SEATTLE (AP) — A Seattle official says a transmission pad failure prevented the first fire engine from being able to pump water onto a June 12 fire that killed five people, including four children.
Fred Podesta is acting director of the city’s fleets and facilities. He said Thursday that the transmission pad failure prevented firefighters from engaging the pump and spraying water. A second engine arrived within about two minutes.
Podesta says 10 of the city’s fire trucks have the device. Six have already been replaced and the other four will be replaced by midday Friday. Podesta says consultants who helped find the problem have also told firefighters what to do should it occur in the future.
Fire Chief Gregory Dean has said a light bulb near a foam mattress caused the fire. He also said fire officials believe the fire was too hot to survive by the time crews arrived.
