The Denver Fire Department is considering a proposal to cut the number of rigs that respond to calls in an effort to reduce the fuel cost flare-up.
For example, the department currently sends two engines and two trucks to fire calls, but the new, more fuel-efficient response might include two engines and one truck.
"We average about three miles a gallon," said Lt. Phil Champagne, spokesman for Denver Fire. "We don't operate in a vacuum. We operate within certain economic realities to have a massive amount of rigs arrive on a scene and just sit there unnecessarily; I think you need to take a critical look at that."
Champagne said the department would never compromise public safety or firefighter safety based on the cost of a commodity, but the firefighters union has been fighting the proposal.
Denver is not the only fire department looking for ways to save fuel.
North Metro Fire Rescue is a projected $65,000 over budget when it comes to fuel.
Wendy Forbes, a spokeswoman for North Metro, said they have been asking crews to stagger or combine their routine activities.
"They may go to the grocery store two times a day, breakfast and dinner. We're asking them to do that in one trip," said Forbes.
Aurora Fire is doing the same.
Denver Fire has already implemented other, less drastic methods to reduce fuel use they brought in hybrid vehicles for support services, and theyre using mapping software that helps them find the most efficient routes.
Champagne stresses the rig cutbacks are still in the discussion phase, and fire administration will work with the union to reach an agreement.
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