DC Fire and EMS to review complaint of deplorable conditions inside Deanwood fire station

WASHINGTON - Firefighters at Engine Company 27 in Northeast D.C.'s Deanwood neighborhood are sounding the alarm about what they are calling dirty and deplorable conditions at their fire station.

In the District, fire personnel work in 24-hour shifts and then have 72 hours off. During their work shift, these firefighters live, eat and sleep at the firehouse, and these conditions are nothing new to them and have been going on for years, they say.

FOX 5 received an email with photos from concerned citizen that were taken inside the fire station showing trash bags being placed over windows used to keep the heat in the winter, mold issues, sagging ceiling tiles, flooded storm drains and rodent issues.

Crew members at Engine Company 27 said their complaints have fallen on deaf ears despite being one of the busier firehouses in the city.

FOX 5 reached out to Dabney Hudson, the president of the District of Columbia Firefighters Association, and he said he could not comment without having all of the facts. He also said our information request was the first he had heard about these conditions in months.

The D.C. Fire and EMS Department told FOX 5 in a statement:

"The DC Fire and EMS Department was not made aware with any concerns surrounding the safety or working conditions at Engine 27 prior to your inquiry. But nonetheless, the pictures and information you have provided to the Department has raised some serious concerns. We will take an immediate review of the complaint received and make repairs to any and all valid disrepair areas to Engine 27."

The fire department also told FOX 5 that Engine Company 27 is expected to be rebuilt and relocated. They expect to break ground in 2018.