Stations

Mold Closes MA Fire Department's Oldest Station

July 23, 2019

For the second time in less than two years, Fall River firefighters were moved out of the Stanley Street fire station, which was built in 1900.

By Jo C. Goode

Source The Herald News, Fall River, Mass.

Fall River, MA, Fire Department's Stanley Street station.

FALL RIVER, MA—For the second time in less than two years, the oldest fire station in the city was temporarily shuttered due to mold concerns.

On Monday, firefighters moved to two other stations in the city while a company worked to abate mold in the Stanley Street Fire Station, which dates to 1900.

"It had been tested for mold and the levels are safe but a little elevated," Fire Chief John Lynch said.

By afternoon the station was empty and large mold air scrubbers could be heard inside.

Lynch said that according to Christopher Gallagher, the city's director of buildings and grounds, the fire crews should be able to return Tuesday.

Engine 12 was relocated to the Central Fire Station and Platform 1 to the North End Fire Station.

During a recent budget hearing, City Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau said she requested the mold testing after she received complaints from Stanley Street firefighters about mold and health issues.

Lynch said the mold problem stems from a leaky roof. He said the plan is to place an overlay on the existing roof.

Jason Burns, president of the Fall River Firefighters Union, said that he has sent the results of the testing to leadership in Washington, D.C., for more information on the types and levels of mold involved.

"The basement is really bad, but we knew that," said Burns. The area housing the station's apparatus had elevated levels of mold. The second floor, where firefighters sleep, was clear.

The roof has always been an issue, said Burns. While he's happy there will be a temporary fix, Burns said he wants a long-term solution "to keep my guys safe."

In November 2017, the station was shut down because of elevated levels of mold and an abatement followed.

The building was the last fire station built in the city to house horse-drawn fire trucks, Lynch said.

Email Jo C. Goode at [email protected].

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