Decades-old buildings, mold concerns, and outdated layouts are finally getting the attention they deserve. Here’s what’s changing—and why it matters.
A New Home on Azalea Road
Fire Station #19 is about to get a serious glow-up.
Built in 1957 with just two bays, the current station is showing its age.
The plan? Replace it with a modern three-bay facility further down Azalea Road, just south of Highway 90.
A $4.5 million construction contract is up for a vote at the next City Council meeting, and if it passes, shovels could hit the dirt soon.
Once complete, the new station will house not just the standard engine company, but also a ladder truck, hazmat units, and a District Chief.
The idea is to improve response coverage and streamline specialized equipment—more tools in one place, ready for anything.
Melton Station’s Round Two
Remember the 2022 asbestos scare at Melton Station on S. Lafayette Street?
Crews were relocated for six months while the city replaced the roof and handled mold cleanup.
Fast forward to 2025, and Melton’s back on the repair list.
This time, the focus is on insulation. The goal is to address ongoing condensation issues with a full encapsulation process—spray foam insulation, ceiling tile replacement, and ductwork fixes.
It’s a $191,131 job that will temporarily shut down the station for about 60 days. Firefighters stationed there will once again be reassigned during the work.
Aging Out: Who’s Next in Line
Melton and Station #19 aren’t the only ones due for upgrades.
Mobile’s fire infrastructure reads like a family tree of mid-century construction—stations built in the 1950s and ‘60s, still plugging away decades later.
But a changing city needs modern response facilities, and several are now on the chopping block.
Next up: the Toulminville Station on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, built in 1948. That one tops the list. The city is currently working on acquiring land for a replacement. Also in the lineup:
- Petrey Station (Dauphin Island Parkway, built 1959)
- Sirmon Station (Airport Boulevard, built 1969)
- Tapia Station (also on Airport, built 1961)
These aging outposts are set to be replaced between now and 2027. Each rebuild offers a chance to rethink how fire coverage is distributed—and what equipment gets prioritized.
The Grand Old Central Station
At over 100 years old, Central Station holds the title of the city’s oldest. And it’s getting attention, too.
A full slate of improvements is already in motion: window upgrades, heating and cooling work, and a new roof. Funding has been secured, and the work is queued up.
Though it’s a historic landmark in many ways, Central can’t rest on tradition. The upgrades will help preserve its legacy while bringing the building up to standard for today’s needs.
Built for Now, Ready for Tomorrow
Mobile’s approach to its fire stations is shifting from patchwork fixes to long-term reinvestment.
New builds, full replacements, and carefully planned repairs are all part of the puzzle.
These updates don’t just modernize the buildings—they shape how quickly and effectively crews can respond.
The gear’s getting smarter. The layouts are getting sharper. And behind the scenes, it’s all about future-proofing the front lines.
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