How to help East St. Louis Firefighters

The East St. Louis firefighters continue to struggle with manpower and equipment failure everyday. We respond to the highest percentage of fires in the St. Louis metro east (See stats below). Our fire department responds to all fires, vehicle rescue / extrication, hazardous material incidents and other specialized alarms. We do not respond to minor traffic accidents or minor medical calls like other fire departments do.

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With over 150 firefighters that used to protect this city, only 53 remains due to budget cuts. Unfortunately the East St. Louis fire department is facing laying of 22 more firefighters in May 2013 which is extremely dangerous.

Most fire departments respond up to 5 engines and 15 firefighters to a house fire. Right now only 2 engines and 6 firefighters respond to a structure or house fire in East St. Louis EVERYDAY which is well below the number required by the NFPA. If layoffs occur, that number could fall to 3 firefighters and 1 engine which will be catastrophic.

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The residents of East St. Louis should not only be concerned about these drastic numbers, but should also worry about their fire insurance rating which has already doubled their payment due to sub-par equipment and manpower. If layoffs occur then their number could double again. They should make sure they voice their opinions to city leaders at monthly council meetings or call city hall at (618)-482-6600.

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Ways YOU can help.

The fire department relies on money and grants supplied by local, state and federal agencies to assist in obtaining new equipment and fire apparatus. As of now grants are difficult to obtain and the fire department is looking for almost any donations of new or used equipment or money to purchase new or used fire apparatus. For more info on what is needed you can contact Chief Jason Blackmon at (618)-779-8471 or (618)-482-6800.

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For more information on any informational events please check back for time and dates.