HOUSTON – The Houston Fire Department chief said the staff was “maintaining operations” but “stretched thin” after additional firefighters were quarantined on Monday.
Fire Station 68′s ladder truck is one of six HFD trucks and other vehicles currently out of service because there aren’t enough firefighters to staff them, said Marty Lancton, HFD’s union president.
“On a perfect day, take COVID out of it, we don’t have the minimum staffing required for each apparatus,” Lancton said.
As expected, residents who live near the fire station said they were unaware of staffing problems at the fire department.
Chief Pena said many firefighters are voluntarily working extra shifts to make sure Houston is covered.