Add The California Post on Google An eco-obsessed town in Northern California was forced to pause its strict pesticide ban after a disgusting flea infestation drove firefighters out of their sleeping quarters.
The sickening invasion that started at Peri Park playground in Fairfax in late July spread to a nearby temporary fire station used by the Ross Valley Fire Department, according to an announcement on Wednesday.
Firefighters were living and working out of a building near Station 21 amid renovations, but were forced to relocate to Station 20 in Sleepy Hollow, just a mile away, after a flea infestation was discovered.
“Emergency service is not interrupted – continue to call 911 as always, though response times to Fairfax will be somewhat longer while crews are stationed outside of town,” the town said in the announcement.
The closure of the playground was announced on July 24 following a “significant flea infestation” and after parents reported children coming back home with flea bites. It is believed that raccoons near the playground caused the incidents.
Crews first used a non-toxic steam treatment due to a town ordinance banning the use of pesticides, but later resorted to pesticides after the Fairfax Council allowed the use of the chemical substances in early August.
Although part of the playground reopened on Monday, the Town Council unanimously voted to grant another pesticide exception on Thursday so the inside of the fire station could be treated after fleas were discovered yet again, resulting in firefighters having to relocate to Staton 20.
“We’re in high fire season. This is not the time to be closing firehouses,” Vice Mayor Frank Egger told ABC 7.
Despite Egger’s concerns, the mayor said exceptions have to be made to “protect the people that are serving our community.”
Fairfax firefighters could return back as early as Monday.
