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.
"It's dated, it's old and it is expensive," Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said.
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.