NBC10
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The president of the Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Union Local 22 wants a safety inspection of the fire department’s entire vehicle fleet in the wake of last week’s ambulance fire that spread to a local firehouse.
On Friday, an ambulance caught fire inside Ladder 2 at 4th and Arch Streets in the Old City section of the city. A spokesperson for the Union announced on Tuesday that a mechanical defect to the vehicle sparked the flames. The spokesperson also claimed it was one of a “series of mechanical failures” of Philly Fire Department vehicles.
“Over the past few years, the mechanical condition of the majority of vehicles in the Fire Department fleet, both fire apparatuses and medic units, has reached a critical point,” said Union President Joe Schulle. “Some units are using apparatuses that are more than 20 years old. Many of the units are visibly leaking oil, have significant air leaks or have serious suspension and brake problems.”
Full story: Philly Fire Union Wants Inspection of Dept. Vehicles in Wake of Ambulance Fire