Pocono News Section

Battle Over Fire & Water in Pittston Twp.

Battle Over Fire & Water in Pittston Twp. - Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 6:32PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Sep 3, 2008 @ 06:32pm EST
PITTSTON TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY- A major fire fight is brewing in one Luzerne County community. It could put lives in danger. Wednesday the Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Company had its water shut off.

It’s a battle that's been brewing for years. It’s all because of a $1,025 debt for the last seven years. It’s a war of words, and you the homeowners’ safety is at stake.

And no water could spell big problems for the department. Fire Chief Tony Angelella said, “We're trying to do our best to protect the community and provide service and to cut off our utilities, water especially for a fire department, just think about it..."

Just after noon Wednesday the fire company was served with a water shut off notice. President Joe Aliciene is crying "foul.” “Not only is it unreasonable, it’s asinine," he said.

Township Supervisor and Sewer Authority Chairman Tony Attardo made the decision to shut off the water. He says the fire company must pay out of its $171,000 budget. “Who can you blame? I thought they'd pay the bill, knowing they had a tremendous picnic. I just gave them $7,500," he said.

Firefighters are firing back, saying its the township's responsibility to pay the bill. They even point to a 2003 public meeting where supervisors voted to pay it. Past Fire Company President Joe Pupa said, “They did not pay the sewer bill. They violated their own motion. They're in violation of the law."

In the meantime homes, businesses and even the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton International Airport could be in danger. “We've got a serious problem, a serious problem and I want it resolved right away," said Angelella.