The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District recently released a preliminary fiscal year budget – and it’s a mixture of positive news and harsh reality. Interim Fire Chief Brian Helmick said the budget is sustainable for the next decade, but its rural funding stream will allow the district to operate only three stations. “We are currently in a situation where we are only sustainable with three stations for at least the next 10 years,” Helmick said. “Our service level is not adequate to serve the citizens, the businesses and the area. This is something that we will have to explore.”