Area Fire Stations to Serve as ‘Safe Houses’

In an effort to curb violence against children, all Los Angeles city fire stations, including 30 in the Valley, have been designated as “Safe Houses” for youths.

The program, approved by Mayor Richard Riordan, is intended to provide children with places of refuge when they are threatened, said William R. Bamattre, chief engineer and general manager of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

“This program gives children the confidence in knowing that they have somewhere to turn to if something should happen,” said Alex Arriola, a spokesman for the Fire Department. “This is an outstanding program because we live in an era where children are targets of gangsters, child molesters and abusive parents.”

Arriola said fire stations are open 24 hours to assist at-risk children.