Lack of fire fighting trucks puts population at risk

While the government is talking about providing multi millions of dollars for rescue equipment in times of major disasters like earthquakes, Panama’s Fire Department has only nine trucks in working order. 
It is a situation that firefighters say is critical and puts the population at risk.
Concerns have been raised in the past about the lack of equipment for reaching the upper floors of apartment towers.
Each of the 14 stations in Panama City and San Miguelito should have three trucks each. Fire Commander Cecilio Lasso said that maintenance issues have left several stations without any trucks at all.
A year ago, firefighters had 17 vehicles, but eight of those have since broken down.
Because the trucks are so old, getting parts for them is difficult. Firefighters in stations without vehicles basically man communications and coordinate assistance between other stations.
Among the areas without fire protection are Clayton and Howard touted as a five star business development area.
The situation has led to officers having to position their trucks where they can cover the largest area. Fire officials said it is like playing a game of chess, as the trucks must constantly be moved to cover for vehicles that are out of service.
There is $9.9 million budgeted for new equipment this year. But Lasso said that, until those trucks arrive, the population is at risk.