WEST END ATLANTA

I saw this article this morning. It's interesting that the state didn't feel the need to get involved until they started shutting down stations on Howell Mill....

www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/12/04/atlanta_budget_fire.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Daws
Tel: 404/406-9913
Email: jdaws@atlantafirefighters.org

DANGEROUS FIRE RESCUE COMPANY CLOSURES

Today, as a result of the reckless and irresponsible budget cuts to Atlanta Fire Rescue, seven fire companies have been closed due to lack of adequate staffing. The closures are as follows:

1. Ladder Truck 25
2. Ladder Truck 26
3. Engine 12
4. Engine 22
5. Engine 26
6. Engine 30
7. Engine 36

This is in addition to the ongoing closures of:

1. Truck 12
2. Engine 7
3. Engine 23

The hazardous materials and technical rescue response plan has also be compromised due to inadequate staffing.

These closures constitute an unacceptable risk to Atlanta's citizens and firefighters, and a complete failure on the part of Atlanta's government to fulfill its basic function of public safety.

Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters Association president Jim Daws commented, "What you're seeing today is a total unraveling of the fire protection and disaster response scheme in the City of Atlanta. Fires and other emergencies are no respecters of budget shortfalls. They will come when they will, and if Fire Rescue is unprepared to respond, lives and property will be lost. These cuts to Fire Rescue are nothing less than governmental malpractice on the part of Atlanta's elected officials, and the citizens should not stand for it."

Atlanta's citizens are asked to be especially careful and vigilant against fires today.