Firefighters fighting mold and asbestos in aging station

DONALSONVILLE, GA (WALB) - Firefighters face danger on every call but Donalsonville firefighters face danger in their station. Mold and asbestos were found in several parts of the aging station.

Leaders are working to fix the problem. When emergency vehicles get rolling, the men and women that serve as fire fighters are thinking about the folks in need of their assistance.

In order for these firefighters to save lives, their safety is important as well.

"The city had 2 studies done to address the mold and asbestos issues," said city manager Darrell Hampton.

Mold growth was found on surfaces inside the fire station. Ceiling tiles were found discolored as well as walls. Mold spores were found in the dining, sleeping and training area.

City manager Darrell Hampton says many of the issues are due to the age of the building.

"Some of it is in tile, back in the 40's and 50's, we thought asbestos was safe until we found out like lead paint that it was not healthy."

Due to unsafe conditions firefighters aren't even allowed to use the upstairs sleeping quarters, they're instead sleeping in a camper at the back of the station.

The city promises that they are working towards finding permanent solutions that will not jeopardize the health of those that sacrifice so much of themselves.

"What we are looking at is a way to make sure that our firefighters are safe, that they can do their jobs, protecting the lives and the citizens of this community," said Hampton.

Hampton says money is the main issue in such a small community, but the city isn't rolling over when it comes to making the improvements needed so that firefighters can be ready to respond when duty calls.

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