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Fire chiefs and residents urge investment in equipment, brush clearance after budget review
Summary
Workshop presenters and multiple residents said the volunteer-heavy fire department faces steep equipment and personnel costs and urged a mix of grant-seeking, local assessments, a new community foundation and targeted fuel-reduction programs to reduce wildfire risk.
La Habra Heights residents and city staff used a budget workshop to foreground the fire department’s capital and personnel needs and to press for immediate action on brush clearance and equipment replacement.
Staff described a largely volunteer department with paid chiefs and paramedics and said turnover among volunteer firefighters can be high; staff noted retention pressures for paramedics and the high cost of replacement apparatus and personal protective equipment. "About 80% [turnover] in the fire department,"…
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