$1B in federal funding proposed to upgrade fire stations

A proposal to provide $1 billion in federal funding would help fire stations in dire need of upgrades. Fire stations in Maryland and across the country are dealing with a list of safety issues that include mold, lack of proper exhaust systems and no air conditioning. For example, Baltimore County Fire Station 4 in Catonsville was built in 1928 and it could use an upgrade. Station 4 responds to 8,000 calls each year. The equipment is in top shape, the staff well trained, but firefighters complain the facility is not up to par. Issues include a lack of air conditioning and sprinkler systems, no female quarters and bunks that are located in a hay loft that was left over from a time when horses pulled fire equipment.