From the Times News: As demands for the Burlington (N.C.) Fire Department’s services increase and the city’s population shifts, a new comprehensive study might provide new answers about how the department could meet the public’s growing need for its service.

Beginning in about 30 days, a study will be conducted by the Center for Public Safety Excellence to examine the city fire department’s current level of service and how it could be changed to meet new demands.

Burlington City Manager Harold Owen said the study will take about 120 days to complete and the results will be presented to the Burlington City Council for consideration.

Owen said the study will help local officials decide whether to merge fire stations, build a new fire station or close any one of the five existing fire stations in Burlington.