D.C. firefighters and the people they protect are threatened by abysmal conditions plaguing District fire stations, including non-functioning smoke detectors, rodent infestations, leaking roofs, cracked walls and unabated asbestos, an inspection concluded.

A review of the city’s 33 firehouses and its fire-boat station, performed by the D.C. Inspector General during unannounced visits between May 19 and June 21, concluded that “building conditions … threaten the health, safety, comfort and effectiveness of [Fire and Emergency Medical Services] employees and negatively impact the work environment and employee morale.”