A station closure and subsequent engine relocation in Camden is causing concerns about response times, but the city's mayor is trying to reassure residents that the fire department will quickly respond to emergencies.
The Courier Post reports that the Kaighns Ave. fire station which housed Engine 7 and was built in 1910 was forced to close Nov. 14 because of structural issues, sending the engine to another location pending a further assessment.
A city engineer recommended "out of an abundance of caution" that Engine 7 move because of a compromised floor that might pose a danger to heavy apparatus and firefighters themselves. Engine 7 was moved several blocks away, which in turn forced Engine 8 to move to the Fire Administration building downtown.
While the union representing the city's firefighters supported the relocation of Engine 7, the group is concerned about the ripple effect it has caused and how it may increase response times.
"Our concern and our hope is that Engine 7 and Engine 8 could run out of the same firehouse," said Sam Munoz, president of Camden Fire Officers Local 2578.
"We are not in agreement with the city's determination that Engine 8 be displaced to North 3rd Street headquarters because the fire hazard potential there is not as great as it is in Engine 8's district," he added.
The union aired its grievances in a Facebook post last week, which led to a response from Mayor Frank Moran.
"With regard to the fire department's operations and response times, I was reassured by (Camden Fire Chief Michael Harper) that his decision was in the best interests of his own men and women, and that the department can still respond to any active fire adequately," Moran said.
The firefighters union is calling on residents to urge the city to house Engine's 7 and 8 together at Liberty Station, and to restore and repair the Kaighns Ave. station.
The city will have to wait several weeks for a full assessment of the damage at the station before making a decision.
