Since the Palisades Fire broke out the storm of devastating fires sweeping through parts of Los Angeles County Earlier this week, officials faced tough questions about millions of dollars in recent cuts to the city’s fire department.
The city’s fire commission even sent a report last month saying the Los Angeles Fire Department’s ability to respond to large-scale emergencies had been significantly reduced by the budget cuts.
Similar concerns have been raised in Oakland, where the fire department is also facing budget cuts due to the city’s budget woes.
On Monday, the day before the Palisades Fire broke out in Los Angeles, the Oakland Fire Department temporarily closed stations 28 and 25 as part of the city’s efforts to address a $130 million budget shortfall.
Oakland Hills residents were stunned to learn that Fire Station 28 on Grass Valley Road was was instrumental in fighting the Keller Fire in October – was temporarily closed. The station closures have left many locals fearing longer emergency response times and increased risks in an area prone to fire hazards.
Dr. John Cooke, who lives nearby and uses a wheelchair, learned of the closure Friday when he arrived to show his appreciation for the firefighters.
“I wanted to ask them how they could keep this station open,” he said. When informed that it was already closed, he replied, “I had no idea.”
For Cooke, the closure is particularly concerning as he hears stories from Southern California about residents struggling to evacuate during wildfires.
When asked if it scared him, Cooke said, “Yes, it does. You need to get into the valley.” He said he worried it would take too long for first responders to reach him in an emergency.
The closures are expected to result in longer emergency response times, a reality that Seth Olyer, president of the local union, said could have serious consequences.
“People in the affected neighborhoods will have to wait double or triple as long if their heart stops or their house is on fire,” Olyer explains.
Even the Oakland fire chief recognized the critical role these stations played during the Keller Fire. Crews from both Station 28 and Station 25 were among the first responders to the fire as it threatened homes on Campus Drive.
Olyer emphasized that without the quick action of the firefighters at those two stations, the outcome could have been catastrophic.
“Take even two engines out of the initial response and the amount of work they did initially made the difference between saving homes and witnessing tens of millions of losses – or even loss of life,” he said.
Residents like Dennis Adams, who lives nearby, are very concerned. He pointed out that the area near Station 28 is often a dumping ground for abandoned cars that are often set on fire.
“The difference between a fire spreading and putting it out on the street could be whether this firehouse is open or not,” Adams said.
Adams and other residents are urging city officials to reverse the decision. Newly elected City Councilman Ken Houston, who represents District 7 where Station 28 is located, said he is committed to finding the money to reopen it.
“They said it would be closed for a period of five to six months, then reopen after another station closed,” Houston explained. ‘That’s not good enough for me. Cut it in half. Let’s open it again in three months. I’m going to push the boundaries.’
Houston has been in contact with interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins, who he said shares his commitment to reopening the station as quickly as possible. In the meantime, Houston has taken personal action to ensure the safety of the vacant station, which has already been targeted by looters.
“You’ve got a new sheriff in town,” Houston declared. “I’m going to roll through it. This gives me hope.”
