another close call

[SAFD46Truck]

Thank goodness the Scott's will be on their way here soon. This has been wayyy to common. -46

Firefighter Has Equipment Problems, Jumps From Window
City Council OKs Purchase Of New Equipment

POSTED: 7:32 am CDT April 21, 2006
UPDATED: 7:36 am CDT April 21, 2006

SAN ANTONIO -- On the same day the City Council approved the purchase of new breathing apparatus for firefighters, a San Antonio firefighter suffered smoke inhalation after his mask failed during a fire.

The firefighter, fighting a house fire on Thursday morning, jumped out a window because he said he was no longer able to get air from his mask.

"The fire was rolling over his head. All of a sudden, he doesn't get any more air out of his mask," said Christopher Steele, a spokesman for the Firefighters' Union.

The firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation and minor cuts at Methodist Children's Hospital.

Fire officials said it was too early to say if his equipment malfunctioned.

SAFD firefighters have reported several instances in which their breathing apparatus malfunctioned since the equipment was purchased from Interspiro about a year ago.

The problems prompted the City Council to approve more than $2 million to buy new equipment from a different vendor.

Firefighters should have the new gear within two months.

City officials said they are considering legal options against Interspiro

[RspctFrmCalgary]

Yikes ... too close