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NYC Council meetings, chaptered and linked by time.

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Q&A

Ariola cites fifth firefighter studies and questions facilities tracking

New York City Council · Jun 1, 2026 · starts 6:23:24 · 1 min 15 sec

Ariola cites independent studies showing the fifth firefighter eliminates kinks, enables hose shuffle, puts water on fire faster, and reduces firefighter fatigue, with Esposito agreeing. Ariola then asks about facilities tracking systems, with staff confirming they use an EAM asset management program and Niedermann systems, all currently operable.

Joann Ariola

Thank you.

Joann Ariola

So I know that you said that you don't have any real data about the fifth firefighter and whether or not the fifth firefighter helps.

Joann Ariola

We have opinions that we've been sharing back and forth.

Joann Ariola

But there have been independent studies done, and I do have one here where it notes that

Joann Ariola

The fifth firefighter makes a difference by eliminating kinks and drag, which you guys know the lingo, enables

Joann Ariola

the hose shuffle, freeze the pump operator, puts water faster on the fire, and reduces firefighter fatigue.

Joann Ariola

Would you agree with that?

Speaker

I think that's an accurate statement.

Joann Ariola

So getting more staffing in the busiest companies will put a line in a place quicker,

Joann Ariola

limit the spread of a fire and the loss of life and the displacement of residents at the same time, reduce the strain on firefighters operating on that fire.

Joann Ariola

Would you agree with that?

Speaker

As a general statement, yes.

Joann Ariola

Okay.