By Nick Sullivan
The Charlotte Observer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A southwest Charlotte firehouse will be out of commission for months while crews remediate an extensive mold problem.
Residents won’t lose coverage in the meantime. But the Charlotte Fire Department says overnight response times in the Ayrsley area are higher than usual because firefighters temporarily relocated to other stations.
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Firefighters at Station 26 on S Tryon Street first reported concerns and prompted a series of inspections by the city. Inspectors confirmed the presence of mold and “further areas of concern,” which led to “a broader evaluation of the facility,” according to Battalion Chief John Lipcsak, a fire department spokesperson.
Fire units are still reporting from their normal response area during the day, in coordination with nearby units, Lipcsak said. At night, they will operate out of Station 30 on Beam Road , about 3 miles away, and out of Station 37, about 5 miles further down S Tryon Street.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with safety protocols, command staff made the decision to temporarily relocate personnel from the firehouse while remediation planning and work progresses,” Lipcsak said in a written statement. “The safety of Charlotte Fire personnel is a top priority. Temporary relocation ensures crews are not exposed to potential hazards while maintaining uninterrupted emergency response to the community.”
A contractor is working with the city’s general services and risk management teams to determine the full scope of the issue, Lipcsak said. He expects the station to reopen in early September.
Lipcsak didn’t elaborate further on the issue. The Charlotte Observer submitted a public records request in May for mold exposure reports and is still waiting to receive responsive records.
Mold exposure can cause allergy-like symptoms, coughing or a shortness of breath, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. Chronic exposure to black mold can cause long-term respiratory issues.
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