EVANS CITY — The Evans City Volunteer Fire Company is considering a merger with the Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Department.

Evans City fire department President Matt Otto told the borough council Monday night that Connoquenessing approached the Evans City department regarding the prospect of merging the neighboring departments.

Both departments have formed feasibility committees to consider the idea. Evans City Fire Chief Steve Bicehouse said the committees have met with each other, and both voted to proceed with the idea.

“The two committees have sat together and came to the conclusion it’s something we are willing to pursue,” Otto said.

Bicehouse said the two departments compete against one another for funding while providing the same services in the municipalities they serve.

Bicehouse said Evans City just bought a $500,000 fire engine and Connoquenessing needs one. He said it would be foolish for Connoquenessing to buy a new fire engine as well.

In the event of a merger, Bicehouse said both municipalities would keep a fire station. He said a merger would enhance fire services in Evans City.

Bicehouse invited the council members to a merger meeting at 7 p.m. May 19 at the Connoquenessing fire station to provide guidance to the fire departments.

“We can’t do this by ourselves,” Bicehouse said. “We need your help.”

Bicehouse said the two fire departments would not need approval by the councils to merge. The council seemed to be receptive to the idea.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said council Vice President Kim Armstrong.

Lou Zimmerman, Connoquenessing’s chief, said this morning that his fire company did not approach Evans City about a merger. He said the two entities have been discussing the idea for several years.

“Steve mentioned it to me four or five years ago when Butler Township merged,” Zimmerman said.

He said an increase in volunteers for each department, plus combining resources are the main reasons a merger may be a good idea.

“There’s no sense in having two half-million dollar engines sitting four miles apart,” Zimmerman said.

He stressed that no decision has yet been made, and that the two fire companies are continuing to consider the potential merger.

“So far, we haven’t found any reason why it wouldn’t work,” Zimmerman said.

Evans City Volunteer Fire Department covers the borough and Forward Township. Connoquenessing covers the borough and Connoquenessing Township.

Bicehouse said the two fire departments have worked together for years in responding to calls in one another’s’ areas.