Plan To Furlough City Fire Engines Is Drawing Heat

[Lucky 13]

The controversy over taking city fire engines off the streets is about to get much more heated.

The Sacramento Fire Department is scheduled to increase the number of fire engines it takes out of service on a rotating basis from one to two every day beginning March 1, according to a city staff report.

Fire Department officials say that the cost-cutting strategy would lead to increased response times to emergencies in many neighborhoods – and that could contribute to greater property loss.

Yet, with the city's budget crunch growing more dire, such a move might be just the beginning.

City officials are discussing taking three engines out of service daily beginning in July, Assistant City Manager Gus Vina said Monday.

The dramatic moves are being considered as the city faces a $50 million budget deficit for the next fiscal year.

Full story here.