More than a dozen Houston fire trucks were sitting idle on Christmas Eve due to staffing shortages or mechanical issues, according to the firefighters' union.
"I am very concerned about the ability of our firefighters to respond to calls for service," Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, said in a statement."It is a critical situation that places the safety of our firefighters and the citizens of Houston at risk. It is especially concerning considering that we are heading into the third night of record freezing temperatures that have increased calls for service.
All 104 emergency medical service units were in service Saturday, as were four additional peak-time ambulances, all 88 engine/firetrucks and 25 of 38 ladder trucks, according to Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña.However, Peña said staffing levels had been affected by Proposition B, a ballot measure approved by Houston voters more than four years ago, which is still being litigated.The city fought to prevent the measure from going into effect, and theremains before the Texas Supreme Court.
Proposition B"forced the city to cancel four academy classes, resulting in missing the recruitment target by 280 firefighters. We appreciate all the firefighters working today, but staffing becomes even more challenging during the holidays when personnel volunteer for overtime," Peña said Saturday. Houston firefighters responded to at least three overnight fires Friday, including an apartment fire in the 6300 block of Windswept Lane near Hillcroft, a house fire near Finch and Elbert, and a house fire at Castor and Crosstimbers.
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