Fire Authority Reviews Location of Stations

The Orange County Fire Authority is reviewing proposals to change its operations and to base services partly on a city’s ability to pay, a move that could lead to fewer stations.

With 13 of 19 cities unable to foot the bill for the services they receive, the authority is reconsidering where each paramedic, firefighter or engine company is based and whether all 60 fire stations are needed.

Los Alamitos Mayor Ronald Bates said cities that have not been paying their full share are aware that adjustments are coming.

“Many of us realize that we’ll have to pay more of our share, or if cities can’t afford that, to reduce service while still providing basic protection,” Bates said.

The issue is expected to divide the agency’s board of directors, which consists of a representative from each city plus two county supervisors. The majority of cities must decide whether to pay more or to forgo some services.

Fire officials say that no city would be left without basic services. The authority’s directors have said they do not expect a dollar-for-dollar distribution of fire services for the 1 million residents served by the authority.