Audit triggers alarm: Atlanta Fire shrinks emergency fleet

ATLANTA – A shocking study found that a third of Atlanta’s fire trucks are well past their lifespan.

The audit also revealed that the maintenance of the equipment is inadequate and that a source of financing for the equipment must be found.

When you need the Atlanta Fire Department in an emergency, you’d expect the fire truck or ladder to be well-maintained and ready to go. However, a recent audit of the city’s fire department found an outdated fleet that could raise safety concerns.

““The fire department had only three fire engines and no reserve aerial ladders to cover the city. That is less than the number recommended by international standards,” said auditor Brandi Bell.

Atlanta has three aerial ladders but should have four. Even more concerning is that the city has no aerial ladders but should have two.

The report found that 28% of the city’s vehicles have exceeded their recommended life cycle.

Another problem is the maintenance of the ageing fleet.

“Approximately 18% of fire trucks had not received preventive maintenance in over a year. We also identified significant, unresolved maintenance issues on fire trucks,” Bell continued.

The audit also found that the city is behind on purchasing new equipment and needs a new source of funding.

“The city’s primary source of funding, the GMA fund, was insufficient. The City Council passed a bill that included a request for the fire department to purchase 58 fire trucks and aerial ladders. The city purchased 30 of the 58 vehicles. Most of the remaining 28 vehicles were not purchased due to insufficient funding,” the auditor told the Public Safety Committee.

The Fire Chief and Public Safety Commissioner assured the Council that they had already begun to address these issues.