Photo: Corbis Documentary RF
OSHA is at it again. They're now pushing for increased training requirements and are setting stricter limits on both volunteer firefighters and their equipment. Now, lawmakers are warning that this could destroy those volunteer fire departments.
Representative Nick Lalota (R-NY) recently spoke out about the negative impacts of OSHA's proposed rules at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing. He said, "OSHA's proposed rule would devastate our nation's volunteer departments, decreasing public safety, and increasing costs."
The new proposal increases training requirements for volunteer firefighters, as well as limits the lifespan of the critical equipment they use. That all amounts to added costs for these small departments. Rep. Lalota spoke to those concerns, saying, "Safety must be a top priority, but I am increasingly concerned that these new safety standards would force small and volunteer fire departments to shutter."
Rep. Lalota spoke about what a critical resource to communities across the country these volunteer fire departments are. He said, "Their presence enhances local resilience, fosters community spirit, and ensures that even the most remote areas can access essential firefighting and emergency services."
That's especially true here in Texas, where, as of 2023, around 76 percent of Texas was covered by these volunteer fire departments, meaning that these rules could leave thousands without protection. KTRH reached out to multiple Texas-based firefighter organizations, who did not respond to requests for comments.