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Commission warned: downtown density, rising unit‑hour use are squeezing fire response capacity
Summary
Commissioners and the chief warned that vertical housing development and longer fire seasons are increasing unit‑hour utilization (often 40–50%) and creating a personnel shortfall; they discussed impact fees, operational adjustments and a possible tax measure for paramedic service on the November ballot.
San Rafael’s fire officials told the commission that rising downtown housing density and an extended fire season have strained mutual-aid capacity and local response capability, with unit‑hour utilization frequently above target levels.
"We used to be able to get statewide over a thousand engines on the road; at this point we struggled to get 400," a chief said, describing statewide staffing constraints and the pressure of…
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