In the 1970s, firefighters called it "firehouse roulette."
Now, some 40 years later, some municipal leaders continue to gamble as they close down engine companies for budgetary reasons or during staffing shortages. The process, called "browning out," refers to the temporary closing, usually on a shift-by-shift basis, of one fire station or piece of apparatus. Firefighters say it also includes hoping that no fires break out in the area where staffing is short. It's a practice that's frowned on by firefighters, who say dipping below recommended staffing and equipment levels endangers the public and themselves.