Mold forces fire station cleanup

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Mold forces fire station cleanup

Chicago Daily Southtown - Chicago,IL

March 9, 2007

By Gehring Staff Writer

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/news/289622,093NWS6.article

Bridgeview Fire Station 2 remains closed for cleanup and remodeling

after tests confirmed suspicions that mold was growing in the

firefighters' living quarters.

Tests on a spot of mold that sickened one firefighter last month

showed Bridgeview must do a cleanup that probably will cost about

$10,000, Chief Thurzo said.

The village closed the fire station Feb. 22 when a firefighter

complained of allergy-like symptoms after firefighters found a black

spot on some drywall.

Officials believe the mold probably began growing after heavy storms

last October partially flooded the building.

The majority of the mold was found behind a refrigerator and washing

machine where the environment is moist, dark and warm -- ideal

conditions for mold to grow, Thurzo said.

Crews are in the process of gutting the kitchen and removing the

drywall. The project also includes installing new cabinets and tile,

Thurzo said.

Workers also will spray the fire station with a mold killer and use

an air exchange process to pull mold spores out of the air.

The renovations should take about three more weeks to complete.

In the meantime, firefighters from both Bridgeview fire stations

have been bunking together at station 1 adjacent to the village

hall, 75th Street and Oketo Avenue.

Public works employees who share their building with the station 2

firefighters have not moved out because officials believe the mold

contamination was limited to the firehouse.

Park Fire Department and North Palos Fire Protection

District officials offered to let Bridgeview firefighters move in.

The chief also considered setting up a trailer for firefighters

assigned to station 2 but decided it would take almost as long to

set up the trailer as to complete the repairs.

The chief is not concerned that moving station 2 firefighters will

affect their ability to respond to emergencies.

Depending on the nature of the call, " We always have an option to

call in another department, " Thurzo said.

Public safety chief Chigas said the village recognizes the

firefighters are farther away.

" But they are still within earshot, " Chigas said.

Unions that represent firefighters and fire lieutenants are

monitoring the renovations at station 2.

Thurzo said that along with cleaning up the mold problem, the

project generally will improve the firehouse.

" We're doing more, " Thurzo said. " We're remodeling the station,

doing improvements and bringing it up to code. It's been around a

long time. "

Gehring may be reached at

sgehring@...

or (708) 633-5971.