CHARLTON FIRE DISTRICT #1 PLANS NEW FIREHOUSE

WHY: In 1954 Charlton Fire District #1 had great equipment, a highly trained and motivated membership and a new addition to the station itself. Over 50 years later, in 2005, we still have the latest equipment, highly skilled firefighters, but sadly our station is no longer adequate for the times. The size of the building and its parking area are now sorely undersized. New fire vehicle sizes, increased membership, training, documentation and storage demands, along with current OSHA/NFPA rules and regulations regarding firefighter health and safety, have made our present facility inadequate.

WHERE: Trying to find enough land to build a station and have enough area for parking and training needs was a task worthy of Indiana Jones. Land in Charlton, within the boundaries of the fire district, is difficult to come by and is highly valuable. To build on our present property would be prohibitively expensive and not resolve the present problems. No land was available on Main Street. So a year ago, four acres on the corner of Stage and Lakehill roads was purchased from the Shadick family. While not physically in the center of the fire district, we are now closer to our heavier populated areas and directly between the Charlton Heights Elementary and the Charlton Girls’ schools. Plus, we are still just a short response time to the town center.

COMMENTS: Please e-mail us any comments or suggestions you have on the proposed station project or another area of interest, so we may continue to offer the best fire and medical protection possible.