When engines and trucks go out of service in Atlanta, a juggling act takes place.
In some instances, there weren't any reserves, UAFF Local 134 President Nate Bailey told Atlanta News First.
“Over the past few weeks, months, even the last year we had several engines and trucks go out of service,” he said.
Earlier this week, the city council unanimously approved $4.7 million in funding to buy three new pumper trucks and three new ladder trucks.
The department has 31 fire engines, including 13 with more than 100,000 miles, Bailey said adding that some of the rigs are over 20 years old.
“When we start to lose some of those, we lose our capabilities and the other engines and trucks in those surrounding areas have to run more calls,” Bailey said.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said:. “The expansion of our AFRD fleet will help decrease response times, increase our readiness, and improve the overall safety of our communities..."
