AMESBURY - The city has closed the Elm Street fire station indefinitely because of a failed concrete floor. A firefighter was sitting on the back of Engine 2 inside the 114-year-old station July 17 when he heard a snap and felt the truck move, according to Deputy Fire Chief Jim Nolan.
A firefighter was sitting on the back of Engine 2 inside the 114-year-old station July 17 when he heard a snap and felt the truck move, according to Deputy Fire Chief Jim Nolan. More snapping noises were heard the next day and firefighters noticed a dip in the concrete floor when the engine was moved outside.
Concrete pieces were also found in the basement and the station was immediately closed July 19.
A structural engineer from McBrie LLC inspected the station July 27 and confirmed the floor had completely failed. The engineer recommended the truck bays not be used for vehicle storage until the floor slab was either replaced or reinforced with steel beams and waterproofed.