Engine 36: Closed But Still Active

Although Central County fire station 36 in Burlingame officially closed Aug. 14, it has been open four days since then. The station, located at 1399 Rollins Rd., was closed due to budget cuts resulting from an overall decrease in the city revenue, but it has strived to remain open when possible.

"The plan is to continue to do that as long as we have full staffing," said Fire Chief Don Dornell. "On any given day…we will open it up."

Full staffing is difficult to reach while factoring in sick leave and vacation days. However, when all the staff is present, Engine 36, which opened in 1962, and the three firefighters who staff it will be ready for response. Additionally, the station remains open for administrative work.

"It's pretty much a day to day thing," Dornell said of the intermittent openings.

On days when station 36 remains closed, calls will be directed to station 34 located at 799 California Dr., according to a press release posted on the Central County Firefighters Facebook page. Station 34 is manned by eight responders.

"As Central County firefighters, we will strive to continue to provide you with excellent service," the press release said.

Part of this service is responding to emergency calls in the seven-minute time limit allotted by San Mateo County. While firefighters should still be able to make the target response time, Dornell is concerned there may be longer delays if the closest unit to the call is already committed elsewhere.

However, he added that there have yet to be any noticeable negative impacts.

For now, Dornell and the Central County firefighters must wait until the end of the budget year when expenses will hopefully decrease and new funding will allow them to reopen engine 36.

"We're hoping that this is a temporary situation," Dornell said. "Hopefully [we'll reopen] in the spring."