The woes continue for D.C. Fire and EMS. An ambulance that was tasked with accompanying the presidential motorcade Thursday ran out of gas before it left the South Lawn of the White House.

The Washington Times has the story:

In the latest blow to the reputation of the city’s beleaguered ambulance fleet, fire officials confirmed that the first-due medical responder to the White House had to be taken out of service while on a run to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

“The unit apparently did run out of gas, but a replacement unit was put in its place,” D.C. fire department spokesman Tim Wilson said Monday.

Mr. Wilson said he could not confirm that the ambulance was on motorcade duty, but sources close to the incident who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly said the unit was in the motorcade line when the engine gave out at about 5 p.m.

The sources said the operator of Medic 1 indicated that the fuel gauge was broken and the driver was uncertain how much gas was in the vehicle. They also said the operator previously documented the problem.

WJLA, the first outlet to report the story, said President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were on their way to Raskia to celebrate the president’s birthday. Another ambulance was dispatched, but according to WJLA, it was likely not checked by security and therefore couldn’t be used in an emergency.

Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), who has been very critical of Fire and EMS, told WJLA, “This is just an example that highlights the fact that we are not where we need to be.”