An outbreak of mold at the Katy Fire Station One has forced all office and operations personnel to be moved out of the station, according to Fire Chief Russell Wilson.

City of Katy Mayor Bill Hastings said the COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder to get in touch with individuals who can help with the mold issue, but repairs remain a priority.

“We have a proposal to have it renovated and that proposal says that it would take three and a half to four months,” Hastings said. “Now, we’re in the process of trying to go through that. We have a price on it. We’re just trying to figure out at this time how to budget for that.”

The engine and medical crews are currently staged at the Fussell Senior Center on East Fifth Avenue for operating units for the north side of town, about three-fourths of a mile from Station 1. This location is a designated backup fire station and includes dorms, office space and communication systems tied back to City Hall, Hastings said.

“They’re being well taken care of and I know it’s an inconvenience for everybody but even in the times that we’re in, it’s just not an overnight fix,” Hastings said.

At the moment, there is no set date for the fire station to reopen, Hastings said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold grows in moisture-heavy areas, such as around leaks in roofs, windows or pipes, or where there has been a flood. It can grow on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood, as well as dust, paints, wallpapers, insulations, drywall, carpet, fabric and upholstery.

The CDC says mold can cause several health effects, including a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, and skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections from the mold.