9 Investigates upgrades to stop mold in Seminole County fire station

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates uncovered years of complaints about leaks and mold that are making Seminole County firefighters stationed in Winter Springs feel sick.

Investigative reporter Karla Ray got a look at recent upgrades meant to address the issues inside Station 24.

The walls, ceiling and floors of the bunk room were recently re-done after an inspection found elevated levels of the most common form of mold. The inspection was launched following complaints of “upper respiratory infections” and “nasal congestion” by firefighters.

“That always concerns us, and that is why we tried to do what seemed like it took a long time, that’s us trying to figure out the right way to do it. So it’s not just a temporary fix,” Assistant Chief Richard Stover said.

9 Investigates found the recent upgrades came after years of temporary fixes. Maintenance notes from summer 2012 describe “mold seeping through new paint” and emails about mold behind electrical covers. One email stated, “There is mold in the wall, and it is a health hazard for our personnel. This has to be addressed.”

“Nothing is done to mitigate mold until the problem already exists, and people are already sick,” Fire Union President Mike Edmiston said.

He told 9 Investigates that the union would like the county to enhance preventative maintenance measures for mold at all of the agency’s fire stations, pointing out Station 24 isn’t unique in its issues with moisture and leaks.

“All of our fire stations, with the exception of one, are at least 25 years old. Anything of that age needs maintenance,” Edmiston said.

But county leaders told 9 Investigates that HVAC systems are already checked monthly for issues, and fire stations are expected to be examined daily for problems.

Station 24 was built in the 1970s, and had both ventilation problems and leaks.

A 2014 maintenance record noted, “water, water, everywhere,” and a program manager wrote in an email, “I just left FS 24, and honestly, can hardly breathe.”

Even after calls for a full roof replacement then, that $90,000 upgrade isn’t expected for at least another year. Stover told 9 Investigates that patching the roof has been enough to stop the problems.

“I don't want to say we were trying to find a cheaper way, we were trying to find the right way,” Stover said.

Cox Media Group