WASHINGTON (NBC Washington) – Seven D.C. Fire ladder trucks failed inspection and have been removed from service, News4’s Mark Segraves reported.
Ten of the 17 ladder trucks inspected passed and will rotate duty to provide coverage across the city. Fire officials say the trucks that did not pass inspection showed “varying degrees of rust at the base of the ladder support.”
“These inspections are part of a preventive maintenance plan for vehicles within our fleet,” said Interim DCFEMS Chief Eugene A. Jones. “It’s important that the vehicles our employees rely on when they respond to an emergency are safe.”
Union officials said the inspections of the trucks were overdue. Last year, the department was plagued by ambulances breaking down and even catching fire. The department added 30 new ambulances since then, but union officials also warned about problems with the rest of the fleet at that time.
“This is a problem that’s been building for years,” said Local 36 IAFF President Ed Smith. “We’ve been very vocal about the state of the fleet and the need to buy new apparatus and maintain what we have, and it’s all coming home to roost.”
FRM/FFN: Report Finds Failures with DC Apparatus and Maintenance
These ladder trucks can operate at heights ranging from 15 feet to 135 feet and are “used for rescues and heavy water streams.”
The trucks that failed inspection will be put back into service once they are fixed.
Montgomery and Prince George’s County firefighters have agreed to help the District in the event of big fires or rescues.
DCFEMS Press Release
Ladder Trucks Placed Out of Service for Failing Inspections
Preventive Maintenance Inspection Uncovers Corrosion Problem
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS) conducted inspections on 17 ladder trucks within its apparatus fleet. Ten ladder trucks passed inspection, while the remaining seven did not.
“These inspections are part of a preventive maintenance plan for vehicles within our fleet,” said Interim DCFEMS Chief Eugene A. Jones. “It’s important that the vehicles our employees rely on when they respond to an emergency are safe.”
A careful inspection of the units that did not pass inspection revealed varying degrees of rust at the base of the ladder support. These units have been placed out of service and will not return until the issues affecting them are resolved.
Ladder trucks are aerial devices used for rescues and heavy water streams. These units can operate at heights ranging from 15 up to 135 feet.
The truck companies that are available will rotate to various locations to provide coverage throughout the District.
Staffing will be added to those truck companies to increase operational efficiency. When needed, the Department will request mutual aid from neighboring jurisdictions.
Prince George’s County or Montgomery County have been notified and have agreed to support the Department.
