For the first time since 2013, Yakima has fewer firefighters available at times to immediately respond to simultaneous major incidents, such as two house fires.
The situation, which could last until the end of the year, was created when the city reduced staffing standards in order to cover a projected budget shortfall. And, like it did two years ago, the firefighters union is raising concerns that the move could endanger firefighters and the public.
“I don’t like brownouts,” said union president and fire Lt. Jeremy Rodriguez, referring to the industry term for when staffing drops below standard levels. “The thought of it turns my stomach and puts me in a position I don’t want to be in with the city.”
Shortly after the brownout order was issued Oct. 2, the union started a Facebook campaign to inform residents. Since then, staffing had fallen below regular levels on 11 full shifts and three partial shifts as of Friday.
Fire officials and City Manager Tony O’Rourke agree that the situation is undesirable, but they say the temporary staffing cut is a better option than laying off firefighters.
“Realistically, it’s nothing any of us want, because there is a certain level of service we want to provide,” said Mark Soptich, deputy fire chief. “But just like at home, when we don’t have the money, we have to do something.”