Western NC fire department approved for millage increase

TRYON, N.C. (WSPA) – A Western North Carolina fire department will improve its emergency response after it was approved for a funding boost. The Town of Tryon Fire Department said they'll be improving their response to emergencies near Lake Lanier.

It comes after they were approved for a millage increase earlier this year. This is for the region they refer to as the Foothills Fire Service Area. Greenville County Council approved a property tax increase of six and one-tenth mills back in September.

Tryon Fire Chief Josh Walton told 7NEWS they'll use the increased funding to buy a boat for emergencies on Lake Lanier. He said the money will also be used to upgrade equipment for their dive-certified firefighters.

"Definitely accessing the lake, if we're able to get the equipment we need, we'll be able to have people on the water in ten minutes, whereas right now, you're looking at 20-30 before I can get someone on the water, other than using a civilian's boat to get out there," said Walton.

Walton said he's grateful residents okayed the tax increase. He said the Tryon Fire Department responds to 50 to 60 incidents around Lake Lanier every year.

"It's gonna vastly improve anything on the water itself. And, we'll actually be able to have people in the water off the boat, depending on how far, in 15 minutes, versus you're looking at 30-45 before there are divers in the water," Walton also said.