Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — A firefighter shortage led to the temporary closure of Fire Station 2 in Summit Township on Wednesday. The station was shut down from 4 to 9 p.m. due to staffing shortages.

Township Supervisor John Griffin called the situation a rare coincidence, pointing to two firefighters out for family emergencies and two others away for training. He says the township is down to two positions after recent retirements but insists the closure won’t happen again.

However, union president Scott Stocker isn’t so sure. He says the closed station missed a call, forcing a delayed response from another crew. Stocker warns this might be the first of more incidents unless staff levels are addressed quickly.

Griffin says the township has already budgeted for new hires and is waiting to finalize a new contract before bringing them on. That contract expired at the end of March, and negotiations are still underway.