Encinitas directs staff to pursue hiring three firefighters for Olivenhain station, apply for SAFER grant

The Encinitas City Council voted unanimously to direct city staff to move forward on plans to add three firefighter positions for Fire Station 6 in the Olivenhain area, to pursue a SAFER grant (federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) and to return to council with a detailed plan in August. The action begins an operational planning process that will include recruitment timing, housing for on‑duty personnel and apparatus, and the budgetary implications of ongoing staffing costs.

Councilmember Jim San Antonio introduced the council‑initiated request, saying Olivenhain’s geography and recent statewide fire‑severity mapping make the area especially vulnerable: “Olivenhain is, in many ways, at the tip of the spear when it comes to wildfire vulnerability,” he said. Staff and the fire chief said Station 6 is currently staffed with two firefighters per shift and that a third firefighter would enable more robust initial attack capability and improve structure protection during a rapidly moving wildfire.

Fire Chief Gordon and staff described logistical constraints. Chief Gordon noted the existing temporary Station 6 facility is too small to house additional crew comfortably: “You cannot fit 2 people in the kitchen,” he said, underscoring the need to identify a location or temporary facility and to scope apparatus needs. Staff also confirmed that SAFER grant guidance would fund an eligible hire for up to 36 months if the application is successful; the next SAFER grant application window was open in July, staff said.

Council direction and next steps - Council unanimously directed staff to proceed with planning and recruitment for three firefighter positions intended to provide a full engine company capability for Station 6. - Council asked staff to apply for SAFER grant funding and to return in August with an implementation plan that would include recommended housing or temporary station options, apparatus needs and the budgetary impact for both the remainder of fiscal year and ongoing operations.

Budget and timing Staff emphasized the hiring and onboarding process (recruitment, background checks, medical exams and training) would take several months. The city manager asked for some time to evaluate the fiscal impacts and to align the request with broader budget and interlocal considerations; staff committed to returning with a recommendation and, if feasible, the SAFER grant application status.

Ending Council's unanimous vote sends the request to staff for implementation planning and grant pursuit; staff will return to council with a recommended schedule and budget for bringing the three positions online and for locating temporary or permanent facilities to support the expanded crew.