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Only 5 of 20 engines will be staffed this winter
By Miriam Raftery
December 11, 2008 (San Diego) — CAL FIRE will reduce
staffing to winter preparedness levels in Southern Califiornia to address a
one-time $6.3 million budget
crisis.
"This means additional seasonal employees will be laid off for a total of 17
weeks from mid-December to mid April, 2009 which is the lowest risk wildfire
period according to historical data," Captain Nick Schuler, public information
officer for CAL FIRE's San Diego unit, stated in a media advisory issued this
morning.
In 2004, 20 additional fire engines were added in Southern California to implement
year round staffing. This plan allows for staffing only five of those
additional engines for the December to April period.
The remainder of the reduction will be from funds allocated to contract counties
where CAL FIRE provides funding to protect state responsibility lands. These
counties are Los Angeles and Orange.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's May, 2008 Executive Order allows for CAL
FIRE to increase staffing and resources based on wildfire conditions.
"Even with the cuts, we can extend our staffing when a Santa Ana wind is expected
to blow," Schuler told East County Magazine. "If weather dictates,
we can get engines down here right away and we can immediately staff all those
engines."
Asked how many significant fires have started between mid-December and
mid-April in the past in San Diego County, Schuler said he would need to research
the question but promised to provide a response to East County Magazine.
"CAL FIRE executive staff in San Diego is working closely with our Sacramento
staff to determine the extent of these impacts," Schuler concluded in the press
advisory, adding that Chief Howard Windsor is also working closely with local
elected officials. "We are all aware that a significant budget crisis
is occurring and, while not ideal, now is the time for difficult decisions."
We can extend our staffing when a Santa Ana wind is expected to blow...We can
immediately staff all those engines. If weather dictates it, we can get engines
down here right away.
Editor Miriam Raftery has been covering wildfire issues in San Diego County
for the past two decades.
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