A presentation by Dearborn Heights Firefighter Mike Metz outlines serious problems at the city’s two fire stations, including roof leaks and the resultant mold, and HVAC failure and lack of maintenance.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS – The City Council approved a four-step solution July 9 to address urgent problems at the city’s fire stations, authorizing roof repairs and replacement, mold remediation, HVAC work and quarterly deep-cleaning.
Firefighter and health and safety committee member Mike Metz presented in detail the serious health concerns at both fire stations, and said that despite the fact that the Beech Daly fire station is planned for replacement in a few years, roof leaks and the resultant mold need to be addressed now.
Dearborn Heights Department of Public Works Director Bob Conrad (left) speaks about the repairs and maintenance needed at the city’s two fire stations while Firefighter Mike Metz listens.
Metz said that since 2019, roof leaks and HVAC issues have represented 44 percent of the repair requests at the Beech Daly station, and that six of the 45 water leak requests led to the discovery of mold as a result of the water incursion.
He said that 25 of the 43 HVAC repair requests occurred during the winter and resulted in the loss of heat to the sleeping quarters, with the interior temperature dropping to 53 degrees Fahrenheit and necessitating the purchase of space heaters.
Metz said that since firefighters live in a station for 24 or more hours at a time, it is crucial to have a safe living environment, which includes preventing mold and its spread.
He said they need a permanent solution to the ceiling leaks and the replacement of water-stained and moldy ceiling tiles.
Metz said deep-cleaning the station just once a year is not adequate, because of the residue that transfers from the turn-out gear from firefighting chemicals and the residue from burning structures.
He said the HVAC system needs to be cleaned and maintained to prevent another situation where the firefighters go weeks without heat in the winter, and to prevent the circulation of compromised air flow from dirty and moldy vents.
Metz provided concerning images of mold on fire station walls, and said that in some instances, months passed before remediation began, and with damaged ceiling tiles removed and the cavities left open.
He said ceiling leaks at the Beech Daly station caused deterioration to the metal support members above that caused chunks to fall from overhead in the equipment bay. A foot-long piece barely missed hitting a battalion chief who was standing below, he said.
Council members expressed dismay and pledged their immediate support, with Department of Public Works Director Bob Conrad concurring and other city officials agreeing to expedite the rapid development of specifications for roof replacement, which must occur before mold can be prevented and permanently mitigated.
In addition, a commitment was made to getting the HVAC ducts and exhaust fans cleaned so that contaminated air doesn’t continue to circulate, and to prevent the loss of heat during cold weather.