Kings County ends fire services in the city of Avenal over community center dispute

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Kings County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Saturday to declare a public safety emergency and end the county's fire services contract with the city of Avenal.

The 5-0 vote came during an emergency meeting called to address what county officials said was a threat to public safety.

The dispute centers on the Underdog Boxing event scheduled for Sunday at the Avenal Community Center.

County supervisors took action after Kings County Fire Chief John Chamberlin, determined the building is unsafe to occupy. The community center is still under construction.

Despite that determination, the City of Avenal said Friday it plans to move forward with the event under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy that allows limited use of the facility while construction continues.

The city said staff will be on site, including the city manager, along with public safety personnel including the chief of police. Officials said a safety plan is in place that includes controlled occupancy, monitored access points, onsite personnel and continuous monitoring throughout the event.

Avenal officials said the building does not yet have PG&E authorization and still needs some interior finishes. The city said the city manager worked with the city engineer, public works director and police chief to put the safety plan in place.

As part of Saturday's action, the board voted to terminate the fire services agreement with the city. The termination takes effect at 5 p.m. Saturday.

County officials also noted that the city has adopted a local ordinance establishing its own fire department and has hired a fire chief.