In an effort to meet Mayor Bloomberg's budget demands, the FDNY is considering cutting 33 more marshals' jobs from the already hobbled bureau, a source told The Post.
The cut would bring the headcount of New York City's fire-investigation wing to an even 100, which would save the FDNY $2 million a year, the source said.
Marshals have warned that axing investigators and closing their bases would be disastrous, leading to an increase in arson and fire-related injuries and deaths.
The FDNY declined to comment on any specific budget cuts, "as nothing has been finalized," said department spokesman Frank Gribbon.
Cost-cutting has eliminated about 60 marshal positions over the past two years.
Already this year, the Bronx marshal base has been shuttered, and the Manhattan base is operating only during the day. If the extra cuts occur, the Brooklyn base could close as well, the source said.
Last December, marshals told The Post they didn't have enough men to catch arsonists, issue subpoenas or investigate suspicious fires, which normally increase during economic downturns.
