Houston Fire Department green ambulance failures reduce EMS response capacity

HOUSTON — The Houston Fire Department’s environmentally friendly ambulances have experienced repeated mechanical failures that have taken units out of service and affected response capability, according to internal documents reviewed by KPRC 2 .

An August email from the HFD district chief of resource management detailed multiple recurring issues forcing ambulances off the streets. Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz acknowledged the problem, calling it “a huge concern.”

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An internal memo said recurring mechanical issues are “reducing fleet readiness and response capacity.” The units were approved under former mayor Sylvester Turner as part of a push for greener ambulances. In October 2022, the City Council unanimously