Bed bugs found at another Charleston fire station as precautionary … – ABC NEWS 4

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The City of Charleston is taking what it describes as a proactive approach to prevention as it works to restore conditions at local fire stations impacted by bed bugs.

In a release issued Thursday from the Charleston Fire Department, it was shared a K9 trained to sniff out bed bugs "hit" on a couch in the common area of Station 19 in West Ashley. Firefighters at the station were then relocated to Station 12 and Station 16. Firefighters will work out of the other two stations until Station 19 has been treated and cleared.

Precautionary inspections are happening at all Charleston fire stations after bed bugs were found at fire stations on James Island and Daniel Island. City officials say they are working with "one of the region's leading experts on bedbugs and their removal."

According to the Thursday press release, that expert, Dr. Eric Benson of Clemson University, said the fire department's plan to treat affected stations with heat and nontoxic chemicals is a sound plan.

"Dr. Benson made a number of specific recommendations to mitigate this outbreak and prevent future infestations, which the department is now working to implement. These recommendations include the use of mattress and box spring covers, as well as the installation of "climb up" monitors for future detection," the release states.

City officials say "firefighters at all stations are continuing to follow heightened safety and hygiene protocols, and remain on alert for any signs of bedbug activity."

The Charleston Fire Department reports Stations 18, 20 and 21 were inspected and found to be free of bedbugs. Stations 7, 13 and 19 are scheduled for inspections Friday. The city says K9 crews are also available to inspect the homes of firefighters at affected stations, and that the cost of those inspections will be reimbursed.

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Bed bugs found at another Charleston fire station as precautionary ... - ABC NEWS 4