Fire chief says security issues main reason stationhouses can't be cooling centers

Rochester Fire Chief Dennis Dube says security issues are high on the reasons why the city's fire stations can't be used as cooling centers. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester's Fire Chief on Monday defended why it would be logistically problematic for either of the city's fire stations to serve as cooling centers during heat emergencies.
Newly installed Rochester Fire Chief Dennis Dube, who also serves as Rochester's Emergency Operation Center chief, said the overarching reason was that in the event of a fire or other emergency, city firefighters would have to vacate the building.
"We cannot guarantee staff presence in our buildings," he note. "Staff presence would be necessary to ensure safety and security of all involved."
"The staff of the Fire Department may vacate the buildings at any time due to emergency responses," he added. "We cannot guarantee staff presence in our buildings. Staff presence would be necessary to ensure safety and security of all involved."
In addition, Dube said that at Central Station the space that could potentially be used is not separated from the firefighter's living quarters.
He added that at at Gonic Station the potential area is not separated from the lieutenants' office.
"Both buildings represent security issues that I am not willing to overlook," Dube told The Rochester Voice. "These two reasons alone negate the ability for me to consider the Rochester Fire Department facilities as designated cooling areas."
The issue arose after city officials said they would not open cooling centers at City Hall and the city library on Saturday and Sunday, when high temperatures in Rochester rose to 97 and 98, respectively. Heat indexes both days were over 100.
Meanwhile, Dover's three fire stations were all open 24 hours a day both days.
Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan told The Voice on Saturday that Rochester's fire stations are unable to serve as cooling centers because they "are not configured" like Dover's.
Dover Fire personnel were not immediately available for comment.