MORLAND – A new firehouse big enough to house both trucks and allow space for equipment and chemical storage has improved response times and provided a badly needed replacement for a facility constructed when firefighting in the area was accomplished with a Jeep and gunny sacks.

The two firetrucks were too big for the former building, which caused firefighting gear to be stored in an area not protected from the elements. Cleaning of the gear added 10 to 15 minutes to response times when firefighters were called. In some cases, they would respond without wearing gear.

An unexpected result of the project, which was partially funded by a Foundation grant, was an opportunity from the Adjutant General of Kansas for direction and planning to provide equipment for rapid emergency management response and homeland security capability in the area.