New Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue headquarters now open

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - The new Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Headquarters is officially open and operable.

Fire Rescue administration is now fully moved in. The town’s Emergency Operations Center and Fire Rescue’s 911 Communication Center will join throughout 2027.

Hilton Head Island Mayor Perry says the new building is a win for the town because it repurposed an existing, vacant commercial building rather than develop new land.

Mayor Perry and Fire Chief Blankenship agree that having all three departments under one roof will build cohesion and allow for improved emergency services.

“So now that we’re out here this allows the community to maybe us open up our doors a little more for them to come in, say hi, ask what we do, utilize the building themselves, and just really be more part of the community rather than just being hidden away,” said Chris Blankenship, Hilton Head Island fire chief.

The headquarters provides amenities such as a gym and full kitchen, which Blankenship says will improve day-to-day activities for dispatchers, who currently work in a building with no windows.