The Canton Volunteer Fire Department currently operates out of a station that we lease from the Borough of Canton. The building was constructed in 1980 and is 100' x 50' consisting of five apparatus bays, a small radio room and restrooms. The Department maintains a fleet of seven vehicles which include a 75' quint, a commercial pumper, a walk-in rescue, a 4000 gallon tanker, two brush trucks, an EMS quick response squad as well as a six wheel ATV with an enclosed trailer. We are forced to park some vehicles outside due to the restriction of room. This situation is a concern for firefighter safety because of the limited space for backing apparatus into the bays. Due to the age of the building, it has developed issues such as roof leaks, drainage problems and is lacking insulation creating high energy consumption for heating.

We have taken our concerns to the Canton Borough Council, however, they have stated that their budget simply cannot afford to make these repairs. This station is located in a municipal parking lot behind buildings in the main business district of Canton. Our only means of egress is through the parking lot onto a side street and then to a traffic light. Parked cars and vehicles entering the lot are a hazard for responding apparatus and volunteers en route to the station. The turn out of the lot is very tight and the large trucks must stop, back up and restart to make the turn. When turning South at the traffic light the scenario must be repeated if there are opposing vehicles stopped at the light. These situations effect response times in many instances. The lot entrance is also very uneven and we had many issues of compartment doors on the trucks being damaged due the twisting of the frames while entering or exiting the lot. Again, this property is owned and maintained by Canton Borough and we have been told that they are financially unable to deal with this problem.

The Canton Volunteer Fire Department is proposing the construction of a new facility approximately 250' x 60' that will include eight apparatus bays, a dispatch room, a training/meeting room, a physical fitness area, second story sleeping quarters, a tool/equipment storage room, a small kitchen area, and restrooms with showers and a decontamination area. The location of the proposed site is along a state highway at the Southwest end of the Borough. This site allows for great visibility of the highway in both directions for apparatus responding and returning and is out of the congestion of the main part of town.

The proposed construction of the station is to be a pre-fabricated metal building. The construction will be environmentally friendly and is to include energy saving appliances whenever possible. The facility will be built in accordance with all applicable local and state codes and requirements concerning construction of this type. We are currently getting specifications for geo-thermal heating and cooling as well as possible solar energy options. The facility will include an engine exhaust removal system and will be fully protected by a sprinkler system and fire/break-in alarms.

Our Department has worked tiredly over the last several years to make this station project a reality, however, monies raised from numerous fundraisers has had to be used to upgrade apparatus and equipment that are crucial to the safety of our members and our ability to protect our citizens.