By Gina Morton
MAZEPPA -- The Mifflinburg Hose Company is looking to open a station in Mazeppa.
Fire Chief John Heiges Jr. said the company hopes to build there in the near future. A three-acre area on the sewer plant property would be leased.
"It won't be just for that area," Heiges said. "It will assist the department."
Mazeppa is the Mifflinburg station's responsibility, and the distance and on-scene time is not quite up to par, he said. It is about an eight-mile distance, or 10-minute drive, to reach Mazeppa from Mifflinburg.
"There's no time line for (construction)," he said, "but plans are complete."
The station would house one truck, and Heiges said a used piece of equipment is being sought. A federal grant application is being prepared.
Eleven men have joined the station from that area.
The chief said he hopes the firefighters will be able to build the station themselves, which would help keep costs down.
"We don't know where the money is coming from yet," he said, "but we will keep working hard. It's our main focus."
One way for residents to help fund the project is through the coming annual fund drive.
John Walter, treasurer, said a mailing soon will be sent out to every address in the coverage area. It states what the department is funding that year and asks residents to make donations.
"No fire company has a percentage of returns like we have," Walter said, referring to the 32 percent return rate.
