Photo by Eric Purcell

A day after two D.C. ambulances caught fire within a three hour period, Paul Quander, D.C.’s deputy mayor for public safety, said he has asked the Metropolitan Police Department to investigate.

Following a press conference to launch a new sexual assault app, Quander told reporters MPD will see if anything “untoward” or “improper” happened in the two cases. He was asked repeatedly by reporters if foul play or sabotage is suspected. He would not comment on this, only saying that MPD will look at “facts” and “evidence.”

MPD will take the lead, according to Quander, and bring in experts if necessary. He said the investigation is not a “diversion” from the other problems D.C. Fire and EMS is facing.

The D.C. Firefighters Association disagrees and released a photo today that apparently shows “a parking sign jammed into [an ambulance] motor as a make shift heat shield.”

“The only thing ‘untoward’ behind these ambulance fires is the complete neglect by those in charge to make sure our fleet is properly maintained,” a statement says. “Casting loose and broad accusations at the feet of the rank and file membership continues to be the standard response from fire department leadership. Time and again these accusations have been and will continue to be unfounded.”

Courtesy Local 36.

When asked about the ambulance meant to accompany President Obama that ran out of gas, Quander said, “It’s a problem.” He said he would hold the individuals who did not fuel up the vehicle accountable, not embattled fire chief Kenneth Ellerbe. While sources have told various outlets that a long-broken fuel gauge was to blame, Quander stopped taking questions before that could be addressed. the press conference ended before Quander could take the question.