By By Adam Prestridge
Following the loss of five firefighters to neighboring municipalities, the City of Atmore has been forced to shut down its south side station.
This is not the first time the station has been closed. Following Hurricane Ivan, the city was forced to shut the doors to the station for two years due to damage it received during the storm and a long wait for federal funding to repair it.
Many residents have expressed the concern of a fire occurring south of the main railroad tracks and fire personnel not being able to respond in a timely manner.
With the loss of personnel, Shell said the city has been actively advertising for qualified firefighters to fill the voids.
Shell added that the south side station is an additional service to the city that is not required.
Shell said when the fire department is fully staffed, three men are stationed at city hall and two are assigned to the south side station.