YOUNGSTOWN - On Friday, Youngstown's Fire Union, IAFF Local 312, posted to social media the concern of several station closures around the city.

"It's very unsafe," said Matthew Davies, Secretary Treasurer of IAFF Local 312. "The city of Youngstown doesn't deserve this."

Davies explained stations 9 and 12 cover a large portion of Youngstown's south and east sides. 

"That big chunk of the town was not covered Friday," Davies added. "It's a dangerous situation."

The fire union blamed understaffing as the issue. To help reduce brownouts, the city hired 6 new firefighters in April, but it doesn't seem to be helping.

Davies explained since April 23, the department hired 6 new firefighters. Since then, at least one station has been closed 18 of the 28 days. 

While union members blame understaffing, Chief Barry Finley told 21 News too many workers are calling off which is what forces these stations to close.

Finley agreed with the union that station brownouts pose a risk to the community. Although, as he's hiring more workers, he can't staff several locations with the amount of call offs he receives.

"The Union doesn't have to answer to council and the Mayor," Chief Finley told 21 News. "I'm just as frustrated, but for years I've begged council to allow me to hire. The problem is they aren't going to let me hire 6 people and still let me go through unlimited overtime. We have to be good stewards with taxpayer money. When it comes down to it, the only time we close fire stations is when we have too many people calling off."

"We come to work every day putting our lives on the line for the citizens of Youngstown," Davies said. "We just want to be made a priority."

Chief Finley added this is a safety issue but also a responsibility issue and that he has the responsibility to utilize tax dollars in the best way possible.

"We want to go out there and do our job in a safe efficient manor and with station closures, that can't happen," Davies said.

"The union can disagree with me, but if they want to, I'd be happy to show them the numbers and the reason we are closing stations," Chief Finley said. "Too many people call off."

“This is a safety issue but also a responsibility issue. I have a responsibility to utilize tax payer's money in the best way possible,” Chief Finley said.

Chief Finley told 21 News stations could reopen as early as Saturday morning if there is enough manpower.

Youngstown Fire Department plans to hire 4 more crew members this year.