Amazon representatives met with Johnston fire officials last week to discuss fire safety and medical emergency concerns at the company’s large warehouse in Johnston, Rhode Island, fire Chief Keith A. Calci said.

The hour-and-a-half meeting involved five officials from the Johnston Fire Department and five Amazon managers, during which the town outlined issues including fire safety practices, equipment needs, and the frequent volume of medical calls at the 3.8-million-square-foot fulfillment center. Calci described Amazon’s response as receptive and said the company showed genuine interest in addressing the concerns.

Since the $400 million robotics fulfillment center opened in July 2025, firefighters have responded to the facility around 200 times through late September, averaging nearly four calls per week. Approximately 160 of these calls involved medical assistance for issues ranging from chest pain to various illnesses, prompting concerns from Johnston Mayor Joseph M. Polisena Jr. that local rescue squads are being overutilized as a "medical uber."

Calci reported that some Amazon employees have told rescue crews they risk disciplinary action if they call in sick. However, Amazon officials assured the fire department that employees are allowed to use their sick leave. According to Amazon, full-time workers receive up to 48 hours of paid "flexible time," which includes sick leave, while part-time employees get 40 hours. Calci suggested there may need to be better communication to employees about sick leave policies and appropriate use of emergency services. Still, he stressed that firefighters would respond promptly to all genuine emergencies.

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that the company prioritizes employee safety and values ongoing communication with Johnston fire officials. The company said it encourages employees to call 911 when necessary and does not discourage emergency calls. Amazon added that about two-thirds of 911 calls originate during the night shift, when local urgent care centers are closed. Employees visiting the facility’s onsite wellness centers are informed about time-off options, but rescue services are dispatched upon request.

Fire safety concerns rose in July following a fire in a conveyor belt on the warehouse’s second floor. Firefighters reported complications during the response, including no activation of the fire alarm, which delayed evacuation. Additionally, about 850 employees attempted to exit through the front door, instead of using the building’s 55 designated emergency exits, hindering emergency response. According to Calci, Amazon officials said employees are instructed to evacuate through the nearest exits in fire events and recognize that the fire alarm should have been triggered in July.

Johnston fire officials also expressed disappointment that Amazon has not yet fulfilled multiple requests to place additional firefighting equipment throughout the facility. Calci said he plans to formally request equipment worth an estimated $50,000 to $75,000, including compressed air canisters and extended-length hoses. He emphasized that it should not be the town’s taxpayers funding this specialized equipment and said Amazon appeared amenable to covering the cost once the request is submitted in writing. Amazon stated that the equipment goes beyond regulatory requirements but intends to comply once a formal request is received.

Calci said he intends to conduct a warehouse walkthrough with Amazon’s safety manager in the coming weeks and that both parties have agreed to establish regular meetings, likely quarterly or more frequently, to maintain ongoing communication and alignment on safety practices.