FBI warns terrorists may steal fire trucks

September 18, 2001 Posted: 8:40 PM EDT (0040 GMT)

By Kelli Arena CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The FBI issued a warning to firefighters across the country Tuesday that terrorists could hijack their trucks and use them as bombs. The FBI warning said fire and emergency services vehicles could be stolen by terrorist groups and turned into rolling bombs aimed at military bases or other government installations.

The FBI asked fire departments to review the security of their stations and vehicles. If a vehicle is stolen, stations were asked to immediately notify the FBI.

The FBI did not say there was any specific and credible threat that caused it to issue the warning.

One official said the FBI is exercising "an abundance of caution" and is passing on all information it is gleaning from interviews and tips, "regardless of the reliability of the source."

Some firefighters told CNN their vehicles -- even those carrying patients -- have been stopped and searched upon entering medical facilities.

The warning was sent by the FBI to the National Volunteer Fire Council and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, which passed it on to local fire departments.

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-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), September 18, 2001

Answers

I worry about these nuts stealing a propane or gasoline truck! I hope to God the government is tightening security procedures around the movement of THESE VEHICLES.

-- ainitfunny (jusme@earthlink.com), September 18, 2001.

Good point! Ten kilos of dynamite taped to the front of a full gasoline tanker truck would make a horrifying FAE bomb (Fuel-Air Explosive).

-- Barb Knox (barbara-knox@iname.com), September 19, 2001.