CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Fire Commission may reverse a proposal that had required volunteer fire departments to adopt national fire codes.
At a community commission meeting, supporters encouraged the proposal, citing the need to keep up with the times technologically and procedurally. Opponents say without adequate funding, staying up to date on all codes and practices is impossible, according to WOWKTV.
Many volunteer fire departments said that they lack the manpower and the money to implement the changes the fire commission is recommending, and may cause some volunteer firehouses to shut down.
Under the rule as is, if a fire department violated a national fire code, it would have been fined $100 for every day it is out of compliance.
If the state fire commission agrees to remove the proposal from the law, the commission would appeal these changes to the legislature so a new bill can be drafted.