Down And Out! -- Baltimore Fire Department Stretched Thin

With the permanent closure of two fire companies earlier this year, it's hard to imagine how having less available units to respond could make the city safer. Pictured below is Engine Company 52, near Mondawmin Mall. It suffered a mechanical breakdown around 7 a.m. this morning, and as of 3:20 p.m. this afternoon, it's been sitting immobilized in the same spot, waiting for a tow truck all day. Currently there are no backup or reserve units available to take it's place.