AMY NILE
Billings Gazette, Mont.
(TNS)

The city of Billings plans to complete a $500,000 renovation project at Fire Station 5 on the West End this year.

The Billings Fire Department has been awarded a $280,000 grant to help cover the cost of the work.

Billings Fire Department offers tours all week long during Fire Prevention Week

The crowd waves as Billings Fire Engine 5 raises the bucket for a demonstration and tour at Fire Station 5 during fire prevention week in 2022.

The department is among 100 organizations nationwide that were selected from more than 4,000 applicants to receive the money as part of Lowe’s Hometowns, a program that aims to restore community spaces across the country.

The city will provide an additional $214,000 for upgrades to Fire Station 5 on South 24th Street West, across from the West End Walmart. The money will be used to replace failing infrastructure and remodel the interior of the station, which was built in 1973.

Billings Fire Department Station No. 5, 1974 (copy)

The Billings Fire Department’s Station No. 5 is shown while under construction in March of 1974. The station sits on 24th Street West and is still in operation.

Firefighters face significant health risks due to the demands of their work, which are exacerbated by the 6,016-square-foot station’s outdated layout, according to Billings Facilities Specialist Tricia Mae.

Firefighters respond to a variety of types of calls from the station, which houses both an engine company and a mobile response squad.

Billings Fire Department takes an emergency call in Squad One, a nimble response unit

Billings Fire Department takes call in nimble response unit

The building currently has one large, shared sleeping area. The setup causes frequent disruptions to firefighters’ rest, which increases risks of exhaustion, fatigue, cognitive impairment, mental strain and other serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.

Inadequate rest also elevates rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Firefighters, who are exposed to trauma and chronic stress, are already statistically more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

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Homewood Park fire

Fire departments from Billings, Laurel and Molt battle a fire that destroyed a mobile home and four recreational vehicles on the 7800 block of Clark Avenue in 2023.

The station currently has only one shower, which fails to provide adequate privacy, inclusivity or efficiency, Mae said. The tiles in it are now deteriorating, which creates sanitation issues.

The station also lacks adequate decontamination facilities, which contributes to increased exposure to harmful toxins and raises long-term cancer risks.

Billings Fire Department offers tours all week long during Fire Prevention Week

Adults with AWARE of Billings gather outside Billings Fire Station 5 during a demonstration and tour during fire pr

The Herald Banner, Greenville, Texas
(TNS)

QUINLAN – The City of Quinlan and South Hunt County Fire Rescue celebrated the grand opening of a new fire station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday.

Local residents, officials from Quinlan and Hunt County and State Rep. Brent Money (R-Greenville) attended the event, which featured remarks from city leaders and tours of the facility.

Quinlan Mayor Jacky Goleman served as master of ceremonies, highlighting the collaboration that brought the project to completion.

Former Quinlan city administrator John Adel, current administrator Aaron Adel and South Hunt County Fire Rescue chief Ryan Biggers also addressed attendees.

“This new station marks a significant investment in the safety and well-being of our community and further strengthens the vital partnership between the City of Quinlan and South Hunt County Fire Rescue,” Goleman said. “The new station enhances our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies while also providing our firefighters with the modern resources and space they need.”

Funding for the project came from the City of Quinlan, with additional support from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The new station, nicknamed the Panther’s Den, includes updated living quarters, a full-service kitchen, dedicated training areas, and improved access for emergency response vehicles. It supplements an existing station in nearby Cash.

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Biggers recognized the department’s volunteer firefighters, emphasizing their commitment to training and service.

“These men and women work tirelessly every day to serve the safety and health of our community,” Biggers said. “Our firefighters strive to better themselves constantly so they may always be ready through studying, training and physical fitness. Mind you, all of this is done as dedicated volunteers with no pay – just courage, determination and sacrifice.”

The ceremony also included a tour of the station, a community reception and meet-and-greet with firefighters.

© 2025 The Herald Banner (Greenville, Texas). Visit www.heraldbanner.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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