HARMONY — The newly created fire department for Harmony and Zelienople is in need of more space and is looking for a site for a new fire station.

That was from a report by Tim Sapienza, Harmony Fire District president, to Harmony council Tuesday night.

He said the joint department, a merger of the former Harmony and Zelienople volunteer fire companies, has been operating since December and faces challenges for its first full year of service.

He said the fire station headquarters in Harmony is becoming “cramped” with volunteer firefighters “packed like sardines.”

“We have some people living there (station) during the weekend,” Sapienza said.

Sapienza said the fire district is searching for a new location to call home. He said the new station needs to be in an area where the insurance service office rating will still be low.

The fire department also is using its Lancaster Township building. Sapienza said that building will stay in service.

The department also is buying a new ladder truck for about $1 million.

“There are some big expenses,” Sapienza said.

Despite the challenges, Sapienza said the merger has been successful.

“It’s been great. I think it should have happened years ago,” he said. “We’re going to do what we have to do to keep up the best service we can for you guys.”