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Home My WebLink About05/18/2010 13 Fire Department 2009 Annual Report • BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. -I ' ) 3 For Meeting Of May 18, 2010 ITEM TITLE: 2009 Annual Report of the City of Yakima Fire Department SUBMITTED BY: Yakima Fire Department CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Charlie L. Hines, Fire Chief — 575 -6060 SUMMARY EXPLANATION: See attached report • Resolution Ordinance Other (Specify) Report Contract Mail to (name and address): Phone: Funding Source APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL:? City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted BOARD /COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: COUNCIL ACTION: • 2009 Yakima Fig e Department --------.....„ Annual Report • ___..._._ . iti 0 .,4„...... .i 4. • ,,...._ ......., - t ......i.L.,........_„: 1 _ - v . • sPi.-- ,. ...- . _ _ . • ,.,-.„...,;_, -Ave - • Oi matiommett, r Ai -ar --"'" „. . le 414- .4.- ...,.._ I....1 I . .. ...... r — lib 4.44:Air 0 t* A21 91 7 -F-. 11-- 111 •11 - - _ A IIIIIIII 1 1 7 - 1a* -1 ..... , • ''f°: III ' a iii IF - ft. .f . AP.. fe 11 10r. , ..-,. .. _ .,_ 1' ;0. 9 III Or ta . 0/ . 1%b„,,,i, • # . :'''4* ill itriP : ' , 1 • { 1 kieve.... - littS-16-"" lip ... • r r4 2009 Yakima Fire Department r Annual Report Index -1 Page 2 Index `Page 3 F Chief's Letter titi image 4 Department Organizational Chart Page 5 Mission Statement and Code of Ethics Page 6 2009 Alarm Statistics Page 7 5 -year Alarm Totals Page 8 2009 Structure Fire Response Tim Page 9 4 -Year Medical EMS response Time Page 10 Rusty Hauber Memorial Outstanding Achievement A Page 11 Firefighters Providing Care sent with Private Ambulance Page 12 Special Teams — Hazardous Materials and Technical Resc' Page 13 Training Division Page 14 Fire Cadet Program Page 15 Fire & Life Safety Division Page 16 Investigation Division Page 17 Fire Reserve Program ".. .. - Page 18 2009 Alarms by Council District Page 19 City map with Fire Station locations Page 20 -23 Yakima Resources Mill Fire After Action Executive Summary • Administration ya MqP Fire Suppression Fire Investigation ! + ' 8 Education ', , y , 401 North Front Street, Yakima, WA 98901 (509) 575 -6060 Training " p\ Communications p F (509) 576 -6356 www.yakimafire.com April 2010 To the Citizens of Yakima, In these uncertain times, I hope you find comfort in knowing there is a team of fellow citizens that are committed, now more than ever, to serving and protecting you with courage and compassion. Every member of the Yakima Fire Department embraces their role as a public servant. As stewards of public trust we strive to leave a positive and genuine impact on all who call upon us. As your Fire Chief, it is my pleasure to present to you the Yakima Fire Department's Annual Report for 2009. The true test of any organization is how it approaches adversity. Two of the more common approaches include; ignoring the challenges or simply making minor cosmetic tweaks to appease various stakeholders. A third approach is to fundamentally revise the organization to move forward with an articulated vision, mission and goals that aggressively attack the problems. The financial and corresponding operational challenges facing the Yakima Fire Department have been a compounding problem for a number of years. However, this is not simply a "math" problem; it's a "values" problem as well. Unfortunately, the lack of funding has placed the Yakima Fire Department into a position of reducing service levels in order to maintain fiscal accountability. As I see it, something very dynamic is about to happen in the fire service; we will either allow the economy to further erode our ability to serve or we will renew ourselves and evolve to meet the community's needs. I believe the fire service; especially the Yakima Fire Department is well positioned to the latter. Viable options include creating partnerships that increase our scope of responsibility and expand our current- traditional role. I appreciate the fact that "change" is often difficult and scary. However, because of a strong and positive labor /management relationship, based on collaborative goal setting, I'm confident the Yakima Fire Department will not only "weather" this storm but emerge more efficient and able to meet current and future needs of our citizens. The Yakima Fire Department is a very active, progressive and effective organization. This is possible because of the commitment and dedication of all of our team members and the support we receive from our community. Respectfully, a sct4 to.A./ • Charlie L. Hines Fire Chief City of Yakima Fire Department Organizational Chart FIRE CHIEF Charlie Hines � l ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR Connie Mendoza Wayne Wantland DEPUTY CHIEF OPERATIONS SECRETARY II I DEPUTY CHIEF SUPPORT Bob Stewart Rita Mantey Dave Willson Emergency Ops, Budgeting. Apparatus, Training, Strategic Planning, Human HazMat, Tech Rescue. Logistics. Resources, Facilities & Equipment, Strategic Planning. Labor Negotiations, Labor Negotiations, Accreditation. Disaster Planning & Mitigation. ARFF HB 1756, Budgeting, Info Systems, DEPARTMENT MECHANIC Purchasing, Safety. Codes Interface, Fire Investigations, Reserves, EMS Mark Frey BATTALION CHIEFS TRAINING CAPTAIN DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL A Shift B Shift C Shift Bob Burton Fire /Life Safety A. Castilleja M. Cole T. Sevigny - Ron Melcher Captains TRAINING LIEUTENANT ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHAL Lieutenants Joe Chinco Fire Investigation Firefighters Jim Fuehrer Rev 12'2010 • • 11111 4 • O • We will provide all- rriskemergency and non- emergency services to our community. We are committed to serving with courage and compassion as stewards of pudlic trust. We shallleave a positive and genuine impact on all who call upon us. C u'l';' Col (c O . I will serve with courage and compassion. I will safeguard and preserve fife and property while maintaining proficiency in my profession. . I will never allow personal to deter me from my responsi6ilities as a profes- sional firefighter. I will respect the rights and beliefs of all people, and wilt abide 6y the laws of my country. I am fully accepting of the inherent dangers accompanied dy this profession. . I recognize my badge as a sym6ol of pu6lic trust. I will uphold the traditions of my profession and will not harm or tarnish the standards set 6y my fellow firefghters. AS A MEMBER OF THE YAKIMA FIRE DEPARTMENT, I ACCEPT THIS CODE OF ETHICS AS MY 5 2009 Alarm Statistics 462 871 7190 587 465 \No 162 • maw 1110 • Rescue & Emergency Medical Service Fires Good Intent CaII • False Alarm & False CaII Service CaII Hazardous Condition (No Fire) 2009 Alarm I otals: 97:37 6 5 -YEAR ALARM TOTALS 9800 9600 9400 9200 9288 90 8800 8904 8947 8994 8600 8400 O 2005 O 2006 o 2007 ❑ 2008 • 2009 �, 2009 Structure Fire Response Time 9 36 824 8:56 712 8:00 600 • .•� Department 14 . 40- Stang Nib 48 A A ...am NSW ..� Response Times 3:36 Average 4:00 3:36 2:24 1 12 0 00 First Arriving Apparatus Last Arriving Apparatus 8 r l , • • ICA. REST .1. ...., 1 —+�•�s )" � r WO f „� �T' �, . 4 -Year Medical EMS response 3 '.4 ' '1 : 7 AIN ■ _ / , 1 , • • e 4:47 - .,„, k' ., . , i A. r 4:38 5 4.32 ►► III i. l - Ir .. I)_..A i 4:20 .,„ ..i....; , , . i 4 , J4 pri 4:00 4:00 4:00 ill - t 3:50 t — t :� ; it,. � -- _.. 4 -. Y f + 'fi r • ` , - Department Standard Response Time Average 9 On February 9 2010, the Yakima Fire Department held their annual Department Meeting. Every year during this meeting, a member of the department is honored as "Firefighter of the Year" and receives the "Rusty Hauber" Memorial Award. Mark Ancira was chosen by his peers as the Firefighter of the Year for 2009. .:'� Mark is a 12 -year veteran with Yakima Fire. His selection was r lie ,..... due to his varied contributions for the benefit of the Depart- `' ment and also because of his personal character traits. • Mark is an active member of the Technical Rescue Team Ai„ and the Hazardous Materials Response Team. He is an in- et \\:. , 5 . ._ structor for training others in "firefighter self- rescue." He is cur- rently in training to become one of the driver /operators for the new Tiller Truck that will arrive in April. -- • Mark was instrumental in helping the Department obtain its ` name first swift water rescue boat. Not only in finding outside fund - ing for its purchase, but with diligent research in determining the most practical and economical boat for local conditions. . _ • During emergency conditions, Mark continually demon- .: "w4 y' strates excellent firefighting and medical skills. Around the station Mark is known for his professionalism, in- ... • tegrity and positive attitude. He is not satisfied in just maintain- ing his skills, but is always seeking to improve himself and the Department. Mark grew up in Central Washington, graduating locally from Davis High School. He spent 2 years of active duty in the U. S. Navy. He is 37 years old and married with two children. Ill • ID 10 • • Firefighters providing patien ere sent with r Private Ambulances • rea Hospi _ -- ' II , A 1 r. , _ • - Ai° la • ill m , t .,,,,, 1 .e - /f *N I n 2009, The Yakima Fire Department took apparatus out of service 367 times to o send firefighters with private ambulance companies to area hospitals. . 1 . f/ \ - I N 4ittit, 0, 7 11 f �. i � ," ► F i � ' 1,; . ,i er A ;? "r J1 � �." w -a i , " ! 1 I I / 44' % 1. ! ' ail 4 e -< � . f Spec Teams o The d4 Y fi Yakima Fire Department"an All -Risk Emergency-SerVices Organization. We are responsible for much more than Emergencymedical Care and Fire Fighting. Some of these responsibilities are consid- ered Low Freque y -High Risk. Stated another way, although .these types of emergencies are not an everyday occurrence, ,•" do place both viR _ �d emergency responder in a more precarious and dangerous environment. •' � - t ..:. . d ;fir r : -�,: ' � w+; �; To be successf w ith t he - Mitigation of these Low Frequency -High Risk incidents, specialized equipn1 PPS and specializes lhitial .,': * ' and ongoing training are a To promote operational economy and make the best use of our resources, YFD has joined- together with our neighbors to develop regional cooperatiSe Two such partnerships, or "Special Teams", are a Hazardous Materials Response Team and 'a Technical Rescue Team. Hazardous Materials Response Team (HazllMat) — 1Z Technician level m embers HazMat is a term used to describe a a chemical° material that, when released, has the pgfential to cause'fil to .hUthans and /or the environment. A common HazMat potenti e y akima Valley is Anhydrous 'Ammonia — which Is _u , a° refrigerant in cold storage warehouses. • _ The Haz - s •,. • Mat Te . 21m has a de resou both tra l� ; d nnee lined equipmarit from a - n�($s et veep, y . and the Tri- Citie Haz •fig_ embers use monitoring equipm apsulated su its s to rater - , � ; ' ,, ; 4 purpose of stopping the I : ` , of the dangerous solid, ui ;``,. `�r <: ' r .`.' r • ' µ ; ms • Op 2009, YFD responded to �• ` - ' • p IJs for service. 0 y _ .._�C .. Technical Rescue Team (T- I - sc • - members serve on the team Tech Rescue Team members p- r r 1 ;0 e' in ongoing training in techniques designed specifically to rescue victims from such situations as: Swift water, Ice - covered bodies of water, Trench collapse, Confined spaces, Elevated or below -grade rope rescues and Building /structural collapse To accomplish the mission, Tech Rescue Team members rely upon specialized training, specialized equipment and an enhanced ability to improvise. Of the 20 Tech Rescue calls for service in 2009, the majority of those were water related. Many citizens take advantage of the recreation offered by the Yakima River running along our eastern city limits. For some of those citizens, that recreation takes a tragic turn and the Tech Rescue Team has to be mobilized. It is for this reason that Yakima — though coopera- tive efforts — purchased a rescue boat in 2009. This boat — operated by specially - trained Tech Rescue Team members - will be deployed from the fire station closest to the Yakima River and can be launched from a number of locations — including the Naches River. III 111 III 12 Training Dion 0 In 2009, the training division facilitated multiple classes through our Regional Training Center that were attended by fire - fighters from all over the Washington State. Our trainers certified firefighters from Selah, Union Gap, East Valley, and Fire District 5 in NFPA Standard 1403 live fire operations at our live fire burn room located at Fire Station 95. The department had two probationary Firefighters, Jason Wilson and Anthony Anserello pass probation in 2009. Known for being one of the toughest and most challenging probations i state, these personnel spent countless hours study- ing and training to become firefighters �, ... .. In 2009, your 80 firefighters participated in 27,737.75 hours of training, this included emergency medical care, various firefighting tactics (structural, vehicle, wildland, high -rise, aircraft, etc.), several typs of rescue (confined space, swift wa- ter, ice, high angle, etc.), hazardous materials, apparatus operations, and airport rescue operations. The training division . is committed to ensur i a high ` ® fievel of safety to ensure quality training °' .. and performance standards to our firefighter x ..,,., .._ .- I v erb, TRAIN AS IF _: la , Aiii~:p.,1 YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT... 1.._ . 1 i, , 444P BECAUSE IT DOES i mi.. 13 Fire Cadet Program The Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV Tech) firefighting program is a cooperative effort of the City of Yakima Fire Department and the Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center. This program is located at the Central Washington Regional Fire Training Facility (Yakima Fire Station #95). Cadets participate in numerous hands on activities, learn basic leadership skills, and work as a team to accomplish the overall goals and objectives together. With a shared vision, to train high school students to be better citizens in our community, our young cadets are also taught the importance of the following attributes: Discipline *�. Respect for themselves and authority Teamwork ' ' Q - �'� e Accountability 01 4, r Commitment to a greater cause ° e gea Attaining a goal Ir 'S .. 0 ' T "' Believing in themselves _ _ 9 i Self -conf • - - f * =_ = _ - Perso ' . • a mission t $ This program is a scaled own version that simulates the fire service recruit academy. The cadet are expected to maintain a professional apearance and attitude throughout the program. They are challenged both mentally and physi- cally on a daily basis a my ' stilled with a communit s ' irit. , The cadet program is commi to *ld the highest level of i9 n possible for those dents to be successful. We believe that given the appropriate education and tools to do t'` - job properly will enable em to become a valued asset to this community. • • III Fire & Life Sat- , . i o - , ■ chool Exit Drills: Unfortunately in 2009 the number of School Exit Drills we monitored was redu'p . This was due to the increased work load to firefighters and the Deputy Fire Marshal. However, 35 pu . and private schools within the city limits of Yakima were trained evaluated for their emergency exit pr. - f cedures and accountability standards. .,� EDITH (Exit Drills In The Home) House: Thanks to a $65,000 grant secured by thr Yakima Fir.- I serves, a new EDITH House was purchased and put into use. Over 1,300 2 graders received training, " at can save their life. For many of these children, it is the only fire safety training they will ever receiv Annual Spaghetti Feed: Over 800 people were treated to an all-you-can-eat dinner at the fire station this year. This occasion gives us the chance to pass along fire safety information to many citizens during. Fire Prevention Week. The Yakima County Search & Rescue team partnered with us in hosting this - event. Media Coverage: This year, we achieved our goal of interacting with the public at least once per week We educated and informed the public on a number of issues, primarily to prevent & lessen the effects of an emergency. Public Training/ Interaction: The Deputy Fire Marshal delivered safety training to citizens 38 times during the year. This consisted of fire extinguisher, emergency evacuation, and general fire safety trait- .- , ing. Fire crews presented general safety information 64 times at various public events. rr- di.- , . . . _ 1 _ ___ - 1 . . . . . A . ., ._ _. ... 1, _ ..,_ IOW 4 Fire Investigation Division he Yakima Fire Department Investigation division continues to be a driving force in Yakima and sur- ounding areas, investigating both in the city and the West Valley Volunteer Fire District #12. ity of Yakima Fire Department investigators investigated 268 fire scenes in 2009. Of those fires 53 ere determined to be incendiary . 8 arrests resulted from those investigations. ity of Yakima Fire Department Investigation unit is made up of 10 cross trained firefighter / investiga- ors. These firefighters have taken numerous courses and passed rigorous exams to become Washing - on State "Certified Fire Investigators" specializing in determining the "cause and origin" of suspious Tres. Joining the investigation team is Captain Jennifer Norton with her accelerant detection K9 partner esley. Also on this team of experts is YPD Detective Jim Fuehrer who assists by conducting criminal nvestigations of all incendiary fire scenes. n a 2009 court proceeding half of the investigation team was qualified as 'expert witness" and is now matter of court record. This is a bench mark for all fire investigators as they are now able to render a opinion as to the origin and cause of a fire rather than be restricted to only the facts of any given fire case. In 2009 the investigation division welcomed Travis Hellewell to the team. Travis has already received the basic 40 hour arson investigator training and has several fire investigations under his belt . Travis well on his way to achieving his (CFI) Certified Fire investigator certification. • • • p 16 f , . Reserve Pro am The Yakima Fire Department Reserve Program's core purpose is to augment the Fire Department in a "non- combat" capacity. These various functions include: Incident Rehabilitation and On -scene Air Supply Support, Fire Preven- tion & Community Relations, Photography, Chaplaincy, Administration (Grant proposals) The Reserves responded to emergency scenes 42 times with the Air Support appar i • # times 4 wi the new Rehab Bus. In all, the city received 1,664 hours of Reserve Me , -r s ithin F $5,000 budget, which equates to about $3 per hour. If firefighters w- . - neede' ii( • = , � I *for .T. those hours, it would cost the city nearly $80,000. ¢ Reserve Coordinator Rhonda Cornwell also secured 6 differ n grans • uipm- - tion items. These grants totale• - = rly $14,000. .. 4 :.Chaplain's Report 2009 was a busy year with Cha+ ai :: esponding to 37 calls. In add'tion, they attended Reserve Drills, Reserve Association meetings and many public education event following report shows the activi- ties of the three Department Chaplains for family support: Emergency Medical Response –15 o J Y p W Unattended Deaths – 9 w ' t Suicide – 3 4 Structure Fires – 8 Police Assistance – 1 a Death Notification –.1 si - - _ Total – 37. - :°�'.."`'' -:, .� •1.11 District 1 a• • District 2 • �� District 3 • • • • • • • District 4 • j• •• .. • a a V • • • •• a • • •p r • will r • 0 • Ilik. • M %a • A.II J•�� • a t • $ y • � i• • • • �� • • ••• ' • ' ri. ,l �� •0•� • • •• "Ate • t. l 1 a M • y a •w• *• • • { , * ••• • 1 s• • • . • 1 ti t . " ; • • • • doe d Ahem. • • i • •a. Op • • • •• • • • • ai 1, • • • ■ end • a � s # Viol • 11 • N• a ti I • r • ••a•• •• • •a�•� = •••tp i • a • a �� r f • _,• • frier. to �• M • • • `7 t • • • • • • • • . • • . • . � miles. y • • .. . ... • • .r • • 1i fo• - t am 1 4 1 l • • • • • a jr • la / • • • • • • • .� • '. • • • . - t I' 1... • • • •• • • • t • • • 4 •• • • • • • • A - •u • 0 • • • • • • • 1 r 1 1 i r r 1 1 4, AA, 1 2 Miles 2009 Fire and EMS Alarms by Council District 2009 Alarm total: 9737 • 1111 III 18 r ��° • City y of Yakim• ' I._ ---\ r \t/---'L- - \ ( a\ t ` gy m mi- -4 -' ..' - .. ., . ..rj ss Ni di r--4-.E., , .... ,1 a i:-..1•00, Ak mojela A-,....._..,,..hr,-, allindaiiiiiiiiii= a :.. 9j .1\ i 4=- 1 Vii+ IL `: • ""`� � ; : "IMMO '' "'OIL : . . N ;, -_). ,.....__. 11,............,............„, - - ., „ gm - : i) mereadinsrogoo , r_k•Alliikit i i J —Alrirdlrbarralebi-wr �,_ ..i � 1. IIIPPOP " PS - . 4:1 ,4 ) 19 After Action Report �. ___1(1101114k 1 4 _ _,.... .1:1‘ I _ ' ` r N y i - - I (;. .' 2 e •)/ Yakima Resource Mill Fire A,REoEQt• September 26, 2009 • II ID 20 This incident quickly escalated to a 4th alarm, stripping virtually every fire agency in the upper valley. At the height of the fire, over 200 emergency workers were assigned to eight divisions. There were several extended periods of time when the City and neighboring communities were completely void of fire protection resources. Because of the tremendous fire load, fire history and an insufficient number of on -duty firefighters, YFD recognized the potential for disaster (see attached letter to Council dated August 7, 2009). If the fire had started on the decks located at the north end or even in the middle of the facility, instead of the south end, the outcome would have been much worse. The additional fuel would have produced a thermal column that would have carried burning embers 1 — 2 miles downwind, starting dozens of roof fires. Approximately six decks suffered various degrees of damage. Several brush fires occurred downwind. No structures (on or off the property) suffered fire damage. However, electrical power was lost to a large portion of the City and the State Fair. Three key elements occurred that were critical to the success of this incident: • Aggressive /coordinated firefighting • Wind velocity decreased • Lack of additional fuel (decks) downwind Property dollar savings for the City is estimated at $1.1 billion. Preliminary results of our investigation indicate probable cause to be "spontaneous combustion" originating in a wood debris pile. The potential remains for another catastrophic fire posing a threat to public safety and creating a considerable economic impact. As such, I concur with the decision to cease operations until significant steps have been taken to reduce fire hazards at this site. .ii,/;/„(a, Charlie Hines Fire Chief • ; . . • P r e: 4 4 I • 1 01 it ' . . arr 4.„ „.,