‘Ottawa’ Exterminators Tackle Riverside South Fire Station Rats
Firefighters have been “dynamically deployed” to Riverside South and are ready to respond to emergencies while exterminators deal with a rat problem at Station No. 37.
Firefighters moved out of the station at 910 Earl Armstrong Road after the infestation was first noticed on Saturday, when as many as 30 rats were reportedly discovered in and around the building.
The firefighters stationed there were quickly reassigned to neighbouring Fire Stations 44 and 32.
“Upon further investigation it was confirmed that rodents had built nests on the outside of the building and also burrowed their way into of a small vestibule inside the fire station,” said Ottawa Fire Service spokeswoman Danielle Cardinal, who said the main focus is ensuring the building and grounds are free of rats.
“The next step entails monitoring the air quality inside of the Fire Station to ensure it is safe for firefighters to return,” said Cardinal. “Air testing is underway and the recommendations provided by the environmental engineer will determine when the structure will be fully operational.”
“However, in the interim we would like to assure residents in the area that firefighters are ready to respond,” Cardinal said.
Cardinal couldn’t say when the station will reopen.
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