SEATTLE
--
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has proposed an idea that's creating a firestorm of controversy.
To save money, McGinn is considering cutting the number of firefighters who would respond to your house if it's on fire.
As it stands now, the fire engine that would show up at your house would be carrying four firefighters. But McGinn has suggested reducing that to three firefighters to save money.
The city is facing a $50 million dollar budget shortfall. But local firefighters say the money that would be saved isnt worth the risk to the safety of firefighters and the citizens they serve.
A recent study from a federal oversight agency on standards and procedures, found four-person crews were 25 percent faster getting to emergencies, and got water on fires 6 percent faster than three-person crews.
Mayor McGinn's office said he hasnt made a decision about whether to move forward with the staff reduction. If he does, the local firefighters union plans to fight the cutbacks.
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