WCOM NEWS

6-10-04

Miramar firefighters chased out of station by mold

MIRAMAR--Fuzzy black mold has chased a group of firefighters out of their station and into a temporary trailer nearby, fire officials said.

The spores thrive on ceiling tiles and in shower stalls and air ducts at Miramar's Station 70, flaring up every time the air conditioning goes out.
We've been working on this for three years,'' said Miramar Fire-Rescue Chief Jim Hunt. ``It comes back every time we clean it.''

City officials have given up, and the 21 firefighters and officers who work, eat, sleep and shower at the station in shifts will move into a pink trailer next week, leaving their trucks at the station.

Firefighters at the city's second busiest station have been afflicted by puffy eyes, sinus problems, coughs and flu-like symptoms, which they attribute to the building.

At the firehouse, built in the 1970s, a 4-foot space between the ceiling and second floor captures heat and moisture, fostering mold when the air conditioning falters. At least three stringent cleanings have not stopped the problem.

Officials hope to build a $3 million station, 500 yards from the current building, within 18 months.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Associated Press) 6-10-04