A fourth Charleston fire station has reported a bedbug infestation after an individual reported being bitten, the department said Thursday.
The fire department has been inspecting stations after an outbreak of bedbugs at two James Island fire stations and one on Daniel Island was detected earlier this week. They are also using the K9 units to inspect the homes of firefighters at affected stations.
Station 19 at1985 Bees Ferry Roadis the fourth fire station to report bedbugs. According to a press release, the stationwas re-inspected by a specialty K9 unit Wednesday and bedbugs were detected on a couch located in a common area.
Firefighters and officials from Station 19 were relocated to Stations 12 and 16, both in West Ashley, according to the department.
All of the department's stations are slated to be inspected through this weekend as a precautionary measure, authorities said. Stations 18, 20 and 21 were inspected Thursday and found to be free of bedbugs. Stations 7, 13 and 19 are scheduled for inspections Friday.
"The decision to inspect all CFD stations was made after the K9 crew was retained in response to the outbreak at Station 20, and all three of the subsequent positive findings to date have been identified by that K9 crew during their inspections," said Interim Fire Chief John Tippett, in a statement.
It's unclear when firefighters might be able to move back into their respective stations.
It's not an uncommon problem with fire departments. In December, the Chester Fire Department in Chester, N.J., notified the city's public health department about bedbugs in one of its two stations, according to reporting by the Delaware County Daily Times. Firefighters were allowed back in the building after the first of three chemical treatments.
In the past three weeks, Charleston fire officials at three stations relocated to shelters and tents due to multiple reports by firefighters of sightings and bites. Firefighters from Station 20 on Daniel Island have been relocated to Station 18 following three unsuccessful attempts to eradicate the building of the blood-sucking pests.
Firefighters continue to "follow heightened safety and hygiene protocols," the department said.
Charleston fire officials also consulted withEric Benson on Wednesday, who is an extension entomologist based out of Clemson University and widely regarded as an regional expert on bedbugs.
During an interview Thursday, Benson said he was satisfied the department was taking the appropriate steps to effectively rid their sleeping and lounging areas of the pests.
"They don't attach to our bodies. Theyre going to harbor where people sleep," Benson said.
Benson also suggested to department officials that they utilize mattress and box spring covers as well as special monitors for future detection.
Officials are concerned about whether the infestation will spread to more stations but they have been preparing for the possibility of additional outbreaks, Tippett said, in his statement.
"(Benson) told us that bed bugs are a serious issue throughout our state, and that these kinds of infestations have become, in his words, 'the plight of the fire service today,'" the statement said. "Fortunately, he also confirmed that we have been following current best practices in combating this outbreak, and should expect to see real progress in the coming days."
Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless and range from 1mm to 7mm (roughly the size of Lincolns head on a penny), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. They have been found everywhere worldwide, including in 5-star hotels. The bites can take anywhere from a day to several days to appear, and reactions can range from a small pinch to an allergic reaction that causes itching, the CDC said. They don't spread disease, however.
On Wednesday, city officials at Station 13 were using two large propane tanks to heat the interior of the affected areas, with temperatures reaching between 150 and 160 degrees.
This is the most effective method to rid any given area of bedbugs, Benson said, but it's a process steeped in technique and difficult to master. The affected areas typically have to be exposed for about six hours, he said.
"...I want our firefighters to know that we are doing everything in our power to bring this problem to an end as quickly as possible, and that we will not rest until they and their loved ones can once again get the good night's sleep they deserve," Tippett said.
Mayor John Tecklenburg has been receiving, "frequent and regular progress reports," from Tippett, said Jack O'Toole, a city spokesman. The Mayor has made it clear that all resources necessary will be used to keep firefighters and their families safe.
"(The mayor) has personally inspected and visited with the firefighters at two of the affected stations, and plans to continue these inspections until this outbreak is behind us," O'Toole said.
Gregory Yee contributed to this report.
Reach Michael Majchrowicz at 843-937-5591. Follow him on Twitter @mjmajchrowicz.
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At least one more Charleston fire station reports bedbugs, other ... - Charleston Post Courier
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