HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIRE-CHALLENGEARE#4 F-F (3-10)9
Challenge #4- Fire, Rescue and Medical Response
Predicted population trends will continue to increase the burden on the fire department
to offer community-wide fire, rescue, and emergency medical services within
acceptable response times. Existing department personnel and station location has
improved within the past three years, but overall response capability remains the
lowest among local and regional cities, based on general fire response standards. The
increasing gap between current fire service levels and growing demand is reflected in
insufficient manpower, equipment, and substations, and has resulted in longer
response times, reduced effectiveness, jeopardized emergency personnel, and people
and property being placed at risk. Simultaneous calls for even basic fire and medical
services immediately overtax the current system, potentially leading to a serious
situation given two or more emergency calls.
Predicted Emergency Call Growth 2001-2020
Major Long-Term Goals
To increase the community’s overall level of fire and emergency medical
response service to accepted and reasonable local standards.
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To increase the physical response capacity of the department in terms of
staffing, equipment type, and ability to meet a broad range of emergencies.
To reduce the City’s exposure and potential liability in areas that are dependent
on proper fire coverage, training, and response capability.
To reduce the overall emergency response time within the service area.
To reduce the department’s current level of dependence on other departments
to respond to basic single- family structure fire calls.
Key Strategies
Develop and submit an alternative funding proposal detailing mechanisms that
may be used to support department growth to meet community demand. This
will review prospective funding options for the facilities, equipment, and
personnel required to keep pace with community growth.
Based on current population and its distribution throughout the City, plan for a
third fire station; provide growth and call volume data, update response reports
and submit analysis at least quarterly to the Mayor and City Council.
Seek an additional fire inspector in the 2002-2003 budget year to keep pace
with the continuing growth of the service area.
Develop/ maintain interagency assistance plans with reimbursement
mechanisms for any major emergency response outside the City that would
involve state or federal government agencies.