The fire station and visitor center is outfitted with solar panels to produce 8 kilowatts of renewable energy for the station.

“We are very pleased with the addition of this facility to our valley," Sequoia National Forest District Ranger Al Watson said in a news release. "The location will improve response time and provide easy access to Highway 178 while contributing to the needs of the community’s health and safety.”

Station 14 was built as a Net Zero Energy building, a design concept that utilizes solar features, specialized insulation, natural light and other energy-efficient materials ,officials said.

The new facility generates its own power from a 110-kilowatt solar array comprised of more than 300 panels.

Living quarters have 10 single-bunk rooms and two officer suites, and an administrative station office, kitchen, maintenance and training rooms.

“We are very grateful for the incredible support of local fire departments to the Faber family. This donation is to honor the memory of Jesse Faber,” said Shannon Horstmeyer, executive assistant at LSC.

“This is near and dear to my heart,” said Chief Vern Butzine of the Waterloo Fire Department. “Anytime a situation like this happens, we are always there to help out.

“It’s a community effort,” Butzine added. “The strong support of the community and companies like Landmark keep us going. It is very much appreciated.”

VICTOR, Mont. — Victor's volunteer fire department is exploring two options for future operations.

It could update its aging facility which was built in the early 1950's, or it could purchase another building close by.

Neither project would require a taxpayer mill levy.

Which ever choice is made the costs would be paid through savings, existing donations and a bank loan.

Many firefighters and EMS personnel say expansion is necessary because of the need for more space, improved technology and safety.

"We've outgrown the building," said Fire Chief Scott Hackett.

Chief Hackett said fire trucks are bigger than they used to be.

Doors on the existing truck barn aren't tall enough.

Standing at the south end of the current truck barn Hackett gestured towards the doors behind him.

"They're 10 feet high," he said, "and the new trucks are 10- feet- six- inches to 11 feet. One engine we put in there we had to take the monitor off it or it wouldn't fit in the door."

Hackett said with 43 firefighters and Emergency Medical Service people using the facility, numbers have grown.

He said the old building is too cramped to move around in or to do adequate training, and he said there isn't enough office space.

The parking lot to the south of the building could be the site of a n