Date Published: 12/05/2020 [Source]
Gresham's Fire Stations are in need of updates to bring them into the 21st century and deal with the dramatic increase in calls for service since the facilities were constructed in the 1980s.
"One of the most challenging issues facing our department is the state of our fire stations," Chief Mitch Snyder said. "We generally put our money and resources into staffing and response times."
The city operates four stations, and last year's third-party inspection revealed updates that would allow the department to provide safe and proper service. Two issues required immediate attention — Station 73 and 74 had unacceptable levels of lead in drinking water, while Station 74's air quality showed an unhealthy level of radon in the building. According to the EPA, radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.