L.A. Firefighters call for public support of ballot measure, citing staffing shortages and slow response times

Union-backed initiative seeks funding for more firefighters, stations, and equipment

Los Angeles firefighters urged voters at a Thursday press conference to support a ballot initiative aimed at expanding staffing, upgrading facilities, and improving emergency response citywide, citing decades of underinvestment in the Fire Department. The press conference was held at LAFD Fire Station 58, and CD 11 LA City Councilwoman Traci Park also attended.

National standards recommend that emergency crews arrive at nearly all 911 calls within four minutes. Rich Ramirez, an official with UFLAC, said, “When you call 911, we should be coming to you in four and a half minutes. We’re taking almost eight minutes to get to you because we do not have enough resources. It’s not sustainable. It’s not safe for the public, not for the firefighters, and the citizens from Los Angeles.”

Doug Coate, LAFD firefighter and engineer, said, “We have five times the call load, six fewer fire stations than in the 1960s. My basic last thing is we need more firefighters, we need more fire stations, we need more tools and equipment, and we need engines, trucks, and ambulances. That’s the only way to help our LAFD and help the citizens of LA.

The department’s infrastructure has also aged substantially. Officials said 53 fire stations are at least 50 years old, including four that have been in service for more than 80 years. Firefighters argue that outdated facilities and insufficient staffing strain the department’s ability to meet public safety demands.

Union leaders contend the department is operating at roughly half the size needed to adequately protect the city. As a result, firefighters and paramedics are appealing directly to voters to secure dedicated funding for personnel, equipment, and station improvements.

It is estimated that the half-cent sales tax could raise $345 million in the first year. Los Angeles’ sales tax is 9.75 %, and this increase would raise it to 10.25%. 

To place the proposed initiative ordinance on the November 3, 2026, ballot, organizers said they must collect at least 154,000 signatures from registered voters within the City of Los Angeles. To view the Initiative Ordinance, click here. For more information, click here.