Truck 10 granted 3 month reprieve

BALTIMORE (WMAR) - A Baltimore City Fire Union spokesperson has confirmed that Truck 10, slated to close permanently on Monday will now stay open through October 1.

Michael Campbell, President of the City Fire Officers says the City Fire Chief has granted a 3 month reprieve to keep the company open.

Truck 15 in East Baltimore and Squad 11 in Southeast Baltimore will still be disbanded on Monday.

Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson Chief Kevin Cartwright says the extension is "to ensure a safe and orderly transition for all City fire companies."

The announcement comes days after the disbandments were pushed back for a second time following the areas severe weather and state of emergency.

Since 2009, three different city fire companies have been out of service every night, but Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says replacing that with permanent closures will save money as the truck can be taken out of service.

Last year, Baltimore had the lowest number of fire deaths since 1938 while expanding the City's Free Smoke Alarm program.

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- Following is a statement from Kevin Cartwright, Director of Communications for the Baltimore City Fire Department:

Baltimore, Maryland - July 6, 2012 - To ensure a safe and orderly transition for all City fire companies, including three undergoing disbandment, Truck 10 will remain open for approximately 90 days while all rotating closures are discontinued effective July 9th.
 
The transition from three nightly rotating closures to three permanent disbandments will enhance operational predictability and response times are expected to improve to meet national fire protection standards.
 
In 2009, the Baltimore Fire Department managed five nightly rotating company closures due to budget cuts.  Upon taking office, Mayor Rawlings-Blake restored funding, reducing rotating closures from 5 to 3.  Last year, Baltimore achieved the lowest number of fire deaths since 1938 while expanding the City's Free Smoke Alarm program.   Today, the City investing in Computer upgrades which will allow for faster responses to 911 calls.