With a proposed $750 million grant program, the newly introduced FIRE STATION Act, put forth by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), as well as U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), pushes for modifications, upgrades and build-up of fire and EMS facilities across the country.
“Our firefighters deserve the best possible facilities so they can be ready with everything they need to spring into action when duty calls,” Van Hollen said. “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.”
The legislators, in part, turned to a 2021 report from the National Fire Protection Association to make their case. That report found that 44 percent of fire stations were over 40 years old and in need of significant repairs and that 56 percent did not even have proper exhaust emission control. That same survey found that many fire and EMS stations lack basic needs such as backup power or crew quarters for female personnel.
The bill, as introduced, would allow funds to go toward:
- Building, rebuilding, or renovating fire and EMS department facilities
- Upgrading existing facilities with exhaust emission control systems and backup power systems
- Upgrading or replacing environmental control systems, such as HVAC systems
- Removing or remediating mold
- Constructing or modifying living quarters
- Upgrading or building fire and EMS stations to meet modern building codes and standards
“Those who serve as firefighters throughout Alaska not only deserve functional facilities – but need them – to help them respond quickly and safely to emergencies,” Murkowski said. “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.”
When introduced, Van Hollen and Murkowski were joined on the legislation by U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Jack Reed (D-RI). Outside Congress, the legislation was endorsed by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).