"Port Fire Tragedy Sparks Union Criticism and Calls for Safety Reviews"

Union leaders in Newark have accused fire officials of failing to conduct an annual safety audit, which could have identified issues such as understaffing and a lack of shipboard training and procedures. The unions also highlighted a staffing shortage, claiming that trucks often respond to fires with insufficient personnel. The International Association of Firefighters called for a joint safety audit with the mayor, but Newark Mayor Ras Baraka dismissed the claims, stating that the department conducts an annual review and is working to fully staff the fire department. The U.S. Coast Guard is leading an investigation into the recent fire that claimed the lives of two firefighters.