Sacramento City, Metro Fire Depts. Seek Merger

Nov. 02--SACRAMENTO -- The Sacramento City and Sac Metro Fire departments are looking to combine forces, forming one huge fire department.

They've talked about this over the years. But the constant threat of layoffs and continues brownouts of fire stations, has fire officials taking a closer look.

"We've been having these talks more frequently and it's a matter of being responsible managers, try to decide what makes economic sense, combining resources" Assistant Sac City Fire Chief Niko King said. "It would be irresponsible of us not to look at opportunities that are out there."

The city of Sacramento has three brownouts in place -- temporarily closing fire stations on designated days to save money.

"There were actually two fires today that were somewhat affected by brownouts. One in the north area, Natomas. That company just went out of service at 8 o'clock this morning. And the fire came in at about 8:40," King said. "Fortunately, no one was injured. There was an increase in property damage."

Combining departments would put a stop to the brownouts. Sac Metro already comprises 17 fire departments, the most recent in 2000, with American River and Sacramento County fire districts.

"It's realistic. There's fire departments that are merging to save money," King added.

Each department has about 465 firefighters.

Retired Sac City Fire Chief Rick Martinez is looking at department stats and will report on the feasibility of combining agencies.