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Proposed Starke budget would cut fire department in half

The Starke City Commission is considering a budget that would reduce the fire department from 12 to six.

STARKE, Fla. — Budget constraints could mean fewer firefighters in Starke.

The city commission is considering a budget that would cut the department in half.

A representative from the International Association of Firefighters is hoping city leaders can find somewhere else to cut back.

“We think this is a great risk to the citizens of Starke and the surrounding area, and it could make it more dangerous to live there," said International Association of Firefighters Field Representative Randy Wyse.

Wyse says the biggest safety impact of slashing the Starke Fire Department from 12 down to six wouldn’t be to response times.

“Someone is going to show up in relatively the same amount of time," said Wyse. "I think the most important piece of this is how many firefighters are going to show up.”

The National Fire Protection Association standard is two in, two out: in order to enter a burning building, at least two firefighters have to be stationed outside while at least two go in.

If the budget is approved, Starke will only have two firefighters working at a time.

“It’ll go from four firefighters on duty to two on a daily basis on that truck," said Wyse. "Those firefighters won’t be able to enter a burning structure without violating OSHA standards.”

City Manager Drew Mullins says money is tight with the need for a new waste water treatment plant and replacing 80-100 year old sewer lines.

"We’ve got to do this stuff," said Mullins.

Bradford County became a paid fire department in 2020 and Mullins feels it has grown enough to help offset the need.

“From a public safety stand point, we’ve got plenty of coverage with the county and the city," said Mullins. "Starke residents are paying Bradford County taxes along with city taxes.”

Wyse says, a few months ago, the city council kicked around the idea of merging the Starke Department with Bradford County, but ultimately decided not to.

“A small little kitchen fire turns into the whole side of a house burning if these firefighters aren’t able to make entry," said Wyse.

The city manager said there’s a meeting set for next month on September 7th specifically to address the budget.

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