Fire Department
In regard to your July 18 story on fire protection if the San Fernando Valley should succeed in breaking away from Los Angeles:
Breaking up the L.A. Fire Department, one of the most efficient in the U.S., would be a disaster for the citizens of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Fire protection needs are different than in law enforcement--the need for quick move-ups for major fires is mandatory.
When there is a high fire hazard, commanders move companies from the “flatlands” to the Valley for quick response. And there are four fire stations on Mulholland from Laurel Canyon to Sepulveda--if you divided the Fire Department how could they respond to West Los Angeles and the Valley?
The idea of setting up a fire authority or special district to continue providing Class 1 fire protection is the answer if the secession should take place.
CLIFF DEKTAR, North Hollywood
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
