Orlando Fire Department, city may be fined after firefighters exposed to asbestos

ORLANDO, Fla. — 9 Investigates has learned that the city of Orlando and the Fire Department could face tens of thousands of dollars in fines after firefighters were exposed to dangerous asbestos while prepping an apartment building for live fire training in February.

On Wednesday, Channel 9 reported about a lab report that showed high levels of asbestos were present on gear at the site on Mercy Drive.

An investigation has since been launched by the county's Environmental Protection Division.

The investigation is ongoing, but the city was issued a warning letter, and the Fire Department a violation letter for violating county code when firefighters removed that asbestos from the building.

Document: Letter from EPD to city of Orlando

Document: Letter from EPD to Orlando Fire Dept.

The letter alleges the city violated Orange County code, Florida administrative code, and National Emission Standards for Asbestos.

It says the city failed to notify and submit a "notice of demolition or asbestos renovation form” and "proof that a thorough asbestos inspection of the facility was done prior to demolition."

The Environmental Protection Division met with the city's environmental staff, which provided the information and “after the fact asbestos notification.”

The city also paid $1,000 for the emergency notification for removal of the asbestos originally removed by the firefighters.

The city is cooperating with the county to address their concerns," an Orlando spokesperson said.

In a separate violation letter to Orlando’s fire chief, the Environmental Protection Division alleges the Fire Department violated Orange County code, saying it, “failed to notify the Environmental Protection Division of their intent to conduct a training burn at these apartments on Mercy Drive February 8.”

According to the settlement guidelines set forth by the state of Florida, the city and the Fire Department could face fines up to $25,000 per violation because asbestos is deemed a hazardous substance.

Cox Media Group