August 13, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-53) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org MOBILE FIRE STATION TO REOPEN Mobile Fire-Rescue and City Officials announced that the M. S. Tapia Fire Station, located at 4710 Airport Boulevard would be reopening and back in service Monday evening, August 13, 2001. The station was closed on December 29, 2000 after firefighters were complaining of sinus and upper respiratory problems. It was determined that the station was suffering from what is known as "sick building syndrome". The station was then closed to have the heating and air conditioning system replaced. The firefighters and trucks assigned to the station have been working out of other stations in the area while the station under went renovations and repairs. Firefighters assigned to the station have been working all weekend to clean it up and move furniture back in so the station could return to full service. Engine 22, truck 5, rescue 22 and water tanker 36 are housed at the Tapia Fire Station. A map showing the stations location and picture can be found on the Mobile Fire-Rescue Departments web site at http://www.ci.mobile.al.us/firedept/. ###