Fix MTA firefighting gear: watchdog

Fire suppression systems at MTA subway and bus facilities require “immediate attention,” including at a Manhattan train yard where the water pressure isn’t strong enough to accommodate a new fire pump, according to a new report.

Existing fire pumps at 22 of 23 NYC Transit facilities across the city and Westchester have not received required annual fire pump inspections since 2020, according to an audit by the MTA Office of the Inspector General.

And the testing that has been performed has been historically compromised because there is no record that gauges on the equipment have been calibrated or regularly replaced, the audit said.

“Fire suppression systems play an important role in ensuring personnel and assets are protected from fires,” the report said. “Testing and maintaining these fire pumps on National Fire Protection Association-required schedules is of the utmost importance.”

But the inspector general says NYC Transit doesn’t properly maintain its fire suppression systems.

“NYC Transit has not kept up with the required annual testing cycles, and there is significant evidence that in-house personnel have not been sufficiently trained on or knowledgeable about National Fire Protection Association code requirements to ensure the testing was properly performed,” says the report.

According to an MTA safety executive, the agency has conducted a complete review of fire suppression systems at all 23 pumps in the last three weeks.

A 24/7 fire watch has been put in place at the 207th St. subway yard in Inwood, which has had water pressure problems.

“There can be no compromise when it comes to the safety of MTA employees and when safety issues arise we address them immediately,” MTA Chief Safety and Security Officer Pat Warren said in a statement.

Union officials blamed the MTA for the lapses.