Firefighters in Petersburg are using a rescue squad and ambulances to respond because several front line apparatus are out of service, the fire union said.
The city's primary ladder truck, a 100-foot aerial platform, plus a 75-foor rear-mount are both at the repair shop for work, according to the Petersburg Professional Firefighters Association
"Well, it's an immense risk to public safety," union spokesman Scott Spencer told WTVR. "The city is not focused on maintaining their emergency vehicles and ensuring when someone calls 911, their neighborhood fire station can respond appropriately."
Now, crews are responding with ambulances, or reserve apparatus to get to emergencies.
"Whenever front line or reserve firefighting engines have been placed out of service, they have been replaced with ambulances," Spencer told the television station.
The union says the city is not willing to work with the union to fix the program.
"The real issue is you are setting them up for failure," business owner Terrell Turner told WTVR.
