The San Jose Mercury News

VALLEJO, Calif. — The Vallejo Fire Department will temporarily close two fire stations beginning this morning in an effort to help the city avoid bankruptcy, according to fire officials.

The city of Vallejo faces a $13.2 million 2007-2008 general fund operating deficit and a negative funding balance of $9 million on June 30. The City Council approved an emergency plan early Tuesday morning to help prevent the city from filing bankruptcy by the end of the month.

Firefighters agreed to accept a reduction in the minimum daily staffing level of 28 to 22 through June 30 and the temporary closure of two fire companies. The tentative agreements enable the city to meet its general fund payment obligations through June 30.

The decision to close stations 22 and 27 was based upon analysis of a variety of factors including district call volume, proximity to other fire stations, square miles served and population served, officials said.

In addition to the closure of Vallejo fire stations 22 and 27, daily minimum staffing will be reduced from 28 firefighters to 22 firefighters per day as well as staffing reductions in Fire Administration, Fire Prevention and Fire Training Divisions, officials said.

Station 22 is located at 700 Fifth Street and serves the residents of South Vallejo. Station 27 is located at 1585 Ascot Court and serves the Northgate and Hiddenbrooke areas of Vallejo, according to the Fire Department.

Stations 22 and 27 will close at 8 a.m. today until further notice, according to the Fire Department.