Residents want more road treatment, city says budget prevents it

Imagine waking up to a tipped-over fire truck.

It happened to many residents at Rice Drive and Mount Werner Circle Saturday morning.

What’s worse: They weren’t surprised.

“They slide through that corner quite a bit because they don’t come on this road and sand at all,” said Glenn Charette, who heard the crash about 6 a.m.

“We’ve never had it treated, except for today, and it’s just an awful spot,” said Patti Baker, another resident nearby.

Colorado Springs Fire Department said a crew was on its way to a fire Saturday morning when the truck struck an ice patch and overturned.

“If it’s icy, I slide through that intersection, there’s no way to stop,” Charette said.

If this story sounds familiar, it should.

A similar incident occurred near Southgate last November when a car slid on ice in a residential area before crashing into a house.

Neighbors of the house hit had similar concerns then.

“Well here we go again. They crashed into my mom and dad’s house 10 years ago. They don’t come out,” said Susan Pickett. “Even though we’ve complained to the city because it’s a bus route.”

The city admits residential areas don’t get much attention until about 6 inches of snow falls on the ground.

They implemented the procedure due to budgetary concerns, which is no comfort to neighbors who live near Saturday’s crash.

“I hope they start sanding these side streets. These fire trucks can’t get to the people if stuff like this happens,” Baker said.