BUTLER TWP — The township’s three volunteer fire departments could merge into one department early next year.

Township commissioners said the Butler Township Fire District 3, Mercer Road and South Butler volunteer departments recently approved a merger, but approval by the state fire commissioner is required before the commissioners can take action.

Commissioners said the departments are expected to submit the required paperwork to the fire commissioner’s office after Jan. 1 and the commissioner is expected to issue a decision sometime in the first quarter of 2019.

If the fire commissioner approves, the township commissioners would vote on disbanding the existing departments and consolidate them into the Butler Township Volunteer Fire District.