Oakland To Start Rotating Fire Station Closures
OAKLAND (KCBS) – The city of Oakland is turning to rotating fire station closures as a way to save money.
The brownouts got underway Sunday, even though Fourth of July means additional concerns about fireworks.
The plan calls for two Oakland fire companies to be browned out in three day rotations.
KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:
But Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloach-Reed said the schedule is not set in stone.
"We want to make sure that we continue to monitor this, that we make whatever changes are necessary and that whatever impact is caused by the brownouts that it's minimal," she said.
Deloach-Reed said that fire companies in the Oakland hills will be on the job during red flag days.
"One thing about the hill area, we are mindful of the fire season and that they will not be rotated through the fire season," said Deloach-Reed.
But Reed conceded that it's possible that temporarily shutting down stations could lead to longer response times.
The brownouts will continue at least through June of next year and will save Oakland $4 million annually.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
