Copyright 2005 P.G. Publishing Co.
By RICH LORD
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Twelve of the city of Pittsburgh Fire Bureau’s 14 ladder trucks have not received annual certifications since at least 2003, and would likely not pass nationally recommended tests.
“Our equipment, when it arrives at the scene of a fire, has to work,” Fire Chief Michael Huss told a special City Council hearing on the fire fleet yesterday. “I’ve got serious concerns about reliability.”
The fire bureau chief made the pitch as part of his battle to protect $3.6 million earmarked for fire vehicles in Mayor Tom Murphy’s proposed 2006 budget. The spending plan must win approval from council and the state-appointed Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority.
No one has suggested the money -- a combination of operating and capital budget funds -- should be cut, but fire officials, aided by union leaders, wanted to make sure everyone knew how critical the situation is.
“The consequence is that we’re going to fall into an unfortunate tragedy,” said firefighters union President Joe King. “We’re dancing between the raindrops. ... It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.”
There haven’t been any serious incidents so far as a result of the poor condition of trucks. But in July, the South Side aerial truck -- used to fight fires and rescue victims in tall buildings -- was out of service for one day and the Elliott aerial truck, for two days.
Trucks from other stations would have been called if there had been a fire, but it would have taken them longer to arrive at the scene, often a critical factor in rescuing victims.
The 56-truck fleet includes some vehicles that have been in service since 1984. At least six of its pumper trucks have accumulated more than 100,000 miles, and another has a broken odometer.
Since the city’s financial crisis deepened in 2003, it has purchased just four firetrucks.
Many of the older vehicles have leaking fuel, water, coolant, brake or hydraulic systems; cracked frames; lights that don’t work; slipping transmissions; failing generators; and other problems, Mr. King said.
He presented an analysis of response times to fires this year that showed that in 25 percent of structure fires during the first six months of the year, crews failed to meet national standards for arrival on the scene. Those standards call for a first vehicle to arrive within four minutes, and a full contingent to arrive within eight minutes.
Vehicle condition is partly responsible for the response time problems, he said.
Worst off are the ladder trucks, sometimes called aerials. The city has 11 front-line ladder trucks and three in reserve. Ten of them are more than 16 years old. Their useful life span is considered to be around 15 years, Chief Huss said.
He said that if he conducted the tests recommended by the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association, the repair needs identified would put most of the ladder trucks out of service for one or two months -- something the bureau can’t afford.
The tests are done by United Underwriters Laboratories.
He said he has allowed uncertified trucks to continue in operation, but wants to get enough trucks in reserve so he can have the tests done and repairs made.
“If you’re going to climb a 100-foot ladder, wouldn’t you want to know it’s been inspected and certified?” he asked.
Pumpers also are aging. Hazelwood, Beechview, Westwood, Perry North and Brighton Heights are served by companies with 1986 pumpers, according to a list provided by Chief Huss.
“We know what the remedy is,” said council Finance Chairman Doug Shields. “It’s money.”
He urged Chief Huss and Mr. King to lobby the authority and state government for more funding.
The proposed budget calls for the purchase of four ladder trucks, two pumpers and one combination ladder-and-pumper, called a quint. It also includes funding for three chief’s cars.
Ladder trucks cost $580,000, and pumpers $330,000.
Chief Huss said he had requested $12 million for new trucks.
“We’re very grateful that there’s $3.6 million,” he said.