7 DC Ladder Trucks Fail Inspection, Out Of Service

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Seven of 17 ladder trucks with the D.C. fire department have failed inspection and have been taken out of service.

The department says in a Sunday statement that an inspection revealed that the seven trucks had varying degrees of rust at the base of their ladder supports.

It's unclear how long the trucks will be out of service. A department spokesman didn't immediately respond to a telephone call requesting comment Monday.

The agency says the remaining 10 trucks that passed inspection will rotate among various locations to cover the district and that staffing will be added to those truck companies.

The agency says Prince George's and Montgomery counties have agreed to support the department if needed.

The department says the inspections were conducted as part of a preventative maintenance plan.