Portland Fire Dept. Blames Budget Cuts For Move To 'Quints'

Portland Fire and Rescue is replacing two fire-fighting vehicles with one larger vehicle -- at two of its stations. The changes come as a result of budget cuts.

The fire chief says the new set up doesn't compromise safety, but the union isn't so sure.

The new vehicles are called Quints. And instead of having an engine that carries water and a pump; and a truck that carries ladders and extraction equipment, Quints carry both.

But one Quint can be staffed by four firefighters, whereas the other two vehicles need a total of eight.

Portland Fire Chief Erin Janssens says the Quints don't compromise safety.

"They're still going to get the same resources on every call. There may be a delay for the fourth, last final crew to arrive. I don't know we're going to be evaluating that. But again, I think this is the most equitable approach," Janssens says.

The Portland firefighters union says the new equipment potentially compromises response times and public safety -- with just four firefighters initially arriving at a call.

This story originally appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting.