WTFX
Reprinted with Permission

PHILADELPHIA - Some local firefighters are calling on Philadelphia to end "rolling brownouts" of local fire companies.


The city has been closing a small number of stations each day as a cost-cutting move.

Firefighters say crews could have arrived at the scene of a fatal fire Tuesday on Sparks Street sooner if their local station had been open.

Two young boys died in that Olney fire.

On Wednesday, members of the firefighters' and paramedics' union held signs at the site. They are urging taxpayers to call their local city council member and demand action.

"We need $15 million. I'm not saying that that's a pittance; that's a lot of money. But $15 million will stop the brownout policy and reopen all of the seven companies closed in January of '09," said Ray Vozzelli, of International Association of Firefighters Local 22.






Local 22 Attends Neighborhood Gathering After Aug. 2010 Fatal Fire