City officials clarify social media post on community chat pages were ‘inaccurate information.”
FOLSOM — City officials are working to put out a wave of misinformation after a post on a local social media page sparked concern that Fire Station 38 on Blue Ravine Road was set to close indefinitely.
The post, shared Monday that was reportedly authored by a social media page claiming to be the “Folsom Firefighters Association, claimed that city management had decided to shut down the station beginning October 1 as a cost-cutting measure. The message warned of increased emergency response times and reduced coverage if the station were to sit empty.
The City of Folsom responded quickly, clarifying that no such decision has been made. “We are aware of inaccurate information circulating about an indefinite closure of Fire Station 38. While service modifications are being considered, the intent is to have fire station personnel staffed at all Folsom fire stations,” Christine Brainerd, communications director for the City of Folsom shared with Folsom Times.
According to the city, a multi-stage budget process is underway to address funding shortfalls while keeping emergency services strong. As part of that process, officials are examining potential modifications or reductions in some programs and services, but emphasized that all fire stations remain part of the city’s public safety framework.
The above social media post appeared Monday morning, prompting city officials to respond.
City leaders are calling for community involvement as the City Council reviews proposals in the weeks ahead. Two key meetings have been scheduled for residents to learn more and provide input: Tuesday, September 23, and Tuesday, October 14, both at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Folsom City Hall, 50 Natoma Street.
“The City of Folsom is committed to maintaining a strong emergency response for our community,” Brainerd said. “Community input is essential to help the City Council understand resident priorities and values.”
In addition to the city’s statement, a copy of a Folsom Fire Department staff memo that was sent to Folsom Times on Monday morning outlines apparent apparatus reassignments scheduled to take effect October 1. According to the department memo shared, one engine company will be eliminated to reduce overtime costs, but all six of the city’s fire stations will remain open and operational.
The memo specifies that “Truck 35 (TR35) will relocate from Station 35 to Station 34 (TR34),” while “Air Utility 35 (AR35) will relocate from Station 35 to Station 34 (AR34).” It also states that “Engine 38 (E38) will relocate from Station 38 to Station 35 (E35),” and that Engine 34 will be removed from the staffing plan. The memo notes that the plan, “prioritizes fire suppression coverage in Folsom’s highest-risk areas, preserves ALS transport capability across the city, and aligns staffing and deployment with current fiscal constraints.” The submission also notes additional adjustments anticipated later in October as new recruits complete their training and evaluation. “Medic 36 (M36) will be placed back in service when new recruits complete and clear their FTO evaluation period,” and “Medic 35 (M35) relocation from Station 35 to Station 38 will occur when new recruits complete and clear their FTO evaluation period.”
Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming sessions to share their views on how the city should balance services and budgets moving forward.
Looking back on earlier discussion
The concerns over Fire Station 38 come just months after a high-profile debate over firefighter staffing played out at Folsom City Hall. On July 9, the Folsom City Council reversed a controversial proposal to defer the hiring of 10 firefighter/paramedic recruits, ultimately moving forward with onboarding eight candidates after two withdrew their offers amid uncertainty.
That meeting drew a standing-room-only crowd and impassioned testimony from fire officials, residents, union representatives, and fire chiefs from across the Sacramento region. Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano warned the council that deferring the hires could have led to a brownout of a medic unit and potential closure of a station, citing the strain already being placed on the department through daily overtime and burnout among crews.
City Manager Bryan Whitemyer explained the proposal had been part of a broader effort to address a $3 million operating deficit in the 2025–26 budget. While stressing the need for fiscal restraint, he ultimately supported moving forward with the eight hires while continuing to develop additional cost-saving strategies.
Regional fire leaders, including chiefs from Sacramento Metropolitan, El Dorado Hills, and Cosumnes, cautioned that any reduction in Folsom’s fire staffing would have ripple effects on mutual aid across the area. Residents echoed those concerns, emphasizing that public safety should remain the city’s highest priority despite budgetary pressures.
The decision in July underscored the tension between budget constraints and emergency service staffing — a theme that continues to frame the city’s ongoing budget discussions today, including the debate now surrounding Fire Station 38.
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Folsom, Folsom Fire Station 38, City of Folsom, Folsom Firefighters Association, Christine Brainerd, Folsom City Hall, Folsom City Council, Bryan Whitemyer, Ken Cusano, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire, El Dorado Hills Fire, Cosumnes Fire, Blue Ravine Road, firefighter recruits, fire station closure, budget process, emergency response, community input.
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
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