(Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, Mass. (WBZ-AM) — A Lawrence city official is asking Columbia Gas to fund the hiring of more than a dozen additional firefighters in the city in the wake of the Merrimack Valley gas explosions.
The Lawrence Fire Department has been getting dozens of gas-related calls since the gas explosions on Sept. 13 — mostly from residents worried about odors of gas coming from their homes.
Fire Chief Brian Moriarty expects those calls will continue, therefore he would like to add an extra engine company to work in South Lawrence for one year.
Moriarty said the gas explosions in September are still very much on the minds of residents.
“It has created an absolute high level of anxiety and fear amongst our citizens,” Moriarty said. “It’s increased our call volume.”
The additional engine would cost approximately $1 million. Columbia Gas issued a statement saying they are willing to discuss the request.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports