[Begin San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters release text] The SBCPF first offers its condolences to the family and we are currently looking into ways that the Union can assist and support the mother and her newborn daughter. This includes an immediate release of $5000.00 from the SBCPF to the mother.

At the same time, based on preliminary reports from our members that worked tirelessly to save the family and extinguish the fire, the SBCPF has concerns that our firefighters' response times and ability to properly address this tragic incident were hampered and slowed due to the recent stations closures and removal of firefighting and life saving equipment from service. At this time, we would ask that the citizens and the media not only afford us time to review the situation fully, but also place their primary focus, thoughts and prayers on the family and their need for support.

[Emphasis added] We can confirm that the Fire call was dispatched at 0305 hrs. and occurred in the area that was previously serviced by Station 224, which has recently had its firefighting suppression apparatus (Fire Engine) taken out of service. Station 224 now only includes a medic squad and a ladder truck (which has limited capabilities to put water on a fire). Squad 224, was not assigned to the incident.

Engine 221 was the first to arrive after responding from their station located at 3rd Street and Allen Street. Truck 224 arrived approximately 30 seconds later. The SBCPF believes that if Engine 224 were in service, the response time could have been reduced by at least two minutes. As fires double in size every minute, this means the fire would have been 4x smaller when the first suppression actions were initiated by firefighters. The extended response time may have been significant in this case, and we are seeking a full review of the matter.

The remaining facts are still under review. We should have more detailed information shortly and will provide this information to the media at that time. Again, we want remain focused on supporting the family in their time of need.

As LBREPORT.com readers know, former Mayor Foster and current Mayor Garcia thought it was smart to recommended, and Council majorities thought it was smart to enact -- most recently in September 2014 without dissent -- a budget they pretend is "balanced" by leaving THREE fire stations (all in eastside Long Beach spanning three Council districts) -- Stations 8, 17 and 18 -- without fire engines.

As LBREPORT.com readers also know, a residence burned ACROSS THE STREET from ELB Fire Station 17 in late January 2014 because the Long Beach City Council's budgeting left that fire station without a fire engine. With the fire doubling in size each minute, an engine had to race from further away. (LBREPORT.com coverage with photos, click here.)

In Long Beach, where previous Councilmembers (including its now-Mayor) granted unbudgeted raises to management and current Councilmembers mull a lavish Civic Center rebuild, a property owner lost a home and a family investment. In bankrupt San Bernardino, a family lost two children.