Sole Firehouse in Avenal, CA, Closed, Crews Reassigned

Kings County officials stood by their decision to close the only fire station in the city of Avenal and said residents will still receive fire services from the county, though response times may take longer.

The Kings County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Saturday to end the county’s fire protection services with Avenal, effective immediately, citing a breach of contract and declared a public safety emergency.

Kyria Martinez, county executive officer, said Wednesday at a press conference that “the county is standing by its Saturday’s decision. The Board does not take decisions like this lightly.”

“Every action carries weight, consequence, and responsibility far beyond a single moment or a single request,” Martinez said. “These are not quick calls or emotional reactions, they are measured, deliberate decisions made with full understanding of the risks involved.”

County fire Chief John Chamberlin said he ordered the closure of Kings County Fire Station 12 in Avenal and reassigned personnel. He said the fire services will be provided to Avenal on a mutual aid basis, meaning “the Kings County Fire Department will continue to respond to the city of Avenal, albeit from a slightly further location and a more stringent determination of needs.”

Avenal City Manager Antony Lopez said the city has requested the county “honor its obligation to provide notice and continue fire protection services to the city for a six-month transition period” under the existing agreement.

“The city remains committed to a responsible and orderly transition and expects all parties to act accordingly in the interest of public safety,” Lopez said in a statement.

Kings County District Attorney Sarah Hacker sued the city of Avenal in December for alleged Brown Act violations over closed meetings in which officials discussed forming their own municipal fire department.

The county Board of Supervisors’ decision to terminate the contract took place after a disagreement between the city and the county fire chief over the safety of Avenal’s community center ahead of a scheduled boxing event.

The city had scheduled its first major community event at its new community center, a building which, according to the county fire department, is still “actively under construction.”

Martinez said there were also reports about of plans of future events to be held at the building.

Prior to the city’s event that took place over the weekend, Chamberlin determined the Avenal Community Center was unsafe to occupy based on the state’s fire code adopted by the city of Avenal. The city said the building was “suitable for limited public use” and issued a temporary certificate of occupancy to proceed with the event at the facility.

Chamberlin emphasized Wednesday that the issue centered on safety, not the event itself.

“This was never about the event. It was always about the safety of the people and the community,” Chamberlin said.

According to Chamberlin, the building lacked critical life safety systems, including electricity, fire alarms, and a functioning sprinkler system, and that inspections identified inadequate water supply for fire protection.

The boxing event went as scheduled. City officials touted it as a success.

City officials said the county’s decision puts more than 13,000 residents at risks creating a safety crisis and called the county’s actions “bullying tactics.”

According to the county, Kings County Fire has transitioned to providing service to Avenal through mutual and automatic aid agreements, in coordination with other agencies.

The county fire will continue to respond to emergencies in Avenal based on dispatch criteria, with additional support available through partner agencies, including Cal Fire and Fresno County Fire, according to county officials. Emergency medical services remain unchanged through American Ambulance.

“Kings County Fire has a long-standing history of serving the Avenal community,” Chamberlin said. “We remain committed to ensuring the community’s needs are met and that the public remains safe.”

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