Emergency responders in Nolalu are trying to raise money to replace their existing main fire hall.
Nolalu Fire Rescue and First Response serves residents of a broad rural area that includes the unincorporated townships of Lybster, Marks, Hardwick, Strange and Lismore.
A 50/50 raffle is underway to collect funds for the first stage in the development of a new headquarters on a donated parcel of land on Highway 590.
The existing hall — about two kilometres away on Highway 588 — has become too small, and lacks amenities.
The 28 volunteers, led by Chief Sarah Shoemaker, currently operate out of a building that was designed for two fire trucks, but the service now has three trucks there.
The building has neither running water nor a bathroom.
"Our community has grown, our call volume has grown, and it's time our fire hall grows too," states a post on the service's social media page.
Nolalu firefighters respond to between 80 and 100 calls per year.
The first phase of the fundraising will support land preparation, filling low spots, drilling a well, installing a septic field and adding rainwater storage tanks.
Mike Neudorf, deputy chief, told Newswatch the lack of running water has posed challenges for the team.
"With the cleanup, and just keeping things generally clean, right? So decontamination (after a fire), washing hands, we use sanitizer right now. We have bottled water in the hall if need be, but you can image the issues that could arise from not having wash stations even."
In an email, Shoemaker added that "Without the ability to properly decontaminate after a fire, our members are being exposed to known carcinogens and potentially bringing those risks home to their families."
She estimated the new facility will cost at least $750,000.
Shoemaker said that depending on the success of fundraising efforts, ground could be broken in the summer of 2027.
The new hall will also be used in an emergency situation as an evacuation point for residents.
The draw date for the 50/50 is May 29, 2026.