Six Fire Stations Close Doors
 

Six Fire Stations Close Doors
Neighbors Fear Response Times Could Be Extended

POSTED: 7:15 a.m. EST March 21, 2005
UPDATED: 2:07 p.m. EST March 21, 2005


Story by wpxi.com

PITTSBURGH -- At 8 a.m. Monday, six Pittsburgh fire stations closed for good.

It is part of the city's attempts to save millions of dollars as it struggles to get out of debt.

The six stations that will be closing are in Troy Hill, the Hill District, Bloomfield, Allentown, Overbrook and Marshall-Shadeland.

Overnight, firefighters slept in the Troy Hill station for one last time to show nostalgia, unity and support.

Sunday, they boxed up memorabilia from the station, which has been around for more than 100 years.

The closures will save the city about $10 million per year.

The biggest concern about the closures is public safety.

Neighbors in Troy Hill are worried about fire response times once the station closes.

Station 39, which is one of the fire houses closing, is along Ley Street.

Station No. 32 out of Spring Garden will now answer calls.

That is about a mile away.

With six stations closing, Pittsburgh's new fire chief is already facing a big challenge on his first day on the job.

Michael Huss started Monday.

He replaces Peter Micheli who retired after 41 years of service.

Huss was formerly the fire chief of Johnstown.