Arrangements for the purchase of a property to construct a fire station in Balaclava, St. Elizabeth, are almost complete.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, gave the update at a Jamaica Labour Party meeting in northeast St. Elizabeth last evening.

The parish is served by three fire stations located in Black River, Junction, and Santa Cruz.

Mr. McKenzie pointed out, however, that the closest station to Balaclava is in Mandeville.

Plans for the construction of the fire station were initially announced more than four years ago.

Mr. McKenzie has assured that the process is well advanced.