Fire crews living with no heat in Detroit firehouse

DETROIT (FOX 2):During the extreme frost in Southeast Michigan, firefighters operating out of a Detroit firehouse have been without heat.

We know:

The firefighters have been forced to live without heat in their section of the building at Firehouse Engine 55, Ladder 27 in Detroit.

The crew is seen utilizing space heaters and plastic on the windows in cell phone footage taken from Engine 55 on Joy Road, close to the Southfield Freeway, on the west side of the city. But even then, the crisp outside breeze was causing the curtains to flap in the windows.

To confirm that there is no heat on the second floor of Engine 55 other than the space heaters, FOX 2 showed the footage to Thomas Gehart, president of the Detroit Firefighters Union. The firefighters reside on this floor.

Next steps:

In an attempt to obtain answers, FOX 2 contacted the city’s construction and demolition department.

They penned:

“Our firefighters’ comfort and safety come first. Our contractors are trying to finish these repairs at Engine 55 as soon as possible because of the low temperatures we are experiencing. There are temporary heaters installed. Three weeks ago, replacement radiators were ordered, and in the upcoming weeks, installation is expected to start.The building’s outdated systems provide particular difficulties, necessitating intricate repairs as well as specialized tools, supplies, and labor. We are totally dedicated to doing the task correctly, even though these processes take time.

Ironically, firefighters said that space heaters start fires. According to officials, they pledge to maintain the heat.

The Detroit Firefighters Union was interviewed by FOX 2.