By Tia Mitchell
The Times-Union
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It took Jacksonville fire officials less than one day to find a temporary solution to the elevated carbon monoxide levels at a Westside station.
But it took the city three weeks to tell the fire department about the problems.
Last month, the city started investigating after a firefighter at Station 25 complained about health issues. A report dated April 30 outlined the result of testing conducted by Aerostar Environmental Services on April 21.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue administrators received the report Monday after asking for a copy, Assistant Chief Randy White said.
Fire Department Director Dan Kleman and union President Randy Wyse both said the delay was troubling.
"If there is an issue, you know what, we need to address that quickly," Wyse said.
Klemen said he shared his unease about the delay with city Chief Administrative Officer Alan Mosley. He said Mosley said he was also concerned about the lack of communication and would address it.
Susie Wiles, spokeswoman for Mayor John Peyton, said the carbon monoxide levels in the station never posed a health threat, which is why the city didn't initially deem it necessary to share the report. She admitted Wednesday, though, that the fire department should have been notified earlier.
Kleman said fire officials evacuated the station within 45 minutes of receiving the report, which suggested corrective action, and arranged to have fans brought in to improve ventilation. The next day, staff was allowed to return to the station on Manor Boulevard, near Wesconnett Boulevard and Timuquana Road.
A timeline Wiles provided to the Times-Union shows the city waited two weeks to hear back from the doctor treating the firefighter who made the initial complaint. He initially saw a doctor on April 9, complaining that he had experienced headaches, chest congestion, soreness and fatigue since being transferred to Station 25.
Aerostar issued an addendum to the report the day after the fire department began inquiring about the issue. It said the carbon monoxide levels at the station were above the recommended standard for comfort but did not surpass health standards. The company reiterated its recommendation for corrective action but also said that the station didn't need to be evacuated.
White said Wednesday night the fire department's top officials didn't know there was an addendum.
The initial report said carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide readings were above air quality standards in the kitchen and living areas, as well as the office. When the air handling unit kicked on to cool the office and living area, levels decreased, while levels increased when the air handling unit supplying the bunk room and kitchen was operating.
Aerostar said the elevated levels of carbon monoxide are the result of exhaust from the diesel engines of the fire trucks that pull in and out of the station's bays. Pictures on the union's Web site show Station 25 is a single story building with two garage doors.
Aerostar also detected elevated carbon dioxide levels, as well as some water staining on ceiling tiles and mold growth in one area.
The fire department is arranging for the installation of a new venting system. Kleman said the issues with mold and moisture at Station 25 also will be addressed, though the current focus is on decreasing the carbon monoxide levels.
Ryan Hidalgo, an engineer at Station 25, was on duty Monday when the building was evacuated. He said he has been stationed there for four years and never felt the air quality was unhealthy.
