Columbia, S.C. - The slumping economy is hitting South Carolina's capitol city again.  Columbia leaders are shifting personnel from two Columbia firehouse locations in an effort to cut more than $1 million from the fire department's budget.

The changes will affect the Atlas Road and Devine Street stations, which will have five firefighters on duty instead of eight and one ladder truck instead of a ladder truck and engine.  The projected $1.2 million insavings will help the department reach its desired budget of $19 million.

Fire officials say the move will prevent them from laying off personnel.  City authorities say layoffs would put the public and firefighters at risk.

Some residents fear the personnel shifts could affect homeowners' insurance rates as well as compromise safety.  The fire department says rates will not be affected because the move is only a temporary solution to their budget woes and stress services will not be compromised.