Starting today, the number of fire engine companies at 13 of San Diego's 47 fire stations will be reduced on a rotating basis. The plan is part of budget cuts recently adopted by the City Council.
No fire stations will be closed as a result of the "rolling brownouts," but fire stations with multiple crews will be reduced to a single crew and their engines will be idled.
Up to eight fire engines will be taken out of service each day. The firefighters that typically staff those engines will be used to fill in for others who are absent from duty.
The plan will save the city about $11.5 million due to a reduction in overtime.
