The Allentown fire chief closed one of the city’s fire stations for fear that it might be infested with mold.
Allentown’s East Side Fire Station closed 5:30 p.m. after fire officials received complaints of poor air quality in the building.
Water from a wet August, Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Lee has wreaked havoc and promoted mold growth all over the area.
Firefighters who worked at the East Side fire house are now working from Hibernia Fire Station on Ridge Avenue. The station is located 1 1/2 miles away from the Lehigh River. Some residents believe the response time of 3 to 4 minutes makes a big difference.
"If they have to respond over on this side it's going to take them a few extra minutes and that could be a big difference in damage or even life," said Ralph Bove of Allentown.
Allentown Fire Chief Bob Scheirer says that a fire truck will be posted outside the East Side Fire Station during the morning and evening rush hours to ease concern from residents.
Next week the fire department will ask city council for a funding package that includes over $1.8 million for a new fire house. The chief hopes there will be a new East Side Fire House by the end of 2012.
