LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – A Los Angeles firefighter has raised alarms about the condition of the city’s firefighting equipment at the Port of Los Angeles following a container ship fire last month, warning that the current apparatus may be insufficient to prevent a major disaster.
Steve Meiche, a veteran LAFD firefighter and former rescue diver, highlighted that the five fireboats protecting the port are in poor condition. He explained that preparing the boats’ hoses for use involves a multi-step process, resulting in a weak water stream that would be inadequate to protect the port’s $912 million in daily cargo. Meiche also noted that Fireboat 1 has been out of service since January and that rescuers have been relying on other, equally damaged boats. Internal records show extensive maintenance issues across the fleet, including hull leaks, broken pumps, and nonfunctional deck cranes used for rescues. Fireboat 2, the fleet’s primary vessel, reportedly has 19 unresolved problems.
Meiche warned that Los Angeles is vulnerable to a repeat of disasters like the 2014 wooden wharf fire, which required a three-day firefight. “The systems are antiquated,” he said. “It’s like having a fire truck with a big hook and ladder on it and not even being able to use the ladder.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park expressed frustration, saying she was unaware of the fireboats’ condition despite previously voicing concerns about land rigs and ambulances left sidelined in LAFD’s maintenance lot, known as “the boneyard.” Recent reports presented to the fire commission show that reserve apparatus is out of service more than 90% of the time.
Newly appointed Chief Jaime Moore, who was present during the 2014 fire, said that the department’s response to the recent cargo ship fire demonstrates that the port remains safe. He emphasized that funding for fireboat maintenance has increased, although spending has fluctuated year to year. The Port of Los Angeles has also contributed millions toward repairs and recently added six marine unit captains, a move firefighters argue diverts funds from actual equipment maintenance.
Councilwoman Park is pursuing a proposal to fund firefighting equipment directly through a sales tax measure for voters next November. Meanwhile, Meiche continues to warn that without substantial investment in repairs, the port remains at risk of a catastrophic fire.