During Tuesday’s Public Safety Meeting, the Richmond Fire Department presented its quarterly report to members of the Richmond City Council, which revealed that the department is experiencing several critical facilities and fleet issues.
Over the past three months, Fire Captain Steven Hall Jr. said the department has responded to more than 11,000 calls and worked five fatal fires, all while using aging equipment.
“What’s concerning is those numbers are higher than what they were pre-COVID levels,” said Hall.
The average age of the department’s engines is 11 years old, with one frontline engine and eight others over 23 years old. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire engines over 25 years old should be replaced.