Landslides put Baldwin firefighters in financial peril
By Adam Smeltz, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Then, their hillside gave way.
The landslides that began on
Standard insurance coverage won't pay for the work, which could jeopardize budgets for firefighter safety gear.
"It could put us under," said fire Chief
Firefighters are seeking help from state lawmakers. Borough officials gave the company its full annual allocation -- about
That money went toward initial debris-clearing and stabilizing work when the wooded hill crumbled during a mid-winter warm spell.
Firefighters usually would have put that money toward payments on an
"We've been trying to lend what support we can," borough manager
"We just don't have a surplus on hand to help with a project that, at the end of the day, is still on private property," Barrett said.
State support could be meager, too.
"I'm hopeful. Optimistic? I'm not sure about that," said Rep.
The financial uncertainty forced firefighters to put on hold an estimated
Firefighters estimated the ground dropped at least 25 feet as cascading Earth toppled trees and threatened headstones.</p>
"They've got a water problem. That, coupled with the fact that (the soil) wasn't placed properly, that's what caused the problem," Gregor said. He said the hillside contained "loose fill" and once was a dump for old pipes, concrete and other debris.
Firefighters said the hill did not slide in the past. The Baldwin station has occupied the property since 1929. It has received support from local donations, the borough, the state and rent from adjacent private tenants.
Fire company leaders might organize a community fundraiser, though they'd prefer not to ask residents to pay, they said. They're accepting offers of help -- including ideas -- at 412-882-2510.
"We'll pull through it, one way or another," said Assistant Chief
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