Soledad removes eucalyptus trees at Ramus park to make room for fire ladder truck

SOLEDAD, Calif. (KION) - The City of Soledad removed seven eucalyptus trees at Ramus Park on Monday morning. The city saying the trees are a hazard to the community.

"Eucalyptus trees are not a native species. They are an invasive species and they are very fire prone," said Jesus Valenzuela a Community Engagement Manager with the city of Soledad.

Not only are they fire prone, they are also a hazard when it gets windy, and Soledad is no stranger to gusty winds.

Winds that could topple the sets of eucalyptus trees near a pre-school.

"In order to to keep people safe from the the windy situations, we decided that removing the trees was was the best route," said Valenzuela.

The city of Soledad initially had plans to place a ladder truck where the trees once stood. However, Valenzuela says the city jumped the gun on that and are still looking for places to house the ladder truck.

"There is plans for the city to receive a fire truck with a ladder, they can reach up higher than the ones that we currently have with that new fire truck. We will be able to build a little bit higher. So in order to house that fire truck, we will have an apparatus bay we may build in this location, we may live in a different one," said Valenzuela.

People on Facebook, voicing their concerns on natural habitats for birds and butterflies on the trees, and the shade it provided for people who visited the park.

KION asked the mayor if they will be any more tree removals in the area but none are confirmed as of now.

The city says they received a $2 million grant from Senator Anna Caballero for the new ladder truck.

The city is expected to receive the truck sometime next year.