AVENAL, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — The Kings County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Saturday to end the county’s fire services contract with the city of Avenal, citing public safety concerns tied to a dispute over a community event venue.
The decision followed a disagreement between the city and the county fire chief over the safety of Avenal’s Community Center, where an event organized by Underdog Boxing was scheduled to take place.
The county fire chief deemed the building unsafe for the event, while the city said it had complied with requirements to host it.
City officials said they had worked for years to bring the boxing event to the Community Center and maintained that the city met all obligations by issuing a temporary certificate of occupancy.
The county fire chief, however, said that determination came after he had already concluded the venue was unsafe.
In response, the Board of Supervisors declared a public safety emergency and terminated the county’s agreement to provide fire services to Avenal.
Antony Lopez, the Avenal city manager, questioned how the decision benefits residents.
“They indicated that there was a threat to public safety. The threat to public safety then resulted in them pulling services out of the City of Avenal. I’m not sure how that’s helping or assisting any public safety,” Lopez said.
Kings County Fire Chief John Chamberlin said he did not anticipate the contract being canceled but emphasized liability concerns.
“I didn’t envision this having to be a situation where the contract would be cancelled. But that was the city’s decision to proceed this way. And from a liability perspective, as the county, I can’t assume that risk,” Chamberlin said.
City officials argued that the move places more than 13,000 residents at risk and that the city is working with several agencies to ensure that fire prevention services remain available to the community.
Chamberlin said his department will continue to support the city’s safety.
City leaders also said safety plans and personnel were in place for the boxing event held at the Community Center.
