Article: Cal Fire evades massive damage from budget cuts

State firefighting costs have nearly tripled in the past decade but Cal Fire has avoided taking major hits in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget.

The state's firefighting agency has $790 million budgeted.

A one-time savings of $17 million for the delayed replacement of fire engines and other vehicles is the only cut currently being considered for Cal Fire.

San Bernardino County was scheduled to receive two new fire engines this fiscal year.

"The governor has worked very hard to make sure we don't take cuts," said Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant.

Yet, state budget analysts recommend a startling $55 million reduction to Cal Fire's budget.

Part of the suggested slashing ...

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