Cape Girardeau firefighters raise concerns over water, mold in fire stations
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A union representing Cape Girardeau firefighters is calling for an independent evaluation of city fire stations and the release of records related to water intrusion, moisture and mold concerns dating back nearly a decade.
Southeast Missouri Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 1084 said Monday that city records document complaints and remodeling related to water and moisture issues dating back to at least 2017.
The union alleges water has entered firefighters’ living and sleeping areas, including dripping onto carpeting and beds, and that mold and moisture damage have repeatedly appeared inside the stations.
According to the union, previous responses have included replacing drywall and ceiling tiles, remodeling areas and conducting mold testing, but the problems have returned.
Local 1084 is asking the city to release records involving water intrusion, mold complaints, testing, repairs, work orders, remodeling, expenditures and recommendations involving Cape Girardeau fire stations since 2017.
The union is also calling for a comprehensive, independent evaluation to determine the source of the water intrusion and develop what it describes as a permanent solution.
The firefighters’ association also raised concerns about plans for one of the city’s four fire stations. The union said the station needs an estimated $3 million to $5 million in renovations but alleged the city is considering spending about $1.5 million on a partial solution.
Local 1084 said taxpayers should be told what work would be completed with the proposed funding, what problems would remain and whether additional renovations would be necessary in the future.
The union also tied the station concerns to its ongoing labor dispute with the city, saying firefighters are currently working without a contract.
Local 1084 called on residents to contact elected officials and attend City Council meetings to seek more information about the city’s plans.
The City of Cape Girardeau had not provided a response to the union’s allegations in the information released by Local 1084.
