OFD temporarily closing 2 fire stations to ease budget deficit

OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) -- The temporary closures of Oakland Hills Fire Stations 25 and 28 is part of Oakland's attempt to close a $129 million dollar deficit. 

On Monday, Jan. 6, the firehouses will be shuttered for six months until the end of June to help the City of Oakland balance its budget. Together, the closures are expected to save the city $5 million dollars.

Fire Station 25 is located at 2795 Butters Drive and Fire Station 28 is at 4615 Grass Valley Road.

Jill Yegian lives around the corner from Oakland Hills Fire Station 25. “Having this fire station here, it's small, but it's mighty, and the people are amazing, and it's really upsetting,” said Yegian. “The budget in Oakland is obviously in a crisis level, and we really don't feel like we should be the ones thrown under the bus.”

Oakland Fire Department Chief Damon Covington said he believes the firehouses marked for closure will cause the least impact on residents.

“There are no firehouses that we can afford to close,” said OFD Chief Covington. “We need every firehouse we have, and then some. But we feel like we can adequately cover these two firehouses and make sure that our community still receives a high level of service that they've become accustomed to.”

Covington said after getting the directive from the city administrator and city council, an analysis determined that closing Stations 25 and 28, which are less busy during the winter and spring, would have the least impact on the community.  Station 21, which is centered within four miles of both firehouses, will handle the bulk of 25 and 28’s calls. 

But less impact does not mean no impact.

“There are going to be delays in our delivery, but, when you call 911, an engine is going to show up for sure,” said Chief Covington.

Covington said both Oakland Hills firehouses will reopen on July 1 and different stations will be closed, if that's mandated by the city council.

These station closures aren't the end of it. Another four stations are slated to close sometime in February unless the Oakland City Council decides to make changes.