Saturday's temporary closures represented 7.6% of the city's 341 engine and ladder companies. An insider said that "hundreds" of firefighters upset over the mandate were using medical leave. Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said the department "has not closed any firehouses and that "Irresponsible bogus sick leave by some of our members is creating a danger for New Yorkers and their fellow Firefighters."  "They need to return to work or risk the consequences of their actions." The Associated Press reported Friday that 29% of firefighters, 26% of police, and 33% of sanitation workers remain unvaccinated, according to city data. Without these firefighters on duty, 20% of fire stations could close. On Monday, all city workers who refused at least one shot will be sent on unpaid leave.

A 7-year old boy died in a fire on Saturday; response time was not hindered by the shortage of firemen, as there were 14 units of firefighters and more than 70 personnel who responded to the blaze in four minutes and nine seconds, according to FDNY.

The FDNY shuttered 26 fire companies citywide on Saturday due to staff shortages caused by the COVID-19 vaccination mandate, according to furious elected officials, who ripped the move as "unconscionable" — and warned it could have catastrophic consequences.