The union says crews are regularly assigned reserve apparatus without working air conditioning, exposing members to dangerous cab temperatures during extreme heat

By Maggie Trovato
Baltimore Sun

BALTIMORE — The union for Baltimore firefighters is raising concerns about the lack of working air conditioning in some of the fire department’s vehicles.

Union President Josh Fannon told The Baltimore Sun that many of the department’s reserve line apparatuses, or fire engines used when a “first line” vehicle has broken down, don’t have working air conditioning.

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He said these reserve line vehicles are used daily.

“Our members are routinely exposed to dangerous cab temperatures exceeding 100°F,” Fannon said in a statement to The Sun. “Heat stress is a serious occupational hazard that adds to the physical demands of the job and increases long-term health risks.”

Last week, temperatures reached the high 90s in Baltimore. According to the University of Maryland Extension, the state can expect “above normal temperatures” for the rest of July.

Fannon said the department has continued to place trucks with inoperable air conditioning in service during “extreme heat.”

“Firefighters should never have to compromise their health while responding to calls when we are fully capable of protecting it,” he said.

In an email, Baltimore City Fire Deputy Chief Khalilah Yancey said vehicles in the department’s fleet “can experience mechanical issues from time to time.”

“Our reserve fleet and deployment plan ensure we remain fully operational regardless,” Yancey said.

The department’s top priority, Yancey said, is to protect firefighter health and safety while maintaining uninterrupted emergency services.

Yancey said that in times of extreme heat, the department has a plan in place, ensuring that employees have “continuous access to cold drinking water.” She said that the department will run mobile hydration units, send out hydration and heat safety reminders, and authorize employees to wear approved department T-shirts to reduce heat stress.

Coolers are stocked with water and electrolyte packets, Yancey said. In some cases, the department will bring in extra staffing so that crews can work on the fireground for shorter periods, she said.

“We continuously monitor weather conditions, call volume, and our members’ welfare, and we will adjust as needed to ensure our personnel, visitors, and the residents of Baltimore City remain safe while maintaining rapid emergency response capability citywide,” Yancey said.

Fannon said a written hydration plan isn’t a substitute for climate control in emergency vehicles. He said the union has raised concerns with management about the state of air conditioning, but that there hasn’t been an immediate resolution.

The union will continue to press the department for repairs, “accelerated placement” of aging apparatuses and a “reliable” preventative maintenance program “to ensure all frontline equipment remains safe and operable,” Fannon said.

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