San Antonio firefighters are battling more problems with faulty breathing equipment that's necessary to help with their work.
On Wednesday, officials told KSAT 12 News that they would be ready to sue Interspiro, the equipment's manufacturer, if it isn't fixed soon.
Since Nov. 14, firefighters have discovered the valve on their facemasks, which allows them to breathe, has failed, resulting in a complete loss of air.
"If you stop breathing, it makes a dangerous job even more dangerous," said Nathan Alonzo, with the San Antonio Firefighters Union.
"It hasn't happened in the field yet, but we are certainly concerned that it could happen in the field," said Deputy Fire Chief Rodney Hitzfelder.
The facemask problem comes on the heels of another malfunction, fire officials said.
Crews have also noticed problems with the valves on the bottom of the tanks that give them air.
According to officials, firefighters have been forced to back off at least a half dozen fired because of the valve problem.
"This is not an easy environment to work in," Hitzfelder. "Our equipment has to be reliable, it has to withstand some brutality out there."
The equipment is only about a year old and has already cost the city $1.5 million.
Soon, however, city officials said they're ready to ask for a refund from Interspiro.
"As the problems continue to surface, we may need to ditch that equipment and sue the manufacturer," said Mayor Phil Hardberger. "Our first principle is to protect the firemen."
Interspiro said the facemasks could break if they're dropped on the ground and said they believe that's what has happened.
The city is continuing its investigation with Southwest Research Institute to find who is responsible.
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- November 9, 2005: SAFD Launches Investigation Into Faulty Breathing Masks
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