CORTLAND, Ohio - Officials in Cortland said there is a great need to separate the living quarters inside the fire station from where the fire trucks are stored.

"Our living quarters are adjacent to the bays, so when [firefighters] come back from a response, they are bringing all those carcinogens back, and we need to get those away from the living quarters." Cortland Council President, Kevin Piros said. 

The plan is to build a safety service complex, possibly where the city hall building is located 

Each room at the current fire station has one bed and a locker where firefighters store some of their equipment. The council president said a bigger space would reduce potential health risks.

"Whether it's an automobile accident, where there's fuel, there could be oils. And then of course, when you're dealing with a fire, you have all the smoke and the carcinogens from the things that are burning and emitting the fumes." Piros said adding, "[The complex is] going to provide them more secure and isolated living quarters with their bunks and their eating. [It will] also expand our bays and give us plenty of room," Piros told 21 News

The projected cost of the facility is $10 million. So far, the city has $2.15 million from the state. Leaders are hoping federal grants will help take care of the rest.

The complex is set to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness for the city.