Fire Fighters Local 36 says WMATA is playing a dangerous “blame game.” The union – which represents DC fire fighters -- said it was “disappointed” by WMATA’s “outlandish accusation that our members bear responsibility for Metro’s chronic and systemic problems in regards to rail safety.” WMATA filed a lawsuit on Mondayagainst the District in what Local 36 called “an attempt to absolve themselves of responsibility” for the deadly January 2015 tunnel fire. The Fire Fighters said that Metro riders should be alarmed by WMATA’s denial in the lawsuit that “it owes a duty to WMATA’s passengers” to assist, rescue or evacuate passengers in the event of a fire emergency situation. The Fire Fighters concerns echo those of ATU Local 689, which says WMATA “has a long record of putting safety last.”