Fires aren't the only raging problem D.C. rescue workers have to deal with.
Columbia Heights residents think that firefighters should be a bit more quiet when saving peoples' lives.
The group Quiet DC aims to cut back the noise of fire engine sirens blaring from the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services station on 14th Street NW. The fire department's "chaos" annoys residents, causes traffic and even wakes up children, according to WJLA.
"We all understand that we live near a firehouse and of course we want our tax dollars to be put to good use, so some level of noise is inevitable," member Maryam Ahranjani told DCist. "However, the noise has recently gone from present to omnipresent and oppressive."
Ahranjani, who has organized two community meetings on the matter, aims to keep fire engines off Monroe Street NW and reduce traffic by removing the new medians by the intersection of 14th Street and Park Road.
Check out what exactly Columbia Heights residents are complaining about:
Overall quality of life, via WJLA:
“There have been some precipitating incidents that have made the noise much more detrimental to their way of life,” said Patrick Flynn, Advisory Neighborhood commissioner.
Traffic jams that cause first responders to use their horns, WJLA:
“It’s not only that we’re hearing noise but also either somebody is not going to get help fast enough or there’s going to be a major accident,” said resident Richard Dubeshter.
Crying children, DCist:
“For kids especially who are waking up in the middle of the night, crying and screaming, waking up from the noises, it’s something that worried me as a mother and I think other neighbors as well,” said member Maryam Ahranjani.
Quiet DC, WJLA:
“It’s absolutely insane. It’s ridiculous… you don’t like the noise? Don’t buy a house next to the fire station,” said resident Fernando Sandoval.
Quiet DC wants D.C. officials to stop the madness, inviting several notable names to their next meeting, including Fire and EMS Chief Kenneth Ellerbe, ANC Commissioner Pat Flynn and representatives from the offices of D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1).
Join the outrage at the next meeting on Thursday at 7p.m. at the Trolley Turnaround Park at 11th and Monroe.
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