Community members in Brooklyn are raising concerns over the department’s ladder truck not being sent to some fires in hi-rise and taller buildings.
Last month, the 100’ ladder truck sat in the station during a fire at a Hampton Inn Hotel, while the department used a mutual-aid department for a ladder company.
At a recent reported fire call on the third floor of another hotel, the ladder remained in the station and did not respond, according to a report by FOX 8 I-Team.
Rob Slattery, a Brooklyn activist told FOX 8, “My biggest concern is somebody’s going to die, I think the city is gambling on everybody’s safety. Visitors, residents, everything. And something needs to be done.”
Fire Chief Kevin Paul doesn’t believe anyone is in danger when crews don’t respond with the ladder truck, he contends the best response is four members on an engine and two in a ambulance to fight fires.
The fire department does use the ladder truck when responding to accidents on the highway to block the scene for fire and EMS personnel.
When questioned why the ladder doesn't respond to some fires, Chief Paul sighted staffing issues that are common in suburban departments and the challenges faced when trying to staff rigs.
