2026 Projects

In 2025, the Magnolia Beach Volunteer Fire Department was blessed with an extraordinary opportunity—approximately $450,000 in grant funding that allowed us to make major improvements to our department and strengthen our ability to protect the community we proudly serve.

These grants enabled us to purchase a New Tanker/Rescue truck, scheduled for delivery in July 2026, as well as new water tanks for two brush trucks, Addition of Brush 43, our Humvee, and the fire fighting skid unit. To stretch every dollar, MBVFD firefighters assembled Brush 43 themselves, saving significant build costs. With this addition, we now operate three brush trucks, allowing us to respond more effectively to brush fires in our immediate area while still providing mutual aid to surrounding departments.

We have also been able to upgrade numerous pieces of equipment, improving both firefighter safety and operational readiness. These advancements would not have been possible without the support of grant programs and the generosity of people like you.

However, most of these grants required matching funds, and meeting those obligations has placed a considerable financial strain on our department. As we look ahead to 2026, we are asking for your support to help us continue improving our equipment and ensuring the safety of our firefighters and our community.

New MBVFD Fire Station will replace our existing facility, which is in critical need of replacement due to age, structural limitations, and inadequate space for modern fire‑rescue operations. This project was originally initiated in 2018 by the late County Commissioner David Hall, who secured the initial funding by submitting the grant that set this effort in motion.

Although the project has faced multiple delays and challenges over the years, it is now moving forward. The Invitation to Bid was released in January 2026, with bid awards expected in early April. Construction is anticipated to begin shortly thereafter. Once completed, the new fire station will provide our department with the modern infrastructure necessary to meet current and future demands for emergency services.

We currently have a grant submitted for the purchase of a new SCBA fill station along with ten new MSA SCBA units. This project will significantly enhance our operational readiness by providing on‑site air‑refill capabilities at our station, reducing downtime during both training and emergency responses. The upgraded MSA SCBA units will also deliver substantial improvements over our existing equipment, offering advanced safety features, improved ergonomics, and enhanced performance to better support our firefighters during critical operations.

Our 2026 Funding Needs

To maintain the highest level of service, we aim to upgrade the following essential items:

• Tool Mounting Hardware for the Engine 41 and new Tanker/Rescue Estimated Cost: $2,000–$3,000

• Structural Bunker Gear Cost: $5,000 per set Need: 10 sets

• Wildland/Dual‑Certification Gear Cost: $1,100 per set Need: 8 sets

  Dual Certification gear allows MBVFD members to use this gear for grass fires as well as car wrecks.

These items are not luxuries—they are necessities that directly impact firefighter safety and our ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.

How You Can Help

Your donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. Every contribution helps us meet grant match requirements, purchase essential gear, and ensure that our volunteers have the tools they need to protect lives and property.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support. Together, we can keep our community safe and ensure that MBVFD remains strong, prepared, and ready to respond when called.

Thank you for standing with us.

With appreciation,

Mike Noel President/Asst. Chief

Magnolia Beach Volunteer Fire Department