Weigh in: Out There | Idyllwild

I am one of the people whom the Idyllwild Fire Protection District's ambulance was called in on to transport. Anyone who dare question the importance of raking leaves and needles away from any structure for at least a fifty foot perimeter around it is asking for trouble. The removal of dead brush and trees is also important. I would like to believe that Chief Kunkle is within his rights as the fire chief in ordering all structures to have this clearance around the buildings . It also appears that there is a lack of participation and involvement from community members within the IFPD's organization.

Ward Johnson, Honorary Member IFPD @ 10:59 PM PST, Nov 4, 2008

Just discovered the article... well written and accurate. Let's hope it helps bring about a much needed change in local leadership. Sooner the better. The current situation is truly infuriating.

Local Resident @ 8:13 PM PDT, Oct 28, 2008

I am a weekender, I have kept my property to the standards of the abatement program each year, they have destroyed my beautifully trimmed manzanita hedges, that where outside of the recomended requirements of the abatement program. they then had enough....... to bill me not two three times what the locals would charge , but try 25 TIMES!!$ 7500.00, what is going on!! is that I do not live there? the fire dept. okd this. and someone needsto take responsibility!!Your comments please!!

Bennett @ 10:16 AM PDT, Oct 28, 2008

That is what most of the community refers to. There is no pride in the Idyllwild Fire Dept. Low standards and community caring. The staff does their shift and goes home. Then they blame the Chief for their laziness and rudeness to the public they serve. Shouldn't each employee have integrity and standards?

Pride! @ 9:11 AM PDT, Oct 28, 2008

I am incensed by the sensationalism written in for the sake of selling "news". Your article doesn't address that as a school principal Emily should've known the chain of student custody at the end of the school day falls to law enforcement and not fire department. If the child was still ill at the end of the school day and thus warranted ambulance transport it would've occurred. Also, where are the positive comments of those who about their homes. Those who are happy that their fire community wants to enforce abatement. I would (and do) willingly abate my property so when a fire comes (and some day one will!) I will hopefully be safe.

Marie @ 11:21 AM PDT, Oct 26, 2008

We had problems with Fire Prevention Services. They told us we had cut everything down to 6 inches, which was untrue. We finally got the fire chief to look at our property and he said it was fine. FPS was just trying to make some $$$. They charge about 2 to 3 times what someone else would charge. They use rape the land methods. They have been kicked out of several fire districts, including mine.

Jay @ 10:21 AM PDT, Oct 25, 2008

I would like to ask Mr. Biggs what his inane comment adds to this discussion? To Dug I would reiterate that it is the leadership of IFPD that is the problem, not the firefighters per se. Chief Kunkle fancies himself a thespian, I think he should pursue that full time and leave his day job to a true professional.

firefighter @ 8:19 PM PDT, Oct 24, 2008

fire prevention services inc has no forest management knowledge. They are a weed and rubbish abatement contractor. I attended a meeting at IFDP where a representitave of FPSI lied to all of us ( it was filmed).Salarys for IFDP leadership are substantial and it is reasonable for tax payers to expect excellence from them. They have failed the hard working fire fighters whom risk thiere lives for thiere community. They deserve honorable leadership. The forest deserves trained workers.

eErnesto @ 6:30 PM PDT, Oct 24, 2008

Recently another Fire Department asked them how much hose they carry on their Ladder Truck and not one shift (of 3) knew....Sad. These are supposed to be professional Firefighters with standards to protect the public. Please no fires within their area...

MountainTop @ 4:43 PM PDT, Oct 24, 2008

I say Idyllwild shouldn't have a fire department. Let them put out their own homes with their own bootstraps and the genius of the free market.

Mr. Biggs @ 2:29 PM PDT, Oct 24, 2008

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