The Chilmark selectmen have dropped immediate plans to purchase land behind town hall that could accommodate a new fire station.

The plans faltered when town fire chief David Norton raised concerns about the suitability and safety of the site, just north of the town hall on Middle Road.

Last week the selectmen cancelled a special town meeting planned for Feb. 29 at which voters would have decided whether to approve the $975,000 purchase.

Without the backing of the fire chief, selectmen saw no reason to go forward with the plan. The selectmen are seeking an extension on a purchase and sale agreement on the 1.4-acre property while other alternatives are explored.

The current station at Beetlebung Corner has outgrown its space, and the town has spent more than a decade looking for a suitable site to house a new fire station and the Tri-Town Ambulance.

Andy Goldman, chairman of a town committee charged with the site search, remained upbeat this week.

“There are always other possibilities,” he said.