Fresno Fire Department gets small budget boost

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The proposed Fresno city budget calls for giving the fire department a $4 million a year increase. Thanks largely to a federal grant, the department will be able to add 12 personnel and buy some new equipment.

But, while the department may be getting a boost, it's still understaffed. With only about 300 firefighters, the department is half the size of Sacramento's fire department, which serves a slightly smaller city.

"We have fewer firefighters than any metro fire department likely in the country," said Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donis.

Donis notes Fresno has less than half a firefighter per thousand people. The national standard is one and a half per thousand. On a given day, there are only 71 firefighters on duty in the city of Fresno. By contrast, Sacramento has 161 on duty.

Fresno is boosting the department's budget to about $62 million, which is about half of Sacramento's fire budget of $124 million.

Money makes a difference in saving lives and property. The chief told the city council Fresno's response time is below national standards. "National standard is four minutes, five minutes 90 percent of the time, we're at 64 percent for residential and 67 percent for commercial fires."

Chief Donis notes a response time of four minutes or less is critical for medical emergencies.

City Council members are sympathetic and indicated they wanted to boost the department if they can find more money. Council Member Lee Brand said, "We will do the best we can to help you guys out."

But City Manager Bruce Rudd reminded the council that money remains tight. "We've just come off of being this close to bankruptcy."

What actually happens with the fire department budget won't be known until a final budget is voted on at the end of the month.