Palmerston volunteer firefighters say a water tanker ''must'' be based in Palmerston and they will build a new shelter for it themselves, if that is what it takes.
The township's water tanker was removed by the Otago Rural Fire Authority last year after failing to gain a certificate of fitness.
A new shelter is required if a replacement tanker is to be based in Palmerston.
The Waitaki District Council has also backed the call for the tanker, which was used to cover the whole Waihemo area, to be replaced, but the ORFA says it can make no decisions until the new financial year, starting July 1.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said if getting another tanker in Palmerston depended on a new shelter, the council would probably provide some financial support for that.
However, any construction had to be decided by the ORFA and the design signed off by it.
Palmerston chief fire officer Gary Johnston said he would arrange another meeting with Otago chief rural fire officer Dr Stephanie Rotarangi to discuss the water tanker situation.
