San Antonio Fire Department To Begin Safety Probe Of Equipment

From The San Antonio Express-News, November 10

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The failure of firefighting equipment at least six times over the past three weeks prompted the city to call for a multi-tiered investigation into the faulty gear.

"Continued fire protection to the community and ensuring the safety of firefighters is the city's top priority," said City Manager Sheryl Sculley at a Wednesday morning briefing.

A firefighter first experienced a problem when his self-contained breathing apparatus malfunctioned during a blaze Oct. 20. The department immediately serviced all the devices, but another five apparatuses failed this past weekend, said San Antonio Fire Department District Chief Randy Jenkins.

No firefighters suffered any serious injuries in the incidents.

The apparatus is strapped to each firefighter's back and assists breathing by lowering air pressure, Jenkins said. The department implemented the new devices over the summer, said Fire Chief Robert Ojeda.

The recent glitches prompted the president of the apparatus manufacturer, Interspiro Company, to fly into San Antonio over the weekend, Ojeda said. The company is also shipping backup breathing devices for every firefighter.

"It's an issue that has sparked a lot of concern, both from the manufacturer's side as well as from the city's side and the fire department's side," Ojeda said.

The city and fire department plan to request investigations by multiple organizations, including the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and Southwest Research Institute, Ojeda added.

In the field, more firefighters, including a second district chief, and additional firetrucks will make every scene until the equipment issues are addressed, he said.

Members of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association planned to gather in front of City Council chambers today to raise safety awareness about the apparatuses and problems with the department's radios.

Overall, association President Chris Steele praised the efforts at addressing safety concerns and singled out the new city manager for her work on the issue.

"She's really allowed us to have a voice in this thing that we've never had before," Steele said.