Firefighters in Shreveport, Louisiana, have moved into a rebuilt fire station following longstanding concerns about mould, structural deterioration and the health of personnel assigned to the facility.
Crews returned to Fire Station 20 on 11 August after the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Local 514 raised concerns about conditions at the building with Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. and the city administration.
Health concerns raised at station
Station 20 is located at the Port of Caddo Bossier, approximately four miles south of Shreveport. Firefighters and emergency medical personnel based there respond to incidents at the port and across neighbourhoods in southeast Shreveport.
Concerns about conditions at the station had been raised as far back as 2010, including reports of persistent mould, fungus and bacteria.
According to the IAFF, at least 16 firefighters who worked at the station were diagnosed with cancer, including colorectal and brain cancers. Four subsequently died.
Assessment identifies mould
An environmental assessment identified several types of mould inside the station, alongside evidence of moisture intrusion and structural deterioration.
The IAFF brought in specialists to review the assessment findings and advise Local 514 on the conditions.
The city subsequently closed Station 20 in August 2023 while officials considered how the problems should be addressed.
Crews were temporarily relocated during the closure but continued responding to emergencies within the station’s service area.
Station rebuilt following closure
The city and port carried out extensive work at Station 20, including gutting and rebuilding the facility, remediating mould and addressing deterioration within the building.
The project also provided upgraded living quarters and a reinforced storm shelter for personnel.
A new fire engine has also been assigned to the station following the completion of the work.
The reopening provides firefighters and emergency medical personnel with an updated facility after years of concerns surrounding the condition of their working environment.
Local 514 President, Barbara Sellers, said: “This has been a long, tough process, but it was worth it to have a safe working environment for our Local 514 members assigned to Station 20.
“We appreciate the cooperation from the city and the port for the testing, clean up, and extensive renovations.”
“Hearing about the conditions of Fire Station 20, the IAFF stepped in right way to give us the support we needed. They made every resource available from medical experts to the IAFF General Counsel.
“All of us working together for the safety of Local 514 members was really what ultimately made this a success.”
General President, Edward Kelly, said: “Rebuilding Station 20 is an important win for our Local 514 brothers and sisters but it came at a terrible cost. Firehouses should not make our members sick.
“The IAFF will always put its full weight and resources behind ensuring members have safe workplaces.”
