While fire and rescue personnel are on duty 24/7 across the country, many of the stations they are staying in lack features to keep them healthy and safe, a recent NFPA needs survey shows.
But, that will change if Congress passes the FIRE STATION Act, a bi-partisan measure introduced this week.
It would create a $750 million grant program to modify, upgrade and construct fire and EMS stations, according to a release from U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, (D-MD), one of the bill sponsors.
“Our fire fighters (sic) deserve the best possible facilities so they can be ready with everything they need to spring into action when duty calls. Yet nearly half of the fire stations across America require major repairs – with some even posing serious health hazards to the men and women who protect our communities. This bipartisan bill will unlock more funding to ensure our fire and EMS heroes have modern, safe, and mission-ready facilities,” he said in a statement.
Van Hollen was joined by Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) in sponsoring the legislation.
The NFPA report showed 44 percent of fire stations are over 40 years old and in need of significant repairs and 56 percent of stations lack exhaust emission control and are not properly equipped with cancer-preventing systems.
Many have no backup power and don’t have separate quarters for women and men.
Van Hollen noted that he found similar conditions in Maryland where some 71 stations need repairs, modifications or need to be replaced.
Murkowski noted: “Those who serve as fire fighters (sic) throughout Alaska not only deserve functional facilities – but need them – to help them respond quickly and safely to emergencies. Unfortunately, many fire stations in our state are in dire need of repair and updating—which is why I’m joining my colleagues in this bipartisan measure, the FIRE STATION Act, to invest in our fire stations and to support the people that are always there for our communities when we need them most.”
IAFC President Chief Donna Black lauded the lawmakers: “This legislation will help fire departments upgrade their stations to meet the life, safety, and health requirements of the modern fire service.”
Pascrell pointed out: “Our Fire Station Act will provide critical funding to help modernize fire and EMS department facilities across the nation, ensuring that our first responders have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
The chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council said the measure will help departments in rural and small communities.
“Thousands of fire stations across the country are outdated and don’t meet current voluntary consensus standards for health and safety. This problem is particularly acute in smaller, rural communities, which often lack the tax base to properly invest in modern facilities for fire and EMS,” Steve Hirsch said.
Likewise, the Congressional Fire Service Institute said the legislation is of the utmost importance. “Our nation's fire and emergency services personnel work tirelessly to protect their communities. We must ensure that the facilities where they sleep, eat, and work are safe and code-compliant,” said Bill Webb, CFSI executive director.
The FIRE STATION Act would provide funds for:
· Building, rebuilding, or renovating fire and EMS department facilities;
· Upgrading existing facilities to install exhaust emission control systems;
· Installing backup power systems;
· Upgrading or replacing environmental control systems, such as HVAC systems;
· Removing or remediating mold;
· Constructing or modifying living quarters for use by personnel; and
· Upgrading fire and EMS stations or building new stations to meet modern building codes and standards as set by the National Fire Protection Association and International Code Council.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly thanked the legislators for their effort. “Countless fire stations nationwide have fallen into dangerous levels of disrepair – risking fire fighters’ health and safety. Budget-strapped local governments need assistance repairing and replacing these dilapidated stations.”
