SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — Springfield residents could soon have to wait longer for help in an emergency as city leaders consider a new proposal to temporarily shut down fire stations during certain hours — a move known as a “brown-out.” The plan is part of a broader effort to close a growing multi-million-dollar budget gap, but firefighters say it could put lives at risk.
City Manager Nancy Newton says Springfield is facing more than $3 million in cuts this fiscal year, with reductions expected across multiple departments, including Eugene-Springfield Fire.
One cost-saving option being floated is to “brown out” fire stations during times deemed low-risk…