Montana City’s Fire Tower in Violation of Fire Codes

Helena’s fire tower is in violation of fire codes after city officials renovated the Montana city’s landmark with wooden roofing shingles.

The city created a wildland-urban interface district in 2008 with rules that forbid use of the shingles when more than half of a roof is being replaced.

The tower was renovated in 2010 and 2011. Scott and Megan Svee brought the wooden-shingled roof to the attention of the city and to the judge overseeing a challenge to the audience.

The Svees installed wooden shingles on the roof of their home and were sued by the city in 2011.

City manager Ron Alles tells the Independent Record the unauthorized shingles was an oversight that will be quickly corrected.