Atlanta FFs Fight to Save Oldest Station

ATLANTA --

Atlanta's bravest are turning to the public to fix the city's oldest house. The city has told firefighters at station 19 they don't have the money in this tough economy.

So now firefighters are looking for help from the people. They're selling t-shirts to bring in money.

But firefighters tell us station 19 needs about half a million dollars in renovations.

Termites have eaten through part of the staircase. Holes dot the ceiling. And water pools on the garage floor because there’s no drain.

"If the water builds up it can be a safety hazard, people can slip and fall," said Sgt. Ian Allum with fire station 19.

These are problems any old house faces. But this is Atlanta's oldest fire house.

Firefighters like Allum want to fix the problems. Firefighters are selling t-shirts and hats to raise awareness and money.

"With the community's help this station can be kept up at top level," Allum said. "Don't let it fall by the wayside."

"We need to figure out a way to prioritize the budget if firemen have to sell t-shirts," said Andy Sullivan, who lives near station 19.

Sullivan said the city should find the money somewhere.

"I hate seeing the firefighters having to raise money for things like upkeep of the facilities -- that's something the city should be able to pay for," Sullivan said.

CBS Atlanta called the fire department to ask if the city can somehow find money to fix this and other firehouses. A spokesman did not respond in time for this story.

They're holding an open house here at station 19 on Saturday. They hope the public will see the conditions at the firehouse and contribute to its renovation.

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