YAKIMA, Wash. – The Yakima Fire Department is grappling with $1.75 million in budget cuts, prompting a heated discussion among city council members and the community about the potential closure of Station 92.
At a recent city council meeting, a large crowd gathered to express their concerns over the proposed closure of Station 92. During the public comment session, speakers emphasized the critical role the station plays in emergency response not just in Yakima but across the region.
“The city is putting a lot of people in potential danger with the closure of station 92,” one speaker said.
Firefighters have warned that closing the station would lead to longer wait times for fire response and strain an already stretched system, reverting staffing and response levels to what they were in the 1970s.
Mark Buskas of Yakima Firefighters Local 469 said, “It’s not just Station 92’s area that’s impacted. This closure will impact the entire city of Yakima. It’s kind of a recipe for disaster all around.”
Residents shared personal stories illustrating the importance of fast response times. Stephen Robbins recounted how a crew from Station 92 saved his life during a cardiac arrest, highlighting the life-or-death difference that quick response can make.
“Well, I mean, it’s literally the difference between life and death. Or life and serious injury or, you know, like in my case, if I had to take another three or 4 minutes, I could have serious brain damage,” Robbins said.
Union leaders proposed alternative funding options to keep Station 92 open, urging council members to delay the closure to explore other financial solutions. They noted that once a station is closed, reopening it is not easy and the effects could be felt for years.
“Saving a couple dollars in your taxes doesn’t really help when you’re dead,” Robbins said.
Following the community’s plea, council members passed a motion to extend funding for Station 92 through August of this year. They plan to revisit the topic and discuss long-term funding at a meeting next month.
