The Houston Fire Department is reportedly facing a severe understaffing problem lately.
HFD is started Christmas Eve Day with 152 fewer firefighters than the national minimal standards. On Christmas Day, the shortfall was expected to be 224 firefighters.
The problem is partially offset by firefighters working overtime, an expensive option for taxpayers.
The staff shortage results in the idling of firetrucks that don't have enough crew members to operate them.
The staffing problem is largely the result of firefighters taking other jobs.
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