Fire Stations Face Dire Conditions Inside

Columbus fire officials said on May 15 that 58 work orders tied to conditions at Fire Station 18 had been filed over the past three years before part of the ceiling collapsed earlier that week. The partial collapse happened at the South Linden station on the city’s east side, and no one was hurt, according to 10TV. Mayor Andrew Ginther called the failure “completely and totally unacceptable” and said the city had already been accepting bids for repairs before the collapse. The incident has drawn renewed attention to complaints from firefighters and union leaders about aging stations, equipment and deferred maintenance across the Columbus Division of Fire. ### Which station collapsed, and what happened inside it? Fire Station 18 at 1630 Cleveland Avenue serves South Linden and houses Engine 18, Medic 18, EMS 13 and Command 18, according to the City of Columbus. The city’s station page says the building was built in 2006. Video from inside the station showed debris covering part of a bunk room after the ceiling gave way, and officials said firefighters were not inside the room at the time. (10tv.com) 10TV reported on May 15 that caution tape still surrounded parts of the building as city leaders worked toward repairs. Fire officials told the station that no one was injured in the collapse. ### How long had firefighters been warning about the building? Steve Stein, president of IAFF Local 67, told 10TV that Station 18 leadership had been raising concerns about the building “for some time.” Stein specifically credited Captain Farley and his predecessors for repeatedly flagging the station’s condition. “What we’re dealing with now is a lot of issues that weren’t dealt with a couple of years ago that can’t be ignored,” Stein said. (columbus.gov) (10tv.com) ABC 6 reported on May 18 that union leaders said they had been raising alarms for more than a year about conditions inside the department. Stein told the station the union wanted “a concrete public plan” that could be used to measure progress over the next several years. He also said the union was hearing from firefighters and members of the public who were pushing for answers after the collapse. (10tv.com) ### How broad are the complaints beyond one station? ABC 6 reported that a Facebook page called “C-F-D Duct Tape” began posting photos and complaints about aging fire equipment and deteriorating firehouses. The page’s creator told the station they were a family member of a retired firefighter and started posting because some firefighters were afraid to speak publicly, ABC 6 said. (abc6onyourside.com) The Columbus Division of Fire operates 32 active fire houses, according to the city’s frequently asked questions page. That wider footprint has become part of the debate because Ginther said the city now plans to look at station conditions throughout Columbus, not only at Station 18. ### What has the mayor said about repairs and the city’s response? (abc6onyourside.com) Andrew Ginther told 10TV that the Station 18 collapse was “completely and totally unacceptable.” He said the city was already in the process of accepting bids for repairs when the ceiling failed and added, “We’re going to be acting on that very quickly.” (columbus.gov) Ginther also said Columbus would review conditions at fire stations across the city as part of future capital budget discussions. The mayor’s office told ABC 6 it was grateful for firefighters and EMS personnel working “under challenging circumstances” to protect the community. ### What does this show about the city’s fire infrastructure? (10tv.com) The City of Columbus says the Division of Fire serves the community through emergency fire and medical services and operates a network of stations across the city. The same city records show Station 18 was built in 2006, while a city fact-sheet page lists projects including Fire Station 10 renovation and Fire Station 36, indicating that station construction and renovation are active parts of the capital program. (10tv.com) Columbus voters will see a bond package on the November ballot that includes $250 million for safety, health and infrastructure, including police and fire stations and fire trucks, according to the city’s bonds page. Ginther said the nearer-term next step is a citywide review of station conditions as Station 18 repairs move forward after bids closed. (columbus.gov) (columbus.gov)