The communities of Richmond Hill and Woodhaven are pulling together to stage a public rally to save Engine Company 294 at 1 PM on Sunday, June 5th in front of the firehouse at 101st Street and Jamaica Avenue. Engine 294, which serves both communities, was revealed to be on a list of 20 fire companies that are slated to be closed to balance the city's budget.
The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association (WRBA) and the Richmond Hill Block Association (RHBA) are joining forces, along with other local civic groups, organizations, and elected officials to try and ensure that this doesn't happen.
The National Fire Protection Association says that studies show that once you surpass a 4-minute response to a fire, the risk of civilian death triples. Public Advocate Bill de Blasio released a report this week showing that the closure to Engine 294 will push our response time over that 4-minute threshold. This issue impacts each and every family in our community and all residents are encouraged to attend.
Volunteers will be needed in the days leading up to the rally, to hand out flyers and help spread the word. Contact either the RHBA (bowsan@verizon.net) or the WRBA (info@woodhaven-nyc.org) for details. There is also a "Save Engine 294" Page on Facebook that residents are using as an online petition and a place to share their thoughts and feelings about this possible closure. This page has attracted nearly 250 fans in its first 24 hours.
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Contact:
WRBA
info@woodhaven-nyc.org
(718) 296-3735
http://www.woodhaven-nyc.org/
RHBA
bowsan@verizon.net
(718) 849-3759
www.richmondhillny.com/Orgs/RHBA.html
