On Monday, April 6, 2020, Tukwila Fire Department’s E52 fire engine, normally staffed with three firefighters, was placed out of service due to reduced budget and staffing levels.
An aid vehicle is now in its place, staffed with only two firefighters.
The City of Tukwila is projecting a $6 million loss over 2.5 months due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, and will discuss budget adjustments at Monday night’s (April 6, 2020) council meeting.
“The City of Tukwila and the Fire Chief have chosen to reduce staffing, and the impact will be felt by the residents of Tukwila,” Tukwila Firefighters IAFF Local 2088 said. “This will also have an impact to the surrounding jurisdictions, as fire engines from neighboring cities will need to assist us with large events and multiple concurrent medical and fire calls.”
The union adds:
“WE are the firefighters who work in the City of Tukwila. WE are ready, healthy and willing to work today to staff all our stations as we have for decades. During the peak of this pandemic, is not the time to reduce staffing.
“The safety of the citizens of Tukwila will always be our top priority.”
