Faulty Engine Battery Medical Incident 2026

For several days starting on March 21, 2026, crewmembers on an out of area fire assignment using a spare holdover fire engine experienced a bad smell emanating from the driver side vent. Smoke was also noted, but an inspection under the hood did not reveal any obvious issues. The following day, nearly all the crewmembers experienced headaches, disorientation, and a sandpaper feeling in the throat. Six of the eight were taken to the hospital, where they were treated for sulfuric acid fumes and carbon monoxide exposure and released. They made a full recovery after an a few additional days of lingering symptoms. Towed to a mechanic, the engine was examined and the cause of the toxic fume exposure was determined to be a faulty battery. 

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