KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Could Budget Problems Affect Response Times From Firefighters
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Budget problems are affecting nearly every agency in the state, and the Sparks Fire Department is no exception.
In fact, a recent fire at a motel put the department to the test.
City officials project a $6.5 million revenue shortfall this fiscal year, and that's got firefighters handling calls a little differently.
"Fires don't change their behavior and medical emergencies don't change their behaviors based on budgets," says Division Chief Frank Frievalt of the Sparks Fire Department.
It's not just emergencies anymore that are putting Sparks Firefighters to the test; the economy is too.
Budget cuts have forced staff reductions in the department and even overtime pay has been reduced.
"We cut minimum staffing down to 22," says Fire Chief Andy Flock of the Sparks Fire Department. "Seven less people that almost the equivalent to two less engine companies on duty a day."
They've dropped down to about three firefighters per engine. Over the weekend, the Wagon Train Motel on Victorian Avenue caught fire, right across the street from Sparks Fire Station One. But more manpower was needed from Stations Two and Three; they were called in to help - which left another problem.
"Now we're leaving another district uncovered in the city while we were mitigating this incident for the fire across the street," explains Flock.
Responding to a call is different these days.
"Take Station Two here on Baring Boulevard," says Frievalt. "And let's say they went to a call on Bradley Square and while they were on that call another call came within their district. The CAD or computer automatic dispatch would recommend a second engine to go to that call."
Fire officials say despite staff reductions, their goal is to respond anywhere in the city within five to six minutes.
Some say they worry about their future.
"I would probably feel very unsafe knowing that they wouldn't be responding quickly or having to call other departments in," says Michelle Webb of Sparks.
"I work for the Red Cross and every minute counts," says Ken Thomas of Sparks.
To help answer calls for help; fire officials say they also have partnerships with other fire and medical agencies.
Fire officials say they've already cut more than a million dollars from their budget, and they're expected to cut more.
They've given a proposed budget to the Sparks City Council, who will discuss this next week.
