What citizens DON'T know

Firefighters' Warning in Wilkes-Barre

October 5, 2004


Firefighters' Warning in Wilkes-Barre
It's not too comforting when you get a warning about fire protection from your firefighters but that's what firefighters in Wilkes-Barre are telling homeowners. They are using fire prevention week to make a point.

Firefighter union leaders launch a campaign against city officials. An ad in a Sunday newspaper was the start. "At a time when we should be focusing on prevention we have to justify the job that we do," said union president Tom Makar.

On Tuesday firefighters hit the streets, putting flyers door to door. They worked through the area surrounding a house that had been torched by an arsonist. "Public safety cannot be gambled with. There is a level that should be maintained, must be maintained and hopefully will be maintained," said Makar.

He thinks 17 firefighters are needed per shift. The city cut the mandatory staffing level to 14. Makar wants people to call city council and the mayor to complain.

"It's a shame the firefighters have the time to go door to door. I have only received one call that was negative. I received six calls that were positive," said Mayor Tom Leighton. He said the city doesn't have cash to pay for extra staff but he said more than enough people are scheduled.

He said according to the numbers, two-thirds of the time more than 14 people are working. He said firefighters simply want more overtime. "Our fire chief and assistant fire chiefs think we are adequately protecting our residents. I would never, never gamble with the safety of residents visitors or guests," the mayor added.

Leighton estimates nearly $90,000 was saved in four months. The firefighters insist safety shouldn't have a price tag.

Copyright © 2010, WNEP-TV

AND

March 13, 2006


Fire on South Welles Street in Wilkes-Barre
UPDATED: Tuesday, March 14, 5:37 p.m.
By Rosa Yum

The mayor of Wilkes-Barre is defending the response time of his fire department after two fires broke out Monday night around the same time. Some people were critical that firefighters didn't arrive fast enough.

Residents in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre said they want more fire-fighters, especially with the kind of fires that happened Monday night.

There was little left of two homes on South Welles Street after they caught fire around 7:40 Monday night. The damage was so bad they were being torn down by Tuesday afternoon.

The Wilkes-Barre fire chief said the fire was caused by a boy playing with matches.

Fire victims were going through the rubble hoping to find some precious memories, such as a photo or a religious statue.

"I think it's because the firehouse up the street was closed. Response time was terrible, lacking of men. If it weren't for Kingston and Edwardsville, it would have been twice as bad," said fire victim Bill Maloney.

Just 25 minutes before the fires on South Welles Street, a vacant house on Carey Avenue caught fire. That fire is still under investigation.

Residents said the two fires almost at the same time stretched crews too thin.

"I'm not blaming the firemen, I'm blaming the politicians for not hiring, for not putting another crew on. We should have an engine on the hill, at least a little alley truck if need be," said neighbor Fred Buss.

Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton disagrees. "I must emphasize that with their help, and the professionalism of our fire department we're able to save the entire block both on Carey Avenue and South Welles Street."

"There are four minutes response time to both fires, more than acceptable," said Fire Chief Jacob Lisman.

He added the city, if needed, can also count on getting help from fire fighters in five surrounding communities.

Copyright © 2010, WNEP-TV


Now for the kicker, yes we can ASK for help from the surronding communities, but they can ask for our help also. Being a full time dept. we are much more likely to be available and that means W-B will have ONE engine covering the city!
DO NOT FORGET the cities own study said 17 firemen were needed per shift for Wilkes-Barre!
The city will not get a new study because NFPA standards would NOT lower that number but would raise it into the 20s!