D.C. Fire Department Lacks Available Reserve Fire Trucks

As the Washington, D.C., continues to rely on a fleet of private ambulances to keep up with 911 call demand, the district’s fleet of fire trucks is once again falling behind. Two of the department’s 16 ladder fire trucks are out of service, and there are no reserve trucks available.

Tower 3, the only unit capable of facilitating group evacuations from tall buildings, has been out since Aug. 29 and is assigned as a first responder for emergencies at the White House. Truck 15 is out for repairs.

“There's no doubt that a fully functional fleet with reserves is necessary for first responders, whether it's police or fire,” said Phil Mendelson, chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia.

The problems with D.C.’s aging fleet of fire trucks have been well documented over the years. Under former Mayor Vincent Gray and Chief Kenneth Ellerbee, the department went several years without buying any new vehicles.

Read more: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/DC-Fire-Department-Lacks-Available-Reserve-Fire-Trucks-392517851.html