Fire union and commenters warn understaffing and lost EIT positions are risking firefighters and residents, union leader says

Union and fire department stakeholders told the City Council the Los Angeles Fire Department remains understaffed and that recent staffing changes are putting both firefighters and residents at risk.

Freddie Escobar, president of UFLAC Local 112, said he has been restricted from speaking publicly until May but used his public comment time to press the council on staffing. "The LAFD is a woefully understaffed under fire department, period," Escobar said, adding that a standard of cover calls for more than 60 new fire stations for the city. He tied staffing reductions and the loss of engineer‑in‑training (EIT) positions to response problems in high‑risk incidents, referencing the Joe DuPree fire as an example where a member lost his life.

During questions on a separate agenda item, Councilmember Adrian Nazarian asked interim LAFD leadership how the department will engage more actively on policy matters, including the single‑stair ordinance. Interim Chief said he has met with councilmembers and pledged continued collaboration and more outreach ahead of the budget season.

Speakers and union representatives urged the council to restore or increase critical positions, incorporate LAFD operational realities into policymaking, and make firefighter staffing a budgetary priority. No formal staffing decision or budget vote occurred at the meeting.

Ending: Councilmembers said they would continue conversations with LAFD leadership and include department needs in upcoming budget deliberations.