HOUSTON — The Houston Fire Department’s environmentally friendly ambulances have experienced repeated mechanical failures that have taken units out of service and affected response capability, according to internal documents reviewed by KPRC 2.
An August email from the HFD district chief of resource management detailed multiple recurring issues forcing ambulances off the streets. Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz acknowledged the problem, calling it “a huge concern.”
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An internal memo said recurring mechanical issues are “reducing fleet readiness and response capacity.” The units were approved under former mayor Sylvester Turner as part of a push for greener ambulances. In October 2022, the City Council unanimously authorized a $5.9 million purchase of 21 Frazer cab-and-chassis ambulances with modular bodies.
City records show the ambulances were equipped with a system to power electronics without idling the engine, part of the city’s effort to reduce emissions and promote cleaner air.
Mayor John Whitmire and firefighters’ union President Marty Lancton said they were unaware of the ambulance reliability issues until they were shown the internal email. Crews now report charging problems, including insufficient time at stations and a lack of proper ports. Chief Muñoz said the units must be plugged in to maintain onboard systems, but high call volumes often prevent the one-to-two-hour charging windows needed.
KPRC 2 shared the internal HFD email with Frazer, and a company spokesperson responded: “Regarding your inquiry, it is our understanding the units referenced have been serviced and have returned to service. We continue to take the Houston Fire Department’s readiness concerns seriously and we have always acted with urgency alongside HFD and our component suppliers.”
Muñoz said the environmentally friendly units cost about $40,000 more than traditional ambulances and acknowledged he does not know if any failed during an emergency. He added that the city does not plan to buy this type of ambulance going forward.
Is your department using ‘green’ rigs? What pros and cons have you experienced?
EMS1 readers respond
“How do they not know if any failed during an emergency? Seems like that would be the talk of the agency if they had.”
