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Firefighter union wants Oakland to not close stations
Firefighter union wants Oakland to not close stations.
OAKLAND, Calif. - Two Oakland fire stations closed on Monday in an effort to help balance the city’s budget.
This is a temporary closure that’s supposed to last six months for Station 28 on Grass Valley Road and Station 25 on Butters Drive.
Because these stations are being "browned out," it means they will be empty with nobody answering calls for help.
Station 10, which is already closed for renovations, will remain closed as well because of the cuts.
Oakland plans to revisit the issue in early February and close four more stations, which would bring the total to seven.
Seth Olyer, president of the Oakland Firefighters Union Local 55, said that the decision to close these stations is because city leaders decided it's not technically fire season right now.
But, he said "the reality is that, unfortunately, there is no good fire station to close. It's all about response time."
The union held a news conference on Monday, trying to get the city to reverse its decision.
Olyer said the city has effectively decided that residents in 10 neighborhoods don't deserve protection like everyone else.
"Be aware that you'll be waiting a very long time for help regardless of your emergency. You will not have a fire engine at your doorstep in 4 minutes like you would've just yesterday. You will not quickly have paramedics to help you or your family and what could've been a small blaze or a small fire near your house will become a conflagration, leaving tragedy in its wake," he said.
Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington said while it might take longer, first responders will still show up to 911 calls.
Oakland is facing a nearly $130-million budget deficit. And this is not the only area facing cuts. In a plan accepted on Dec. 18, there are also cuts to police and cultural arts programs. The cuts to the fire department are expected to save about $5.5 million.
And on Tuesday, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will have a critical vote to bring much-needed cash into the city by completing the sale of the Oakland Coliseum.
Olyer said he hopes once the ink dries on that deal, the city immediately reopens the closed stations.