Aerial ladder truck back in service as winter storm approaches Cape Girardeau

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Cape Girardeau Professional Firefighters Local 1084 announced Thursday that Ladder 1, the city’s 109-foot aerial ladder truck, has been returned to service after being out of operation for more than four months.

Union officials said the apparatus officially returned to service at 2 p.m. after 136 days and responded to multiple calls by early evening. The ladder truck had undergone extensive repairs to ensure it met safety and operational standards.

The return of Ladder 1 was made possible through coordination between the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, department mechanics, local businesses and Sentinel Emergency Solutions, according to the union.

With Ladder 1 back in service, Ladder 4 has been returned to reserve status, restoring full aerial firefighting and rescue capabilities for the city.

The announcement comes as a major winter storm is expected to impact the region. Firefighters said severe winter weather often increases the risk of fires, medical emergencies and rescue incidents.

Local 1084 urged residents and visitors to take safety precautions ahead of the storm, including limiting outdoor exposure during extreme cold, using only approved heating methods, ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have working batteries, and preparing for possible power outages with flashlights, batteries, medications and reliable access to emergency information.

Firefighters said they are prepared to respond to emergencies before, during and after the storm.