With a new fire station under construction on Shipyard Boulevard, this fall was already going to be a transitional period for the Wilmington Fire Department.
Now, thanks to Hurricane Florence, WFD is looking at even more disruption, according to an email from Fire Chief Buddy Martinette to fire and city staff.
Serious leaks led to mold and other damage in several WFD buildings, including living spaces for firefighters and office space for administrative staff. Emails between city staff show that sheet rock, flooring, insulation and other building materials had to be removed, and environmental experts are still monitoring air conditions in many fire department facilities.
On Friday, Nov. 2, the administrative staff at the WFD headquarters will move operations to the old location of the Register of Deeds located at the corner of 2nd Street and Grace Street. Current estimates have the relocation lasting anywhere from three to six months.