The Augusta Fire/EMA Department is denying reports that some fire stations were closed last week, saying some engines were temporarily out of service because of issues related to COVID-19.
Augusta Professional Firefighters Local 3357 has posts on social media about stations being out of service because of staffing issues.
According to a fire department news release, Engine Company 6 on Richmond Hill Road was temporarily out of service for mandated physicals Thursday. During the physicals, an employee reported signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and was sent home.
After the employee was tested and results were negative, Engine Company 6 was put back in service at 8 p.m. Thursday.
On Friday, all units started their shift in service and operation. According to the release, on Friday night, an employee at Engine Company 15 on Flowing Wells Road reported symptoms of COVID-19. The employee was sent home and Engine Company 15 put out of service.
The department says "at no time was any station closed." Both engines are part of double company stations and there was no delay in response or emergency service coverage, according to the release.
"It is standard practice to put units 'out of service' for periods of time for mandated physicals, training exercises, maintenance issues, firefighter injury or sickness and firefighters experiencing a family emergency," the release states. "Physicals are completed on shift so employees do not have to take personal time. All fire stations are strategically placed to overlap in coverage areas to ensure that another company can easily cover without compromising service."
Over the past couple of weeks, the Augusta firefighters union has been critical of Fire Chief Chris James and has demanded his resignation or firing. On its Facebook page, the union has asked supporters to contact Augusta commissioners to express their concerns with issues at the fire department, including overtime and staffing issues.
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