the ISO rating and allow people to get insurance on their houses.”

As for now, however, it’s back to the waiting game for the future station.

“It is all proceeding very well,” said Hurst.