2011 Annual Report - Pacific County Fire District Number 1...

2011

Annual Report

Pacific County Fire District 1

PACIFIC COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 1 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

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District Overview, Fast Facts 3

Board of Commissioners 4

Major Accomplishments 5

Personnel 7

Finances 11

Emergency Operations Division 17

Major Incidents 19

Training Division 21

Equipment and Building Maintenance 23

Public Education 25

Mission Statement Pacific County Fire District 1 is dedicated to the protection of life and property by providing quality, cost‐effective customer service through fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical services, and public education for our community.

Table of Contents


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Pacific County Fire District No. 1 provides fire protection and emergency medical services to unincorporated locations throughout the peninsula including Oysterville, Nahcotta, Surfside, Ocean Park, Long Beach, Seaview. Staffed Stations • Station 21‐1 – Ocean Park, 26109 Ridge Avenue • Station 21‐2 – Seaview, 3706 N Place Volunteer Stations • Station 21‐3 – Surfside, 32113 H Place • Station 21‐4 – Litchke, 15003 Sandridge • Station 21‐5 – Midway, 16512 Pacific Way Service Area: 30 square miles Population Served: 7,000* Annual Budget: $2,782,009.00 Full Time Employees: 23 Volunteers: 60 Call Volume: 1856 WA Survey and Rating Class: 7

District Overview

Fast Facts

Pacific County Fire District #1 Service Area (Source: Pacific County)


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Board of Commissioners

Commissioner Fred Hill Position 1 Third Term expires 2015

Commissioner Greg McLeod Position 2 Third Term expires 2013

Commissioner Tom Downer Position 3 Fifth Term expires 2017

The governing board consists of three community members who are elected to serve a six‐year term. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for the overall budgetary and policy direction of the Fire District. The Board approves the scope and the direction of services to be provided to the citizens, and ensures that the needs of the citizens are met with the resources available.

The Board meets monthly in an open public meeting to establish policies that will be implemented by administrative staff. They also identify long and short term goals, oversee the budget, and discuss any concerns that may be brought forth by members of the community. The Board is responsible for the hiring and direction of the Fire Chief.

The Commissioners confer with regional, state, and national associations in order to address issues that affect local fire and emergency services. These organizations include the Southwest Washington Fire Commissioner’s Association, the Washington State Association of Fire Commissioners, the Washington Fire Chiefs Association, the State Board for Volunteer Firefighters, and the National Fire Protection Association.


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Union Contract Ratified: The District successfully negotiated a two year agreement with the South Pacific County Professional Firefighters Union, Local 3999. The agreement included no increases to the salary schedule, limitations on medical premiums, and several other non‐monetary provisions. The successful negotiations were a direct result of a cooperative and productive labor/management relationship. Washington State Parks Agreement: In January, the District began providing service to Cape Disappointment State Park. As one of the busiest parks in Washington State, Washington State Parks requested the Fire District as their fire and EMS provider. Through a mutually respectful relationship, this partnership has led to new opportunities for both the Parks and District personnel. The District also has fire and EMS protection agreements for Loomis Lake, Pacific Pines, and Ledbetter State Parks. Grant Funding: During 2011, the District received several Federal and State grants totaling more than $100, 000. The grants included two federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). These funds were used to promote and improve volunteer programs and purchase new firefighting equipment. State grant dollars included funding for a heavy brush fire engine and reimbursement for Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Automatic Mutual Aid: In April, the Fire District entered into an automatic mutual aid agreement with Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Specifically, the agreement enabled the simultaneous dispatch of Long Beach and District fire apparatus to any working building fire in the areas south of Cranberry Road. The emphasis behind the agreement was to ensure the “closest engines” respond, and provide for firefighter safety during the initial attack phase of a working fire. This agreement is in addition to a traditional mutual aid agreement, which the District has with all surrounding fire agencies.

Fire crews from District 1 and Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department training together.

2011 Major Accomplishments


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Tsunami Response: Just after midnight on March 11th, a devastating earthquake struck Japan. A resulting tsunami warning was issued for the entire West Coast. District personnel assisted with evacuation of citizens that were not capable of evacuation, and provided on‐going information to the general population. Social Media and the “I Am Responding” program proved to be valuable communication tools that will be utilized for future major events.

Expanded Role for Public Education Coordinator: The District provides many public safety training opportunities for its citizens. From Fire and Life Safety presentations to local business pre‐fire planning, community education continues year‐around. The creation of a full‐time Public Education Coordinator position allowed the District to answer the requests of the community and provide Citizens’ Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The Public Education Coordinator also collaborated with the Department of Natural Resources and the Surfside Homeowners Association to begin the Firewise Communities USA program in that community, giving property owners the knowledge they need to safeguard their homes from the threat of wildfire.

Officer Testing: Unlike many fire agencies, the District has strict requirements and testing standards for the potential company officers. In February, testing occurred for Shift Captain and Volunteer Lieutenant positions. Components of the exam included a graded resume, written test, oral interview, and skills assessment center. Three Volunteer Lieutenants were promoted following successful completion of the testing process. Although no Shift Captain positions were open at the time, an eligibility list was established that will be used for any future promotion. District members spent several hours preparing for these tests, and performed well above expectations.

Apparatus Acquisitions/Upgrades: During 2011, the District upgraded apparatus to meet current and future needs. The biggest upgrade was the re‐chassis of an ambulance. The process involved mounting an existing patient module on a new truck chassis. Instead of purchasing an entirely new ambulance, the re‐chassis saved taxpayers nearly $50,000. Also, an upgrade was added to the Support Unit, consisting of a four bottle self‐contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) system. A newly acquired “heavy” brush truck was placed in service to provide additional firefighting capabilities in the wildland urban interface areas and sand dunes. In April, a twenty foot special operations trailer was also placed in service. The trailer is equipped to respond to hazardous materials incidents, multi‐patient scenes, fire investigations, and support functions.

The newly purchased Special Ops trailer.


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Pacific County Fire District 1 is staffed by a combination of career and volunteer personnel, certified from the Emergency Responder to Paramedic level. Administrative Staff The District’s Administrative Staff includes the District Secretary/Finance Officer, responsible for business, accounting, and finance duties for the District, the Human Resources/Office Manager who provides management of human resource services and oversight of the Fire District’s business office, and the Public Education Coordinator who develops, coordinates and implements public education programs for the District. Each of these positions work from the District Office. They are budgeted full‐time with benefits. Command Staff The Fire Chief is responsible for implementing the policies established by the Board of Commissioners, overseeing the day‐to‐day operation of the District maintaining and improving its effectiveness. The Division Chief of Training coordinates and evaluates fire training for volunteer and career staff. He is also responsible for the implementation and direction of the Fire Cadet and Resident Intern Programs. The Division Chief of EMS directs the quality assurance of all life support services, coordinates training for ALS and BLS responders, and maintains accurate EMS training records on all personnel in compliance with Fire District 1 and Washington State Department of Health standards. Career Firefighters All District 1 Career Firefighters are Washington State Certified EMTs or Paramedics. The District has 16 Career Firefighters on staff, who are assigned to 3 duty shifts. Each shift has a Captain responsible for managing personnel, planning, directing, coordinating and evaluating all fire service activities, fire suppression training, and safety education programs for their assigned shift. The District also employs a vehicle Maintenance Technician who is also a Firefighter/EMT. Career Firefighters are represented by the International Association of Firefighters.

Volunteers Those who wish to volunteer with the Fire District may choose from several options. In 2011, the District had 39 Volunteers in 3 volunteer divisions.

Volunteer Firefighters have the opportunity to attend the Fire Recruit Academy to learn basic firefighting skills. They also attend weekly drills to keep their skills sharp. These volunteers respond with the Duty Crews to emergency calls such as building fires, hazardous materials, motor vehicle accidents, brush fires, etc. Many of our volunteers are also WA State Certified EMTs. EMS Volunteers are those individuals who are interested in responding to medical emergency calls. They are EMTs who are aligned with Fire District 1 and attend monthly OTEP trainings. They respond to emergency medical calls, assist patients with non‐emergency medical needs, and transfer patients by ambulance to another hospital. Support Volunteers provide general support to the Fire District. A Support volunteer may in the District Office, assist with firefighter rehab, take photographs at scenes and trainings, or provide a meal during an all‐day training. Every Volunteer reports to a Volunteer Officer, who monitors that person’s training and safety, and provides guidance and discipline as necessary. Line staff report to Lieutenants, who are supervised by Station Captains. A Battalion Chief oversees the Volunteer Program and reports directly to the Fire Chief.

Personnel


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Fire Cadets / Resident Interns These programs provide an opportunity for participants to explore a career in Emergency Services, with particular emphasis on developing basic skills in the fire and emergency medical fields.

Juniors and Seniors from Ilwaco High School are eligible for the Fire Cadet Program, earning high school and college credits toward a Fire Science Degree from Clatsop Community College. The ten students enrolled in the course also attended a 48‐hour training at Camp Rilea with Fire Cadets from other departments throughout the region.

Resident Interns are 18 years old or older, enrolled in college, and seeking a Fire Science degree. In addition to their studies, they work approximately ten shifts per month. They receive a stipend for their time on duty, paid tuition, and living quarters. There were 2 Interns enrolled in 2011.

PERSONNEL RANK START DATE Administrative Staff Biggs, Connie A Public Education Coordinator 11/04/2003 Ferguson, Brandy L Finance Officer 10/01/2009 Jones, Cheri Office Manager 07/01/1998 Command Staff Brundage, Jacob Fire Chief 03/09/1998 Hood, David Division Chief of EMS 02/12/2007 Karvia, Mike Division Chief of Fire 01/01/1991 Career Firefighters Allsup, David FF/Paramedic 07/01/2000 Archer, Jefferey S FF/Paramedic 02/17/2009 Beaulaurier, Matt S FF/Paramedic 08/10/2009 Burton, Samuel J FF/EMT 11/15/2007 Derrey, Jason Captain 09/18/2002 DeConto, Mike FF/Paramedic 01/26/2004 Green, William FF/Paramedic 06/16/2003 Griffith, Gregory FF/EMT 07/26/2004 Hamilton, Bryce K FF/Paramedic 10/20/2008 Hansen, Nick FF/EMT 06/16/2003 Hersey, Tom FF/EMT/Mechanic 07/08/1996 Lamb, David FF/PM 10/17/2006 Mullery, Daniel P FF/EMT 06/20/2011 Serface, Joshua C FF/Paramedic 08/13/2007 Vedenoja, Jennifer L FF/Paramedic 04/22/2006 Waliser, Agnes Captain 01/01/2001 Weatherby, Brad Captain 06/16/2003 Williams, David L FF/EMT 06/10/2008

Personnel Roster


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Fire Cadets Berteaux, Joshua J Cadet 09/01/2010 Bridges, Jaykub A Cadet 09/01/2010 Diaz, Marcos M Cadet 09/01/2010 Kellin, Nicole Cadet 08/19/2011 Kinsey, Michael Cadet 10/14/2011 Odneal, Taylor Cadet 09/01/2009 Shaw, Tyler Cadet 09/01/2010 Weatherby, Michael Cadet 09/01/2010 Weidner, Tanner S Cadet 09/01/2010 Weyl, Harley Cadet 09/01/2010 Willis, Richard G Cadet 09/01/2010 Wirkkala, Austin N Cadet 08/19/2011 Wright, Cody L Cadet 08/19/2011 Resident Interns Mahnke, Carl FF/Intern 10/02/2011 Turpin, Tyler J FF/Intern 12/17/2009 Volunteer Personnel Aiken, James A FF/EMT 05/24/2010 Bardonski, Cory A FF/EMT 05/12/2006 Bellinger, Steve Lieutenant 01/01/1983 Biggs, Kendall A Captain 04/12/1999 Burton, Kalisha L Support Staff 12/27/2007 Caldwell, Tye FF/First Responder 08/03/2010 Calhoun, Scott E Support Staff 01/29/2008 Cole, Marty A Support Staff 04/11/2008 Dakan, John Firefighter 11/16/2006 DeConto, Mike FF/Paramedic 01/26/2004 Forner, Gary A Captain 07/10/2000 Goldberg, Michael A Support Staff 02/01/2008 Grabast, Lani Lieutenant 07/12/2006 Green, Robert EMT 12/10/2008 Haldeman, Nickolas I FF/EMR 01/26/2011 Haskin, Bob Firefighter 03/13/2000 Jones, Debbie A Support Staff 04/20/2011 Jones, Kerry W FF/EMR 02/03/2009 Kistler, Kevin FF/EMT 07/07/2004 Knutzen, Doug Battalion Chief 10/13/1981 Larson, John C FF/EMR 01/26/2011 Linley, Frank Support Staff 01/25/2007 Lopez, Daniel P FF/EMT 03/15/2010 Lopez, Viliulfo Firefighter 10/27/2010 Madsen, Sue C FF/EMT 09/22/1989 Malmstadt, Travis FF/EMT 08/05/2010 Mancini, Michael Support Staff 02/14/2008 McDonnell, Travis L FF/EMR 01/26/2011


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The District’s Financial functions include accounting and budgeting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, grant management, State Auditor annual reporting, monthly financial summaries, cash flow projections and various other financial tasks as assigned.

McGlothin, Alice A EMT 04/25/2008 McGlothin, James D Support Staff 01/09/2010 McGrath, Leonard Firefighter 04/03/2010 Mendez, Eduardo Firefighter 08/02/2006 Morse, Glen FF/PM 06/15/2009 Parker, Charles J Firefighter 10/27/2010 Phelps, Wendy Jo FF/EMT 04/22/2008 Powell, Lyle Lieutenant 03/18/2008 Raaymakers, Theo Firefighter 10/18/2011 Smith, Donn Support Staff 6/15/2009 Taylor, Brian Support Staff 03/03/2011 Tucker, Ty A Firefighter 10/17/2011 Tuerck, Joyce C EMR 10/26/2010 Ulrich, Donald H FF/EMT 04/22/2008 Williams, Tim Lieutenant 03/20/2001

Finances

Department Organization


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The majority of the Fire District’s funding comes from part of the real estate taxes paid by citizens who own property within the boundaries of Fire District #1. In 2011, the Fire District’s portion of the property tax levies was $1.1121 per $1000 of assessed value for the fire levy, and $0.4801 per $1000 of assessed value for the EMS levy. In other words, a home with an assessed value of $100,000 in 2011 paid $111.21 for the fire levy and $48.01 for the EMS levy. The total assessed value of real property within Fire District #1 in 2011 was $1,369,907,116.00 Additional revenue for the Fire District is generated by the fees charged when patients are transported by ambulance to the hospital. Revenues from this source, less billing service fees generated $665,304.66 in 2011. Total 2011 revenue for Fire District #1 was $3,072,439.00. The following table displays the 2011 budget and actual expenditures and revenue for the District. 2011 Budget Overview Beginning Cash Balance $865,363.98 Budget Actual Expenditures $2,782,009.00 $2,845,441.40Revenue $2,782,009.00 $3,072,439.48 Ending Cash Balance $1,092,392.06 The charts that follow detail the Fire and EMS expenditures and revenues for 2011.

Finances


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2011 Fire Expenditures

Department Expenditures Administration $506,514.03Fire Suppression $643,334.49Public Education $42,604.42Training $20,862.90Facilities/Equipment Maintenance $23,087.24Capital Improvements $81,831.77Dispatch Services $4,817.00Long Term Debt $31,358.77

2011 TOTAL FIRE EXPENDITURES $1,353,104.62

The Administrative expenses include wages and benefits costs for the Fire Chief, Division Chief of Training, District Secretary and Office Manager, office supplies, computer hardware/software, legal services, miscellaneous professional services, postage, liability insurance, utilities (electricity, garbage, natural gas, sewer, telephone, water, wireless communications), health and wellness (exercise equipment, group fitness instruction), elections, ground water tax. The Fire Suppression expenses include wages and benefit costs for Mechanic, all career Firefighter/EMTs, overtime costs, volunteer incentive program, volunteer interns, volunteer pension and relief fund, uniforms and protective clothing, operating supplies, small tools and equipment/maintenance, radio equipment/maintenance, small tools and equipment, fuel used for firefighting apparatus. The Public Education expenses include wages and benefits costs for the Public Education Coordinator and supplies.

Administration 37%

Fire Suppression 47%

Public Education 3%

Training 2%

Facilities / Equiment Maintenance 2%Captial Improvements 6%

Dispatch Services 0.4%

Long Term Debt 2%


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The Training expenses include supplies, meals, mileage, lodging, registration, intern tuition fees, and union member tuition reimbursement. The Facilities and Equipment Maintenance expenses include vehicle parts and maintenance, and building maintenance and supplies. The Capital Improvements expenses include all assets and improvements to assets over $1000.00. These include buildings, communication equipment, office equipment, firefighting equipment/ turnout gear, fire hose, misc equipment, SCBA firefighting equipment, and fire engines. The Dispatch expenses include dispatch services provided by Pacific County. The Long Term Debt expense includes interest and principal for the 2007 non‐vote General Obligation Bond. 2011 EMS Expenditures

Department Expenditures Administration $306,456.41EMS Operations $986,426.45Training $5,446.80Facilities/Equipment Maintenance $19,723.49Capital Improvements $125,900.88Dispatch Services $19,268.00Long Term Debt $27,808.75

2011 TOTAL EMS EXPENDITURES $1,491,030.78

Administration 21%

EMS Operations 66%

Training 0.4%

Facilities / Equipment Maintenance 1%

Capital Improvements 8%

Dispatch Services 1%

Long Term Debt 2%


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The Administrative expenses include wages and benefits costs for the Emergency Medical Services Division Chief, office supplies, and bio‐hazard disposal services. The EMS Operations expenses include wages and benefit costs for all career Firefighter/Paramedics and EMTs, overtime costs, volunteer ambulance driver and on‐call reimbursements, ambulance billing services, ambulance payment refunds, medical operating supplies, small tools and equipment, and fuel used for EMS apparatus. The Training expenses include supplies, meals, mileage, lodging, registration, and mandatory on‐going training costs. The Facilities and Equipment Maintenance expenses include medical equipment repair and maintenance, medical equipment calibration, vehicle maintenance and parts. The Capital Improvements expenses include all assets and improvements to assets over $1,000.00. These include ambulances and ambulance re‐chassis, medical equipment. The Dispatch expenses include dispatch services provide by Pacific County. The Long Term Debt expense includes interest and principal for the 2007 non‐vote General Obligation Bond. 2011 Fire Revenue

Department Revenue Real Property Taxes $1,524,885.35Burn Permits $1,475.00Grants $102,296.95Fire Contracts $22,257.03Miscellaneous Revenue $36,230.24Insurance Loss of Capital $36,403.84

2011 TOTAL FIRE REVENUE $1,723,548.41

Real Property Tax 88%

Burn Permits 0.1%

Grants 6%

Fire Contracts 1%

Miscellaneous Revenue 2%

Insurance Loss of Capital 2%


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The Real Property Taxes are those taxes paid based on the levy rate of $1.1121 for every $1000 of assessed real property value. The revenue recorded includes outstanding real property tax paid for previous years.

The Burn Permit revenue is the fees charged for special, land clearing and agricultural burn permits issued by the District in accordance with the agreement with guidelines set forth by Olympia Regional Clean Air Authority (ORCAA). The Grant revenue includes funding received from Federal, State and local grant resources. The Fire Contract revenue includes exempt county and state property and no‐man’s land contracted fire protection. The Miscellaneous revenue includes all reimbursements for expenditures and other revenue. The Insurance Loss of Capital revenue includes final reimbursements for loss of capital assets in the August 2010 Station 1 fire.

MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE DETAILLNI Worker’s Comp Reimbursements $16,444.36Training $11,796.41Board of Volunteer Reimbursements $600.00Firefighting Application Testing Fees $420.00Public Education Donations/Reimbursements $955.33Refunds for Overpayment and Returns $2,103.36Miscellaneous Taxes $829.36Sale of Assets and Surplus Property $100.00Prior Year Cash Adjustment $1,498.42Miscellaneous Reimbursements $1483.00


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2011 EMS Revenue

Department Revenue Real Property Taxes $656,121.36Ambulance Transports $689,094.29Grants $1,738.00Investment Interest $1,937.42

2011 TOTAL EMS REVENUE $1,348,891.07

The Real Property Taxes are those taxes paid based on the levy rate of $0.4801 for every $1000 of assessed real property value. The revenue recorded includes outstanding real property tax paid for previous years. The Ambulance Transport revenue includes payments for patient transports and reimbursements, and assisted transports from Pacific County Fire District #4, Naselle. The Grant revenue includes funding received from Federal, State and local grant resources. The Investment Interest revenue is interest earned on investments of EMS funds.

Real Property Tax 49%

Ambulance Transports 51%

Grants 0.1%

Investment Interest 0.1%


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Fire Service

In 2011, Pacific County Fire District 1 crews responded to a total of 1,856 calls. Of those incidents, 205 of the calls were fire‐related. Fire District 1 provides fire protection for 30 square miles in South Pacific County. Property values are determined by the Pacific County Assessor’s Office. Throughout the service area, the total assessed valuation of properties protected is $1,368,490.52.

2011 Fire Losses per Incident Type

INCIDENT TYPE COUNT TOTAL LOSSES (Property and Contents Loss)

Building fire 9 $320,200.00

Fires in structure other than in a building 1 $1,500.00

Fire in motor home, camper, recreational vehicle 1 $36,000.00

Passenger vehicle fire 4 $12,180.00

Natural vegetation fire, other 1 $350.00

Total Losses due to fire $370,230.00

Emergency Operations Division


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Emergency Medical Service

Pacific County Fire District 1 has been providing advanced medical life support to South Pacific County since 1998. In 2011, the District responded to 1,856 calls. Of these 1,651 were EMS‐related emergency medical calls, requests for medical assistance, and transfers to local facilities or facilities in other areas of the Pacific Northwest that provide a higher level of care. Response times are calculated from dispatch to arrival. Average response times are based on the dispatch and arrival times of an ALS-equipped ambulance.

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

resp

onse

tim

e in

min

utes

2011

Average code 3 response times for 2011

PCFD#1

Ocean Park

Seaview

cardiac arrest

The Fire District is divided into zones according to call volume. This allows us to manage our resources in a way that provides the best service to our citizens and gives us the ability to monitor response times, and evaluate future station and resource needs.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180Number of Medical 911 Responses Per Zone-2011

Naselle

Transfers

Cape D

Seaview

Rural Long BeachMidway

Ocean Park

Surfside

WA State sets the minimum requirement for EMS and trauma response in a rural setting. This table shows the average response times for Code 3 (911 em‐ergency) EMS calls within the District. District response times are well below the State standards of 45 minutes.


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• January 15th – An early morning chimney fire spread into the attic of an Ocean Park residence. District crews quickly performed vertical ventilation and extinguishment, preventing further fire spread.

• February 5th – Fire crews responded to a fully‐involved mobile home, with victims and multiple exposures. District crews contained the fire, without damage to any exposures, and transported the building occupant to a local hospital.

• February 23rd/24th – Icy road conditions led to two serious motor vehicle collisions, with entrapment, on Highway 101. The District provided mutual aid to Chinook Fire District for heavy extrication response.

• February 26th – A room and content fire was confined to a residence in Seaview. An aggressive interior attack and ventilation confined fire damage to the laundry room.

June 6th, District Crews use hydraulic cutter to extricate trapped patient.

July 3rd, District Crews contain and gain entry to a fire in a detached garage.

• May 7th – An exterior fire at a residence in Ocean Park was quickly contained, preventing fire spread to the interior of the home. A neighbor girl was credited for recognizing the situation and quickly reporting it to her parents.

• June 6th – Fire District crews responded to a single vehicle accident on Highway 103 with two patients. One seriously‐injured patient was pinned in the wreckage and had to be extricated using hydraulic tools. Both patients were transported to a local hospital.

• July 3rd – Crews responded to and extinguished a large dune grass fire near the Ocean Park Beach Approach. Minutes after returning in service, District crews were dis‐patched to a working structure fire in a detached garage in Surfside Estates. The garage and contents were a total loss.

Major Incidents


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• July 6th – A fully involved forty foot (40’) motor‐home was extinguished in the Ocean Park area. • July 7th – District crews responded to a reported cliff rescue call at Cape Disappointment State

Park. An adult male was stabilized by the rope rescue team, and air evacuated by a Coast Guard helicopter.

• July 12th – A structure fire with exposures and a victim were reported in the Klipsan Beach area. Crews prevented fire spread to the exposures, and transported the victim to a local hospital.

EMS and Surf Rescue personnel answer questions during press release of water rescue.

• August 8th – A structure fire was reported in a residence in Oysterville. Crews confined the fire to the room of origin, and provided ventilation. Hours later, crews responded to a reported dune grass fire threatening structures in Surfside Estates. Crews confined and extinguished the fire without damage to exposures.

August 8th, Firefighters on scene at an Oysterville structure fire.

• August 3rd – Fire crews extinguished a 50’ x 100’ dune grass fire near the Seaview Beach Approach.

• August 5th – An ocean rescue with multiple victims was reported off the Cranberry Beach Approach. One victim was rescued by the local water rescue team and resuscitated by District EMS crews. The incident made national news when the victim survived.

• August 11th – An early morning fire consumed a mobile home in Ocean Park. District crews confined the fire, and treated an occupant at the scene.

• September 12th – A single vehicle accident entrapped the driver on Sandridge Road. District crews had to extricate the patient with heavy equipment, then transported the patient to a local hospital.


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Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) training is on‐going, and regularly scheduled throughout the year. The District’s training schedule includes classroom and practical training exercises. Continuous training ensures that professional emergency services are delivered to the District’s constituents and visitors.

A live fire training exercise at the end of the Fire Recruit Academy.

Fire Training Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296‐305 and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1001 outline the requirements for firefighter training. Fire District 1 also offers its members several training programs that are accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). Among these programs are Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazmat Operations. During 2011, District 1 firefighters attended training in the following categories:

Type of Fire Training Hours Apparatus Driving (EVAP) 74.5 Equipment / Apparatus Operations 99 Firefighter Skills / Safety 132.5 Hazardous Materials Training 99.5 Wildland Fire Training 67 Life Fire Training 24 Professional Development / Administrative 302

Training Division


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EMS Training Emergency Medical Services are provided by career and volunteer members who are certified Washington State EMRs, EMTs, and Paramedics. Fire District 1 maintains an On‐going Training and Evaluation Program (OTEP) and a Paramedic Continuing Education Program (PCEP) for skills maintenance and recertification of its members. Specialized EMS training is offered as it becomes available in our area. This chart shows the classes offered by the District to our EMS members:

Type of EMS Training Hours Initial EMT‐B Course 150Initial EMR Course 48Special Training (ACLS, PALS, GEMS) 75On‐going Training (OTEP, PCEP) 92

All District EMS Responders attend regular mandatory training. Here an EMR is evaluated by a paramedic during an airway class.


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Pacific County Fire District 1 employs a full‐time Maintenance Technician, who provides regular maintenance to 30 vehicles, assuring that every emergency response vehicle is safe for firefighters, paramedics, and the patients who are transported. The Maintenance Technician is certified with Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and MSA Certified Airmask Repair Education (C.A.R.E). These certifications allow him to oversee the annual testing and maintenance of all pumps, hoses, gurneys and self‐contained breathing apparatus. The benefits of this organization are twofold: maintenance and repair costs that would be sent to other agencies are saved; and the time vehicles and equipment spend out‐of‐service is shortened, because the work can be done on site. A number of new purchases were made in 2011, to upgrade equipment and vehicles:

• 2 Lifepack 15 defibrillators were purchased to upgrade existing defibrillators on the first‐out ambulances.

• Multi‐gas Detectors were purchased and located at each station. • 2 Thermal Imaging Cameras with newer technology were installed in the first‐out engines. • A portable SCBA fill station was placed in the Support Unit. • A re‐chassis of one ambulance was completed to save the cost of a new ambulance. • A Brush Truck was purchased and outfitted with a 50% matching grant from DNR. This type

3 wildland engine is set up with a 600 gallon tank, class A foam and wildland tools. This vehicle was set up specifically for urban interface wildland firefighting, as this is such a big threat in our area.

3 ton military truck repurposed as a urban wildland capable brush truck.

Equipment and Building Maintenance


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In 2011, the roof on the Midway Station was replaced and bay doors at each station were inspected and reconditioned as part of the Facilities Maintenance Plan. The property across the road from Station 21‐1 was surveyed and graveled to create more efficient parking for staff.

District Crew taking a break from leveling the gravel on the staff parking lot.

Siding was replaced on the south wall of the living quarters adjacent to the Surfside Station. Landscaping was done, to allow both structures to “fit in” to the neighborhood, as the community requested.

Volunteers assisted with the siding of the Surfside living quarters.

Plans were set in motion to replace the District Administration Building. This building was built as a single family dwelling in 1946, and has been added onto several times. The electrical system is not sufficient to meet the needs of the entire administrative staff. The new structure will provide more useable space for record storage and office space, and enable the administrative staff to work together from the same location. The project is estimated to be completed in October 2012.


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Pacific County Fire District 1 employs a full‐time Public Education Coordinator to respond to community requests for classes, presentations and medical standby. Citizens’ Emergency Response Team (CERT) ‐ In response to the community’s request for local disaster training, Fire District 1 taught the 20‐hour CERT course. In the absence of any other local programs, the Public Education Coordinator attended the national training to instruct and manage CERT programs and teams. The District continues to work with Pacific County Emergency Management to ensure that our residents are knowledgeable about disaster planning. YearRound Community Events – Fire District 1 is based in a community that hosts many seasonal events, drawing visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the country. EMS personnel provide a staffed medic unit for these events to provide Fire and Life Safety educational materials, as well as emergency medical attention if necessary. National Fire Prevention Week ‐ Firefighters visit Ocean Park Elementary School classrooms every day during this week, talking with students about home fire prevention. Presentations are based on the National Fire Prevention Association’s theme, with additional classroom assignments and activities offered to teachers. Throughout the month of October, firefighters visit area preschools, and conduct station tours for preschool and elementary school students.

A volunteer firefighter visits a local preschool during fire prevention week.

Public Education


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Business PreIncident Planning ‐ Together with local business owners, firefighters create Pre‐Incident Plans that benefit both the businesses, and firefighters who respond in an emergency. The plan includes a questionnaire and a tour of the business. A firefighter meets with the business owner to discuss details from both, providing insight into how fire can be prevented and property loss minimized. People Saver Program ‐ Instructors teach the American Heart Association curriculum for First Aid/CPR, including Healthcare Provider CPR and basic Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training. The program continues to be well recognized in the community. There were 291 individuals certified in American Heart Association classes last year. Car Seats and Bike Helmets ‐ Fire District 1 has Certified Car Seat Technician on staff, who is knowledgeable about the current Washington State car seat laws and proper installation of safety restraints for children of all ages. Bike helmets are also available for children and adults who need them. These injury prevention tools are acquired through grant awards. Life Safety Program – This program provides address signs, lockboxes, and smoke detectors to members of our community. Products are offered to community members at cost, and are installed by firefighters. All fees and donations collected are used to purchase new supplies. No one is ever denied these potentially life‐saving products because of an inability to pay. Fire Extinguisher Training Fire District 1 provides training for local groups that require this training of their employees. The class includes both lecture and live fire exercise. In 2011, approximately 150 people participated in this training.

A local hospital employee practices extinguishing a small fire.

2011 Annual Report - Pacific County Fire District Number 1...

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Transcript of 2011 Annual Report - Pacific County Fire District Number 1...