City approves adding a fourth paid firefighter

The Columbia Falls City Council last week approved the hiring of a fourth paid fireman. The move would bring the total paid force up to five firefighters, including the chief.

The initial cost to bring on a firefighter is about $110,000, which includes training and gear. The actual salary is $27.24 an hour, plus benefits.

The cost will be split between the rural fire department and the city. The city’s portion will be paid through the city’s 3% resort tax and hopefully, a federal a Federal Emergency Management Agency Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant, which the city will apply for.

The city needs the fourth firefighter for safety reasons and to cover vacations. As firefighters go on vacations, that  leaves about 12 weeks of that have to be covered, chief Karl Weeks told council.

The additional firefighter also means that a truck can roll in a moment’s notice and two firefighters can enter a structure while two man the engine, which follows safety protocols.

The new person will not be hired until next fall.

The city hired the first three firefighters in 2022. They had their busiest year ever last year, responding to 426 calls.

In addition to its paid force, the city still has a robust volunteer force, with more than 20 volunteers.

It added another volunteer Monday night, as council approved the appointment of Craig Weber to the force.