ORLANDO, Fla. — Part of Orlando Fire Station 8 has been shut down after the fire chief said firefighters were exposed to moldy conditions.
A department spokesperson confirmed a portion of the building near Semoran and Lee Vista Boulevard is closed.
Officials said there was mold where firefighters normally rest between calls.
Department officials said there will be four firefighters inside the safe part of the station at a time for eight weeks.
There’s only one fire engine that will be at the station during that period.
An email sent from the chief to the department said crews started removing ceiling tiles, bedding and carpet on Monday, and the rest of the station is containment free.
Document: Letter from chief about mold issue
The email said indoor air quality tests revealed elevated mold counts in the dorm area.
Regular testing began after Station 9 was demolished several years ago because of a mold problem.
Some firefighters said they were sick from the mold.
Channel 9 also found out Station 8’s ladder truck is 5 1/2 miles away, and its rescue truck is 4 miles away.
Officials said the move shouldn’t impact response times.
In a statement, the fire chief said, “We ensure coverage to all of our service areas, while taking into account response times.”
The air quality report said the department should act fast to remove the mold or it would spread.
The department said it has not received any reports of firefighters getting sick.
Cox Media Group
