Cal Fire is slashing $10-million from its fire service budget in Southern California, according to a published report.
16 jobs are being cut and Cal Fire is spreading the remaining resources thin for the winter season, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Personnel will be cut Dec. 15 to May 1 for eight of 10 three-person engines funded following the 2003 wildfires.
Howard Windsor, chief of Cal Fire's San Diego unit, said he would still be able to increase staffing should weather or fire conditions become worse. He also hinted that further cuts may be necessary, the paper reported.
The state budget crisis has forced nearly every department to tighten its belt.
For more information read the San Diego Union-Tribune article "Cal Fire Slashes Budget, San Diego to Lose 16 Jobs."
