Study finds several Youngstown fire stations in deteriorating condition
YOUNGSTOWN - A city-commissioned feasibility study examining whether Youngstown should launch its own ambulance system has revealed deeper concerns about the condition of the city’s fire stations.
The report, funded by the city, states that five of Youngstown’s seven fire stations need significant renovations, and said repairs may not even be economically feasible for two of them.
Instead, the study recommends full replacement.
“Whether ambulances are assigned to the YFD fire station or not, these stations need attention to prevent further decay and ensure firefighter well-being and safety,” the analysis reads.
Fire Stations 1, 2, 6, 12 and 15 were identified as deteriorated due to deferred preventive maintenance, aging infrastructure and a lack of repairs.
Fire Chief Barry Finley said while a complete rebuild of certain stations would require dedicated funding, the department is staying on top of immediate repairs and does not see the condition of the buildings as posing an imminent safety threat.
A representative from the Youngstown Firefighters union, who spoke off camera, said the department has been neglected for years and that the study’s findings are just one example of a long-standing issue.
In addition to structural concerns, the study also cited aging fire apparatuses, with several fire trucks having exceeded their recommended service lifespan.
Finley said the department expects delivery of a brand new, $2 million truck later this year.
Councilwoman Anita Davis, who serves on the city’s Safety Committee, said that while the city received $82 million in American Rescue Plan funds, requests from across the city totaled nearly double that amount.
“Every single penny of the ARP money could have gone to the police department, to the fire department, on our roads,” Davis said, "The thing is, the $82 million goes but so far.”
Davis added that while residents may wonder why fire stations weren’t prioritized, the study came after much of the ARP money had already been allocated.
A city spokesperson said the buildings are old but are maintained with routine upkeep to ensure safety, but acknowledged the need for discussions to determine a long-term plan.
He added that a meeting to discuss the study has been scheduled for later this month, though a specific date has not yet been announced.