GULF SHORES, Ala. — Gulf Shores Fire Rescue is set to mark a major milestone this month with the official ribbon-cutting for its new fire training facility, a campus designed to give firefighters a realistic place to rehearse everything from structural fires to complex rescues.
The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. on the facility grounds at 19600 West 36th Ave in Gulf Shores. The event is open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. Attendees are asked to RSVP through the Gulf Shores Fire Rescue reservation link by Wednesday, September 16.
Built for Realistic Training
The facility features hands-on training environments that simulate structural fires, rescue operations and advanced emergency response scenarios. It is designed to serve recruits starting their careers as well as veteran firefighters looking to sharpen their skills between calls.
For a beach city that swells with visitors in the summer and faces hurricane threats every season, the training center is positioned as a key resource for protecting both residents and the millions of tourists who pass through the Alabama Gulf Coast each year.
Chief: ‘A Major Step Forward’
Fire Chief Mark Sealy called the facility a turning point for the department.
“This training facility represents a major step forward in our ability to prepare firefighters for the evolving challenges of emergency response,” Sealy said. “Our team is committed to excellence, and this space gives us the tools to train safely, effectively, and realistically.”
Sealy also extended an invitation to the community. “We look forward to showing the community how this facility will enhance our service for years to come,” he said.
Live Demonstrations for the Public
After the ribbon-cutting, attendees will be invited to watch live demonstrations highlighting each of the facility’s training features. The demonstrations are meant to give residents a rare inside look at the skills firefighters use in real emergencies every day — from hose work and search techniques to rescue scenarios.
More information about the Gulf Shores Fire Training Facility is available at gulfshoresAL.gov.