Tulare County Emergency Services Cuts | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Tulare County, CA Tulare County Supervisors voted to cut back on certain 911 calls /*Tulare County*/ Firefighters go out on. People who live just outside city limits are the most affected.

Tulare County Firefighters stationed in Orosi get sent out to calls as far as Dinuba or even just outside the city of Visalia. But starting next month that will all change.

Tulare County Firefighters are sent out to medical aid calls all over the county, but officials are finding that calls made just outside the city limits of - let's say - Visalia, Exeter or any other Tulare County city ... were getting double the number of emergency responders. Both city and county crews were responding to all calls.

With that in mind, Sunderland asked the board discontinue Tulare County fire service to areas within a couple miles outside city limits unless there's a life-threatening emergency. Supervisors unanimously passed the fire department's request and applauded the change. Still, the thought of less emergency personnel at a 911 call is disconcerting to some residents who will be affected.

Tulare County Fire Officials say it will save the department money by reducing overtime and fuel to take an engine out to a scene. They expect to reduce the number of non-emergency calls they go to by nearly 15%.