ESCAMBIA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT STAFFING

Interim Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore told county commissioners yesterday morning the County is working on a plan that would temporarily shut-down  fire stations because of staffing shortages.  The plan could be used if staffing falls below the minimum department-wide number of 47 firefighters on-duty during the week or 43 on-duty after hours or on the weekends. Engine Company 16 at the Warrington fire station would be used to staff other areas in the county if necessary. If the minimum staffing level remained low, Fire Engine Company 1 at the Bellview station and the Navy would assist covering that area from Saufley Field. Gilmore said there are currently 11 vacancies in the fire department of about 170 members.