Half-dozen Reno fire stations to face temporary closure

RENO -- Reno Fire Chief Michael Hernandez said six fire stations will face temporary closure as nine firefighters are laid off next month.

Hernandez has to cut $4.5 million more from the 2009-10 budget. A dozen firefighters were cut in January. Vacancies also aren't being filled, and retirees aren't being replaced.

Hernandez said he will have 85 firefighters to work each day at 15 Reno stations and six Truckee Meadows fire district stations staffed by the department. That is just one more than the number needed to fill those stations.

So if five firefighters aren't working because of vacation, illness or other reasons, a fire station will be closed for the day.

None of the Truckee Meadows district stations will be temporarily closed.