The Houston Fire Department took delivery of a $1.5 million ladder truck on June 9, but crews can’t put it to work at Fire Station 61. It’s not because it has any mechanical defect on arrival, either. The 1960s-era building won’t accommodate it.

Houston Fire Department explained that the truck can squeeze through the bay door, but the tight clearances and sloped driveway make daily use unsafe

Instead of rolling to emergencies, the brand-new rig now sits in storage.

City Council member Joaquin Martinez raised concerns after learning about the mismatch. He criticized the previous administration for ordering the vehicle two years ago…without checking whether Station 61 could house it.

Department leaders emphasized that the station still has an active ladder truck ready to respond. They outlined plans to widen the bay entrance and adjust the driveway so the new vehicle can fit and operate safely.

Ordering fire trucks is never quick

Departments often wait two to three years for a custom build. This makes proper advance planning, well, critical.

Martinez noted that Houston has also struggled with other large-vehicle purchases, like solid waste trucks that wore out sooner than expected.

For Station 61, the solution lies in an unexpected construction project. Crews will continue using the current ladder truck until the city completes the bay modifications. Only then will the $1.5 million investment finally hit Houston streets where it belongs.