In this editorial, the news organization takes a look at previous and current recommendations for how the fire department can improve public safety in San Diego, California. The editorial espouses using quick-response squads and adding engine companies during peak response times vs. adding stations. Eight months ago, the fire department scrapped a plan to build 18 new stations. A recent recommendation from an outside consultant suggests 10 new stations and adding more quick-response units.

The same at Station Number 6 on the city's east side. Three stations re-opening as part of a plan to improve response times. But the plan does not increase the number of firefighters or their equipment, it simply shuffles the existing numbers, spreading them out over more locations.

"The benefit is somewhere in the city it will at least decrease our response times by some type of help arriving rather than have them cluster in the middle," said Canton Fire Chief Thomas Garra.