Evacuation concern real

In response to: “City police, fire chiefs at fork in the Road with sheriff’s North Monroe criticism.” (Oct. 5)

Police Chief Meidl stated he disagrees “one hundred percent” with Sheriff Knezovich’s concerns that eliminating two lanes for escape from city center would hinder evacuating downtown. The Spokane Fire Department Chief Brian Schaeffer agreed: “I don’t even get the evacuation argument.”

Meidl ignored alternative mitigations for pedestrian accidents. He admitted car accidents were fender benders. Zip code 99201 only has 15,000 residents, according to the latest census. But data from the Census Bureau says nearly 40,000 people work downtown. Various sources report that events like Bloomsday and Hoopfest may attract upwards of 180,000 persons who may be day visitors or staying in downtown hotels. Thousands more shop and eat at downtown restaurants.

Chiefs Meidl and Schaeffer, please explain again how eliminating 10 percent of the lanes currently available for emergency evacuations has “no effect.” Even a cursory Google search brings up frightening stats of truck accidents that released clouds of toxic gas. Example: Florida in 1988. A truck tipped over and cracked a full cylinder of methyl bromide gas. People within 10 square miles were evacuated. Toxic cargo like that travels Interstate 90 all the time. It also travels Division, Maple, and other arterials. Rare disasters must be considered before, not after the event.

John Townsley

Spokane