APTOS — Mid-county residents could see significant changes to their fire services, if a recommendation to streamline and consolidate two departments is approved.
In the meantime, residents can learn about the proposal during a meeting on Monday.
The changes would affect people who live in Live Oak, Soquel, Capitola, Aptos and La Selva Beach, and could include closing the fire stations in Capitola and Soquel, and building a new station to serve those areas.
In the 157-page “Mid-County Fire Study” by Emergency Services Consulting International (ECI), the company also suggests that Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection and Central Fire Protection districts consolidate their services into a single district, with a single Board of Directors and chief.
This would help both departments streamline their services, and help reign in costs by reducing duplication of staff, resources and overhead costs, according to the report.
In addition, the report calls for creating a “quick attack” unit that would improve response time.
At the presentation, consultants will present their recommendations and answer questions from the public.
Central Fire Protection District was formed when Capitola, Live Oak, and Soquel Fire Districts consolidated. The district serves 28 square miles and encompasses the communities of Live Oak, Soquel and Capitola.
The Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District consolidated with the La Selva Beach Fire Protection District in 1986. It annexed the Day Valley area in 1988, the Spring Valley area in 2006, and the Eastern Boundary area in 2007. It encompasses 27 square miles.
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The community is invited to attend the discussion of the proposed changes to mid-county fire services. The meeting is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. in Cabrillo College’s Samper Recital Hall at 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos.
For information, visit bit.ly/2MDFnKd.
