Arlee volunteer fire department chief Ken Light, chairman of the board of directors Susie Black and Arlee Tribal Council representatives James Steele Jr. and Jim Malatare celebrate the opening of the new Arlee firehouse last Saturday. The department held an open house for the community after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Light said the beautiful new building will be an asset for a department and community that averages 250 fire or emergency calls each year.

The new facility has bays that open on the front and back, making access to different parts of the community much quicker and efficient. Light said the building was “a real community effort.” Ground breaking occurred in March 2009 and only small finishing touches are left to complete.