Mold found in fire stationMarch

March 22, 2007

Mold found in fire station

13abc.com - Toledo,OH

March 22, 2007 - More troubles for Sylvania Township firefighters.

This time, it is more than just money. The four guys on duty

normally sleep inside Fire Station 2. Now, they are in a trailer

because something else is in the building. After three years of

working, eating and sleeping in Fire Station 2 Robin Zaletta says he

felt different.

" I kind of had more sinus problems and health issues and didn't

really put two and two together, until I started hearing more and

more complaints from different guys. "

It turns out the 24 hour shifts inside this building may have been

exposing Zaletta and others to a health hazard. Sylvania Township

firefighters didn't find it until after checking out a leak in the

ceiling.

Deputy Chief Tom Eisel says, " That station is old, and over the

years had many leaks. We have always tried to repair them. "

What they uncovered was mold. Firefighters sealed off the room and

are now sleeping in a camper. The township is looking at a

potentially costly cleanup, one coming on the heels of cuts to the

fire department.

Sylvania Township Trustee Carol Contrada says, " Our buildings are in

need of repair anyway. We have been able to put off some repairs.

This we can't put off and we will use the reserves as needed. "

Trustees will help bring in a contractor to test the air quality and

fix the problem. Meantime, firefighters will sleep in their

temporary quarters, all except Zaletta.

Zaletta has transferred to Fire Station 1, but he may not be out of

the clear. Fire Station 1 has had leaks in the past. The township

also plans to test it for mold. There is still no telling how bad

the mold is there or what they can do to clean it up, so this may

only be the beginning.

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