Avenal Denied Temporary Restraining Order Against Kings County Over Fire Services

Full hearing scheduled for April 22 to resolve dispute over fire protection contract termination.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:35am

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A photorealistic painting of a red fire engine parked on an empty city street, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the pavement, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease.As tensions escalate over the termination of fire services, a lone fire engine sits idle, a symbol of the public safety concerns facing the community.Hanford Today

Kings County Superior Court denied the City of Avenal's request for a temporary restraining order to force the county to continue providing fire services to the city. The court set a full hearing on the matter for April 22, as Avenal seeks to resolve the dispute over the county's decision to terminate the fire services contract.

Why it matters

The termination of fire services by Kings County has raised public safety concerns in Avenal, a city of over 13,000 residents. The dispute highlights tensions between the city and county over the management of critical emergency services.

The details

Kings County supervisors unanimously voted on March 28 to end the county's fire protection services with Avenal, effective immediately, citing a breach of contract. Avenal filed a lawsuit on April 1 seeking a temporary restraining order to force the county to provide fire services for six more months, but the court denied that request and set a full hearing for April 22. City officials say the issue is whether the county can terminate the contract without proper notice and a responsible transition plan.

  • On March 28, the Kings County Board of Supervisors voted to end fire protection services with Avenal.
  • On April 1, Avenal filed a lawsuit against the county seeking a temporary restraining order.
  • On April 6, the Kings County Superior Court denied Avenal's request for a temporary restraining order.
  • A full hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 22.

The players

Alvaro Preciado

The mayor of Avenal, who stated that the safety of Avenal's residents is the top priority.

Antony Lopez

The Avenal City Manager, who said the city has requested the county honor its obligation to provide appropriate notice and continue fire protection services for a six-month transition period.

Sarah Hacker

The Kings County District Attorney, who sued the city of Avenal in December for alleged Brown Act violations over closed meetings discussing the formation of a municipal fire department.

John Chamberlin

The Kings County Fire Chief, who said the county's fire department will continue to respond to emergencies in Avenal on a mutual aid basis.

Jacob McAfee

Avenal's new fire chief, who was welcomed by the city through a social media post video and introduced to residents at a town hall meeting.

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What they’re saying

“We look forward to making our full case on April 22.”

— Alvaro Preciado, Mayor of Avenal

“The fire services will be provided to Avenal on a mutual aid basis, meaning the Kings County Fire Department will continue to respond to the city of Avenal, albeit from a slightly further location and a more stringent determination of needs.”

— John Chamberlin, Kings County Fire Chief

What’s next

The full hearing on the dispute between Avenal and Kings County over fire services is scheduled for April 22.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex relationship between local governments when it comes to the provision of critical emergency services, and the potential public safety risks that can arise from contractual disputes.