Redwood City Averts Temporary Fire Engine Shutdown: Report

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Redwood City has averted a proposal to temporarily shut down a fire engine to resolve a budget shortfall amid the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis, Climate Online reports.

The City Council last week voted in support of a budget for the upcoming fiscal year that will keep Fire Engine 9 running, the report said.

Fire Engine 9 operates at Station 9 at 755 Marshall St., and a proposed temporary shutdown triggered vocal public opposition, the report said.

Redwood City Firefighter Michael Elhihi warned that the losing the Fire Engine could potentially imperil public safety during public comments at Monday’s Council meeting according to the report.

“If there was no engine, citizens would have to watch their personal property be destroyed while they waited for a fire engine from another district,” Elhihi said.

“Forget personal property, are we OK with gambling with the life of a citizen at a time when they need commitment and response more than ever?”

Read more at Climate Online