MOUNTAIN GATE, Calif. — Citing unsafe and inadequate gear, the Mountain Gate Volunteer Fire Department is halting all emergency response operations to protect firefighter safety.
The department has repeatedly raised concerns with the Mountain Gate Community Service District about their non-OSHA-compliant gear, but these issues have been “unheard and overlooked again and again,” according to the department’s statement on Facebook.
“We have continually brought this issue to the Mountain Gate Community Service District, including but not limited to, proving to them that our department’s gear is completely out of OSHA regulations, but it has gone unheard and overlooked again and again. So until this problem is resolved and we can again ensure the safety of our volunteers that dedicate their free time and energy to helping others, we will not be able to respond to your needs.”
Chief Stevens and the command staff emphasized their commitment to firefighter safety, stating, “Chief Stevens and the rest of the Command Staff take the safety of our firefighters very seriously and wish that others will do the same,” KRCR reported.
