Two Santa Cruz County fire districts to consolidate and form new fire district

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The Aptos/La Selva Fire District and the Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County announced that they will soon be consolidating and working together.

The two agencies will combine to form a new Fire District that covers the boundaries of the two former districts, and there will be a new board of directors.

Some aspects will carry over- the districts say the fire stations, equipment and fund balances will be transferred over along with all firefighters and personnel.

"There will be no layoffs and no loss of rank, seniority, pay, or other benefits. The same Firefighters will still respond to your 911 calls," the districts said in a statement.

They also said revenue sources, including property tax, will transfer over, so there is no expected increase in costs, and they assure residents that they will receive the same level of service as before, and it may even improve.

The area the new district will cover will be about 55 square miles east of Santa Cruz and west of Watsonville, according to the districts. It includes the City of Capitola.