MERCERSBURG – Officials of the MMP&W Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company have met with both borough and Mercersburg Water Authority executives as they seek a solution to water access for firefighting.
The issue arose after MMP&W units responded to a barn fire within its coverage area on Monday. The structure and several goats and chickens inside were lost, according to Fire Chief Mark Saunders.
While fighting that fire, the department struggled with water supplies because many of the pumping sources were frozen, so firefighters used Mercersburg Water Authority hydrants, something the department said had been done many times in the past.
However, later Saunders received a call from the water authority saying that “under no circumstances is the fire department permitted to use hydrants owned by the authority going forward. The authority stated that the water system can no longer support fire department operations.”
Saunders said Wednesday this was surprising, although he understands there are water issues presently within Mercersburg.
When asked what actions the fire department should take during future fire incidents within the Borough, fire officials said they were “explicitly told to ‘let the building burn,’ and that ‘it is only one building.'”
MMP&W officials said they “find this statement deeply concerning and wholly unacceptable.”
Tuesday evening MMP&W leadership met with Kelani Craig, president of Mercersburg Town Council. And Wednesday they also met with the vice chairman of the Mercersburg Water Authority, Jason Frey.
“Both meetings were productive, professional and focused on solutions,” the fire company posted in a social media statement. “We are confident that our organizations will be working closely together moving forward to ensure adequate fire protection for the Borough of Mercersburg and the surrounding communities we serve.
“MMP&W wishes to be clear that the fire department will continue to follow nationally recognized firefighting practices and standards moving forward. This includes the appropriate use of fire hydrants during emergency incidents when required to protect life and property.
“At the same time, we have assured the Water Authority that MMP&W will continue to work cooperatively with them to place as little strain on the water system as reasonably possible during emergency operations.”
The fire company lauded the support it received on social media from community residents.
A message left for Borough Manager Constance Creighton was not returned.
