VANCOUVER, Wa - Stuck in a $10 million budget deficit, the City of Vancouver may lose one of its fire stations, along with several firefighters.
Fire Chief Don Bivins must trim his own department's budget by $1.8 million. His latest proposal includes eliminating 18 positions and closing Fire Station 6, on 112th Ave. near Burton Road.
"It was a very difficult task to break the news to those folks," said Bivins. "They are outstanding people."
Fire Station 6 covers more than seven-square miles and serves more than 33,000 people. If it were to close, Bivins said it would take firefighters from other stations an additional two-and-a-half minutes to respond to calls.
"If we're hung up on three seconds, two-minutes-thirty-seconds will give you an indication of magnitude," said Bivins.
Ellen Hobb lives near Fire Station 6. She was also worried about response time because her husband has breathing problems.
"It would be quite traumatic really," said Hobb when asked about the possibility of the station closing.
Several other departments, including police, transportation, and parks and recreation were also facing budget cuts. In all, 105 positions could be eliminated.
The layoffs would take effect at the beginning of the year if the city council adopts the budget.
