Billings Firefighters Will Rappel Down the Rims to Remove Graffiti

Last weekend, my family was out running errands when my husband brought up the graffiti on the Rims. My 11-year-old asked why anyone would do something like that. Why would they want to deface something, especially something so beautiful and special to Billings?

It was one of those questions that doesn’t have a good answer. The Rims are part of the view, part of the history, and part of what makes Billings feel like home.

The graffiti problem isn’t new. Homeowners near the Rimrocks told KTVQ it has become a daily disappointment, and the same request prompted the City to look for both cleanup and prevention options.

Tomorrow, something is being done.

Billings Firefighters Will Rappel Down the Rims

On Thursday, October 1, the City of Billings will conduct a graffiti removal operation on the Rims beginning at 1 p.m.

Because the graffiti is in a hard-to-reach location, members of the Billings Fire Department will use technical rappelling equipment to access the face of the Rims and paint over the affected areas.

You don’t see firefighters rappelling down the Rims every day, but this job can’t be done from the ground.

Skyline Trail Visitors May See Billings Fire Crews

Crews will stage near the new shade structures along Skyline Trail. Anyone using the trail Thursday afternoon may see emergency vehicles, City personnel, and rappelling activity in the area.

The City of Billings graffiti cleanup is a coordinated effort between the Fire Department, Code Enforcement, and Parks, Recreation and Public Lands. Visitors are asked to stay clear of the work and staging areas and follow directions from City personnel.

Billings Has a $500 Reward for Graffiti Tips

Billings offers a $500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a graffiti suspect.

Each reward claim will be reviewed and investigated to make sure the information was accurate, relevant, and directly led to the arrest and conviction.

A person convicted of graffiti will face a misdemeanor charge and must repay the reward money. If the suspect is a minor, the child's parent or legal guardian will be responsible for paying it back.

Anyone with information about graffiti should report it to the Billings Police Department so officers can investigate and identify possible suspects.

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Home Depot Donates to Billings Rims Graffiti Cleanup

The Home Depot donated more than $300 in materials to support Thursday’s cleanup.

Graffiti on the Rims might seem small to some people, but it matters. This is one of Billings’ most recognizable places, and keeping it clean takes people willing to do a job that most of us couldn’t do ourselves.

If you’re planning to be on Skyline Trail Thursday afternoon, give the crews room to work and let them do what they do best.