Firefighter Says Los Angeles Port a Spark Away from Disaster
Rigs and ambulances aren't the only vehicles that need repairs in Los Angeles.
Some of the fire boats docked in the Port of Los Angeles are in poor condition and lack adequate firefighting equipment, CBS investigative reporters found during a probe.
Los Angeles Firefighter Steve Meiche said the port is one spark away from a disaster similar to one that ravaged a wharf in 2014.
He explained that the hoses carried aboard the boats need to be prepped before they're used. If not, there's only a weak stream.
Fireboat 1 has been out of service for repairs since January.
The one crews are manning now -- Fireboat 2 -- has a 19-problem list, which includes one of the engines and its only deck crane, used to rescue people off of cruise ships.
"The systems are antiquated. It's like having a fire truck with a big hook and ladder on it and not even being able to use the ladder," he said.
Other issues include hull leaks, hose pump and fuel gauge problems, a report showed.
Port of Los Angeles pays for the fire boats and officials told the media they've spent millions trying to fix the issues.
Six captains were recently assigned to the port. But, firefighters argue they need the boats fixed, not additional managers.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park said she was unaware that the issues existed with the fire boats.
"That is the most infuriating thing I've ever seen," she said.
The issue with the department's land-based apparatus -- engines, trucks and ambulances -- surfaced in January after the Palisades fire.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.