As our community continues to expand, the demand for emergency services grows alongside it. To meet these evolving needs, the fire department has embarked on a strategic plan to enhance its response capabilities, improve infrastructure, and ensure that the highest level of emergency services remains available to all residents.
This week we attended The Forum where Fire Chief, Tad Rowan, spoke on our fire departments growth plan, the current state of our fire department, and how you as an individual can practice fire prevention. Below are the key take aways from Mr. Rowan.
Decisions and Strategic Moves
Several key decisions have been made to support the department's future readiness and operational efficiency:
- Construction of Fire Station 4: A new fire station is slated for completion by 2026, designed to enhance coverage in high-demand areas.
- Relocation and Renovation of Station 1: Following the completion of Station 4, personnel from Station 1 will relocate to allow for significant renovations.
- Increased Staffing: By 2028, additional firefighters will be hired to fully staff Station 1, reinforcing emergency response capabilities.
Challenges and Risks
As with any expansion, the fire department faces several challenges:
- Escalating Call Volume: Emergency calls are increasing by 7-9% annually, underscoring the need for additional resources.
- Staffing Constraints: With only 12-14 personnel on duty at any given time, the department must strategize recruitment and retention efforts.
- Long Procurement Timelines: New fire apparatus require up to 400 days for delivery, necessitating proactive planning.
- Volunteer Shortage: Due to retention difficulties, the volunteer firefighter program has been discontinued.
- Property Insurance Concerns: Fire risks in certain areas pose challenges for homeowners in securing adequate coverage.
Next Steps for Implementation
To address these challenges and execute the strategic plan, the following steps are being taken:
- 2025: Acquire property for Station 4.
- 2026: Complete construction of Station 4 and initiate the transition of personnel from Station 1.
- 2026: Implement new Wildland Urban Interface Code to enhance fire prevention measures.
- 2028: Recruit and onboard additional staff to reoccupy Station 1.
Operational Insights and Response Analysis
Speaker 1 provided a detailed overview of emergency call distribution and response logistics:
- Concurrent Calls: 75% of emergency calls occur simultaneously, impacting response times.
- Firefighter Dual Roles: All personnel are cross-trained in firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS), ensuring comprehensive response readiness.
- Incident Volume: In 2024 alone, the department handled 5,215 incidents, with the majority being EMS-related, including medical emergencies, accidents, and trauma cases.
- Fire Response Statistics: The department responded to 137 fire-related incidents, ranging from wildland fires to structure fires.
- False Alarms: Approximately 300 calls stemmed from smoke detector activations and construction-related triggers.
- Mutual Aid: Collaboration with regional fire and EMS agencies enhances the department's capacity to manage large-scale emergencies.
Training, Equipment, and Staffing Plans
- Training Programs: Firefighters undergo rigorous internal and external training to maintain certification and preparedness.
- Equipment Investments: Recent acquisitions include a Type 3 engine from BME and a Type 1 engine from Rosenbauer, with a Type 1 costing approximately $782,000.
- Staffing and Compensation: The department is actively hiring firefighters and EMS providers, with entry-level salaries starting at $72,000.
Community Engagement and Fire Prevention
- Public Education: The department provides fire safety training, injury prevention workshops, and property assessments.
- Code Enforcement: While the department does not enforce fire codes, it collaborates with city and county officials to ensure compliance.
- Wildfire Preparedness: Residents are encouraged to implement fire mitigation strategies, with resources available for landscaping and home protection
Visit COwildfire.org for more information on fire prevention and mitigation.
Looking Forward: A Commitment to Excellence
The fire department remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property through continuous improvement, strategic planning, and community engagement. By investing in infrastructure, personnel, and equipment, the department is positioning itself to meet the growing demands of the community while maintaining the highest standards of emergency response and fire prevention.
Thank you to Tad Rowen for this amazing presentation!
To view the full presentation go to this link to watch!
