The union representing Los Angeles firefighters is posting "danger" signs at firehouses where rescue units are being shut down due to strained city finances.

A sign is posted in front of Fire Station 63 in Venice. (Robert J. Lopez / Los Angeles Times)

The signs began appearing at firehouses across the city over the weekend after the Los Angeles Fire Department began closing units to help cover a $59.5-million budget shortfall. Under the plan, 15 fire engines and six ambulances are being shut down each day on a rotating basis.

The union is also posting a "Weekly Brownout Alert" on its Website where the public can find out which rescue units are shut down. The post also has the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for the City Council members representing the affected neighborhoods.

"We want to be very honest with the public about what's going on with their resources at their neighborhood stations," said Pat McOsker, president of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, which represents more than 3,400 rank-and-file members of the department.

The department has also eliminated indefinitely three ambulances--in Sylmar, Hollywood and East Hollywood--as well as three slots for captains who supervise paramedics in the field.

City officials have said that closing down fire units is necessary to help resolve a staggering deficit. They note that no fire stations will be closed.