Atlanta is grappling with the temporary closure of three of its over 30 fire stations, a move attributed to a shortage of firefighters and a fleet of fire trucks that is largely out of service. The situation has prompted city council members to consider a significant investment in new fire vehicles.
Atlanta Fire Rescue Chief Roderick Smith informed a City Council committee about the closures, revealing that 17 fire trucks were out of service, including eight fire engines and nine ladder trucks. While some trucks are undergoing repairs, others are operational but not at full capacity.
Dustin Hillis, chair of the council’s Public Safety Committee, described the city’s fire truck fleet as “in shambles.” However, Smith assured the council that while the situation is serious, it is “not in a dire space right now.” He mentioned that the city is working on replacing its reserve fleet and that 11 fire vehicles have been ordered but are yet to be delivered due to manufacturing delays, reported Tornoto Star.
The fire department has also seen a surge in emergency calls, doubling from last year, with most calls being for emergency medical services.
To address the crisis, council members are contemplating a $16.4 million investment for the purchase of 12 more fire engines, two ladder trucks, a platform truck, and three other unspecified vehicles. Smith, however, cautioned that new orders for specialized equipment might take up to three years to be delivered.
Hillis expressed his concern, stating, “I have nightmares about situations where a fire truck or fire engine isn’t coming to save people’s lives.” He believes that the city needs to allocate $12 million annually for the next three years to adequately update the fire truck fleet.