Threatened staff cuts and a station closure are now about to become reality for the Higgins Fire District. Officials had stated last summer that if Measure V failed, they would have to close one of their three stations and lay off six full-time firefighters. And now, Public Information Officer Pete Marchinek says that’s exactly what’s going to happen, as soon as March or April, which would be half of the full-time number of firefighters…

click to listen to Pete Marchinek

But Marchinek says summer staffing at the two remaining stations will not be impacted, which is when the fire danger is the highest. CalFire also provides staffing at one of the stations. But he says response times will be slowed by 10 to 12 minutes for fires and other emergencies, mostly medical calls. Marchinek says that could also increase homeowner insurance rates. Meanwhile, a plan has been proposed to still have some presence at the closed station, which is on Morning Sun Lane…

click to listen to Pete Marchinek

Measure V did receive 58-percent support, but needed two-thirds approval.