Georgia county initiates lawsuit to close lab after toxic cloud spreads through Atlanta suburbs
Rockdale County pushes for legal following toxic cloud A Georgia county is preparing a federal lawsuit to close the BioLab chemical factory after a fire last month released a toxic cloud over suburban Atlanta, leading to extensive evacuations. According to AP News, Rockdale County Commissioners announced their intent to take legal action, aiming to address […]
Collective bargaining victories in Southern U.S. celebrated at IAFF conference in Atlanta
IAFF: 30th annual Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters conference in Atlanta As reported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), leaders from across the Southern U.S. gathered in Atlanta this week to highlight recent collective bargaining victories. The event, marking the 30th annual Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters conference, brought together delegates […]
Atlanta apartment fire during unsanctioned rooftop party prompts fire safety review
Atlanta fire department responds to rooftop party fire The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) responded to a major fire at a five-story multifamily apartment building on Howell Mill Road NW on July 27, 2024, at 6:22 p.m. The fire started on the rooftop during an unsanctioned party with over 100 attendees. According to AFRD, the […]
Atlanta Fire Union proposes public safety surcharge on ticketed events
Union suggests new funding method for essential equipment As reported by Atlanta News First, the Atlanta Fire Union is exploring innovative methods to fund necessary equipment by proposing a ‘public safety surcharge’ on ticketed events in Atlanta. During a budget hearing, Atlanta Fire Union President Nathan Bailey presented the proposal, highlighting its potential to support […]
Atlanta conducts audit on fire fleet amidst equipment shortages
City audits fire department fleet due to maintenance and supply issues The City of Atlanta has initiated an audit of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department’s (AFRD) vehicle fleet as it confronts longstanding equipment challenges exacerbated by maintenance difficulties and a backlog in orders. City Council members highlighted concerns last fall regarding the inconsistent availability of […]
Station 16 Holiday Party: A tradition of giving in Atlanta
Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 16 continues over half-century tradition of community celebration The enduring tradition of the Station 16 Holiday Party, initiated by the first African American firefighters of Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 16 in 1972, marked another successful year. This event, rooted in community spirit and togetherness, celebrated its 53rd anniversary, underscoring its status […]
Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation initiates ‘Fleet Forward’ campaign
Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation launches innovative sustainability campaign The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation (AFRF) recently announced the initiation of the ‘Fleet Forward’ capital campaign. This initiative, kickstarted with a significant $500,000 donation from Norfolk Southern, aims to raise $3 million for the acquisition of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department’s (AFRD) first electric fire engine and […]
Atlanta’s Fire Department grapples with severe equipment shortages
Atlanta’s Fire Department faces a critical equipment shortage, affecting its operational capabilities and response times, as detailed in a recent article. Equipment shortages impact operational readiness Bill Brockman, a former Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department battalion chief, highlighted the dire situation by recalling a 1999 incident where the department, then fully equipped, struggled to control […]
Atlanta City Council earmarks millions for police and fire equipment
Atlanta City Council passes significant funding for emergency services The Atlanta City Council has unanimously approved a substantial investment for emergency response equipment. On Monday (6 November), the council greenlit a financial package totaling $40 million to address the dire need for new equipment within the city’s police and fire departments. The move comes in […]
Atlanta fire stations face temporary closures amid equipment shortage
Three Atlanta fire stations shutter their doors temporarily due to equipment and staff deficiencies In a recent update provided on Monday, October 23, 2023, Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith confirmed the temporary closure of three local fire stations. The reason cited was a shortage of essential equipment and personnel. Stations in the spotlight: Atlanta fire […]
