The East Bay Regional Park District fire department operates only during office hours, severely impacting emergency response times after hours. Calls received after 5 p.m. may lead to responses taking at least 40 minutes, compared to the optimal 5-30 minutes expected. Firefighters have expressed concerns that the current model is outdated and inefficient, especially considering the large area they cover. In 2023, they proposed a 24/7 staffing plan to improve response effectiveness and respond to emergencies more swiftly, but ongoing negotiations are necessary to implement this change.
"If there is an immediate need, we can't respond immediately."
"Firefighters in general are expected to be at the scene in anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes from time of dispatch."
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