2015-2016 reno fire department: community report

City of Reno

Fire DepartmentCommunity Report 2016

2 3Reno.Gov/Fire 334-INFO 2015-2016 Fire Department Community Report2 Reno.Gov/Fire 334-INFO (4636)

MESSAGE FROM CITY COUNCILProviding safe and livable neighborhoods is a top priority of the Reno City Council. As such, we are proud of the accomplishments our Fire Department has achieved this past year. Efficient and effective emergency response to our citizens and enhancing community engagement are key

benchmarks in which our department continues to excel. As our community continues to grow, we are committed to providing excellent emergency services to our residents and visitors.

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MESSAGE FROM CHIEF COCHRANABOUT THE RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT

Mission, Values and Contact Information

FIRE STATIONSLocations and Total Calls

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE STATISTICSStatistics and Time Averages

SPECIAL TEAMSIncident Management Teams, Hazardous

Materials Repose Team, Water Entry Team and Urban Search and Rescue TeamFIRE PREVENTION DIVISION

Mission, Fire Inspections, Plan Review, Fire Investigations and Public Education

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RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT THEN & NOWEMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICESFLEET MAINTENANCETRAINING DIVISION

Annual Department Training and FirefighterRecruit Academy

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTStation Tours, Ride-Alongs, Reading in the Schools and Chaplain Services

CHARITY & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONSFAQSSAFETY TIPSRENO FIRE DEPARTMENT THEN & NOW

Pictured left-to-right: Oscar Delgado (Ward 3), Hillary Schieve (Mayor), Paul McKenzie (Ward 4), Andrew Clinger (City Manager), Naomi Duerr (Ward 2), David Cochran (Fire Chief), Neoma Jardon (Ward 5), Jenny Brekhus (Ward 1), David Bobzien (At-Large), Mac

Venzon (Deputy Chief), Jason Soto (Police Chief), Mark Katre (Commander), and Deanna Gescheider (Director of OCCE).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 3Reno.Gov/Fire 334-INFO 2015-2016 Fire Department Community Report 32016 Fire Department Community Report

MESSAGE FROM CHIEF COCHRANWe have experienced a lot of exciting changes in the past 12 months. For the first time in nearly 8 years, the Reno Fire Department (RFD) hired brand new firefighters, who are spread over two academies: One that started in January 2016 and one that starts this April. Also, for the first time in the 128-year history of RFD, Reno firefighters began providing paramedic-level service. The first paramedic apparatus was christened on January 8, 2016. RFD went through a rigorous process to ensure that all of our paramedics had the best, most current training, in anticipation of bringing the highest level of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) that can be delivered to our community. Finally, on January 13, 2016, I was ratified by a City Council unanimous vote as the new RFD Fire Chief, a position I accept with enthusiasm and excitement.

Some of the other landmarks that we reached during 2015:• We responded to a total of 33,696 calls, just slightly up from our call volume in 2014. Our average response time was 5 minutes and 53 seconds. • The majority of our calls (75%) are EMS-related, supporting the decision to provide paramedic-based services.• During the 2015 fire season we responded to and assisted our federal, state and local firefighting agencies with 29 wildland fires in seven states. RFD will receive over $1 million in reimbursements for these services.• For the first time in many years, we acquired two new Type I fire engines; a third is due for delivery in 2016.• RFD has partnered with Truckee Meadows Water Authority, at no cost to the City of Reno, on a hydrant inspection and maintenance program to maximize the reliability of our water supply system and minimize the impact on our citizens as hydrants are flowed in your neighborhood. • We have continued our community outreach with participation in programs to read to grade school children in their classrooms, provide public education on fire safety in schools and community events, and our continued Departmental support of charitable organizations such as MDA, Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, Moms on the Run, the Children’s Christmas Party and the Sam Sabini Food Basket Program.• In addition to offering re-employment to all of the firefighters who had previously been laid off due to the economic downturn, we were able to offer jobs to 32 new

firefighters along with six new positions in Fire Prevention, Fleet and Facilities, and Administration. Twenty-nine members from all levels of RFD were also promoted.

As we head into 2016, we look forward to new opportunities for growth and service both within the Department and within the City of Reno.

Mayor Hillary Schieve and the entire City Council have been tremendous supporters of the Fire Department and Public Safety as a whole. The men and women of the RFD will continue to support this community by providing the best service possible from 911 emergency responses to fire prevention and community outreach.

As your Fire Chief, I thank you for your continued public support and look forward to a bright and prosperous future.

Chief David Cochran


The Reno Fire Department provides all-risk emergency service to City of Reno residents. All-risk emergency service is the national model of municipal fire departments, providing the services needed in the most efficient way possible.

Besides responding to fires, whether they occur in structures, vegetation/brush or vehicles, we also provide rescue capabilities for almost any type of emergency situation. This includes quick and efficient emergency medical care for our citizens; a hazardous materials team capable of identifying unknown materials and controlling or containing a release disaster; and preparedness and management of large-scale incidents.

Maintaining this level of service requires nearly constant training of personnel. This training maintains both the skills needed to operate safely in emergency environments and the physical fitness necessary to reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries. Our minimum annual training requirements to maintain firefighting and medical skills is 240 hours per year. Special teams and company level drills add significantly to that number.

OUR MISSIONTo provide our citizens and visitors with the best possible all-risk emergency service in the protection of life and property. Public health, safety and prevention education are key components of our mission. We are and will continue to be identified by our dedication and pride in outstanding customer service.

OUR VALUES TO OURCITIZENS AND VISITORS

• The lives and well-being of our citizens, visitors and department members are our highest priority.• We will be fiscally responsible in all we do.• We will constantly strive to earn the respect of our community by providing the best possible emergency response based on concern, compassion and professionalism in everything we do. • We strive to provide the highest level of public safety education and prevention to our citizens.

OUR VALUES TOOUR ORGANIZATION

• We will work as a team to accomplish the Department’s missions and goals through open communication, cooperation and recognition of shared successes.• We encourage and promote pride, loyalty and a true sense of ownership in our Department and our community.

OUR VALUES TO EACH OTHER• We are committed to openness and honesty in all situations.• We value each member of the Department and treat their diverse contributions with dignity, fairness and respect.• We are accountable to those we serve and each other.

ABOUT RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT


CONTACT INFORMATIONEmergency: 9-1-1

Non-Emergency: (775) 334-4636

Administration: (775) 334-2300

Website: Reno.Gov/Fire

@RenoFireDept

@RenoFireDept

Facebook.com/RenoFireDepartment


FIRE STATIONSSTATION 1

495 East 4th Street7,071

Total Calls

21.0%

3,119Total Calls

9.3%

5,405Total Calls

16.0%

2,909Total Calls

8.6%

1,683Total Calls

5.0%

2,225Total Calls

6.6%

163Total Calls

0.5%

STATION 2

2500 Sutro Street

STATION 3

580 West Moana Lane

STATION 4

1096 Ralston Street

STATION 5

1500 Mayberry Drive

STATION 6

3970 Mira Loma Drive

STATION 7

3050 Skyline Boulevard


STATION 8

3600 Kings Row

STATION 9

14005 Mount Vida Street

STATION 10

5250 North Virginia Street

STATION 11

7105 Mae Anne Avenue

STATION 12

1190 Steamboat Parkway

STATION 19

2105 Hawk Meadow Trail

STATION 21

2501 Mill Street

2,270Total Calls

6.7%

1,575Total Calls

4.7%

1,154Total Calls

3.4%

1,171Total Calls

3.5%

1,655Total Calls

4.9%

43Total Calls

0.1%

3,253Total Calls

9.7%


RESPONSESTATISTICSTotal Calls for Service33,696

Total Fire Calls657

Total Medical Emergency Calls25,250

Busiest Day of the WeekFriday

Busiest Time of the Week5pm-6pm

Busiest StationStation #1 - 7,071 calls

RESPONSETIME AVERAGESFrom 911 Call to Arrival6 minutes 18 seconds

From Fire Station to Scene5 minutes 53 seconds

Average Time on Scene18 minutes 53 seconds

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE STATISTICSThe RFD ran 33,696 calls for service in 2015. Seventy-seven percent of these calls were for emergency medical situations. All RFD apparatus are capable of providing care at the Intermediate Life Support level. We have 27 paramedics within the Department and are working towards being able to provide paramedic services to our citizens.

We also responded to 657 fire calls, or an average of about two per day. As a busy metropolitan fire department, we staff all apparatus with four personnel to allow for maximum efficiency in fire-ground operations. Aggressive interior attack is the key to putting fires out while they are small and minimizing damages.

We also responded to vehicle accidents and rescue calls, which includes extricating people trapped in vehicles, elevators and machinery, plus our water rescue responses. RFD also responded to numerous calls for animal rescue, because our furry or feathered friends are important, too!


33,686 CALLS FOR SERVICE BY TYPE IN

2015

25,250EMS calls

74.93%

4,361Good Intent calls

12.94%

1,827False calls

5.42%

657Fire calls

1.95%

464Hazmat calls

1.38%

10Rupture/Explosion calls

0.03%

4Weather calls

0.01%

1,095Public Assist calls

3.25%


SPECIAL TEAMSINCIDENTMANAGEMENT TEAMS

RFD proudly supports both local, federal and national Incident Management Teams. Our team members go through a stringent training, qualification and selection process to serve on these teams. Incident Management Teams are on call year-round for a wide range of emergencies including fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and other emergency incidents. RFD resources represent command, general staff and support positions on these teams.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALSRESPONSE TEAMRFD contributes 33 members to the Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team. Known as the TRAID, the team is composed of members from RFD, Sparks Fire Department and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. All members are specially trained to the hazmat technician level to respond to chemical, biological and radiological incidents. The team maintains a variety of detection devices and protective equipment necessary for personnel to enter hazardous areas to control or contain a release. Reno is a major shipping corridor with interstate highways, railroad lines and an air cargo terminal. This, coupled with our high industrial area and occurrence of illegal dumping, means our team must be capable to respond to minimize the human and environmental effects of hazmat incidents.


WATERENTRY TEAMWET currently consists of 27 RFD personnel who have received specialized training at the technician level for swift/still water and ice rescue. Team members train monthly in the classroom and in the river, lakes and ponds in the city, and all team members must pass an annual fitness/swim test that exceeds the standards of the United States Lifesaving Association for Aquatic Rescue Response Teams. The team has two apparatus specially equipped with zodiac style rubber inflatable boats, whitewater rafts, inflatable and hard-shell kayaks, river boards and an ice rescue sled. More than half the calls for service are to the Truckee River, especially in the area from Mayberry Park to Wingfield Park during the spring and summer rafting season. Call volume can double during years of above-average annual snow pack due to the spring run-off.

URBAN SEARCHAND RESCUE TEAMRFD’s Urban Search and Rescue Team consists of 31 highly-trained and dedicated members capable of handling some of the “high-risk, low-frequency” incidents that occur in our community. Team members specialize in high angle rope rescue, collapsed building search and shoring, confined space rescue and trench rescue. Although rare, these types of incidents require many well-trained individuals working as a team to give the victim the best chance of survival. The team maintains a variety of specialized rescue equipment and is working towards becoming a Regional Task Force within the FEMA response model.


MISSION STATEMENTThe RFD Division of Fire Prevention is dedicated to providing efficient, effective, and equitable life safety and property protection to the citizens and visitors of Reno. We will do so actively, demonstrating ethical conduct, excellent customer service, and professional integrity in all areas of fire inspections, fire investigations, plans examinations, and public education.

FIRE INSPECTIONSFire inspections are conducted to discover and correct any condition likely to cause a fire or life safety hazard. All properties within the City of Reno, except private dwellings, are inspected. Frequency of inspection is determined based on the associated hazards that a site may pose, and may include materials and manner of storage, maintenance of exits, accessibility to fire service personnel, maintenance of fire protection and detection systems and general housekeeping.

PLAN REVIEWFire Prevention also reviews plans to determine compliance with the 2012 International Fire and Building Codes as well as all local codes, ordinances, standards and regulations. Fire Plan reviewers look for such things as adequate and compliant fire safety systems, fire resistant building materials, fire department access, and proper and adequate exiting. The number of construction plans reviewed in 2015 increased by 41% from the previous year.

FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION


FIRE PREVENTION

DIVISION WORK LOAD

DISTRIBUTION

FIRE INVESTIGATIONSFire Prevention conducts investigations into suspicious fires to determine their origin and cause. Whether a fire is accidental in nature or intentionally set, the investigation team determines action needed to prevent future occurrences, such as product recalls, public awareness, increased code compliance inspections, or arresting and prosecuting an arsonist. Fire Prevention Arson Investigators are Nevada P.O.S.T. certified peace officers.

In 2015, the Reno Fire Prevention Bureau investigated 118 fires within the City of Reno. There were a total of 657 RFD calls involving fire. The Fire Investigation unit had 6 arson arrests, 2 Legal 2000 referrals, 9 juvenile fire-setter referrals, and 1 citation. From these investigated fires we had 0 civilian fatalities and 12 civilian smoke and burn victims. The estimated amount for fire loss was $3,126,027.

PUBLIC EDUCATIONThe Reno Fire Department provides public education programs upon request. Both our engine companies and our prevention personnel have an active presence in our community. Some of the programs we offer include station tours, fire extinguisher training, home escape planning, and general fire safety for children.

311Re-occuring District

Inspections calls

31.6%(Annual, re-inspects, complaints

and child care)

1,002New Business License

Inspections calls

12.1%

27Public Education

Events calls

0.3%

245Special Event

Inspections calls

3.0%

1,759New Construction Plan Reviews calls

21.3%

2,025New Construction Inspections calls

24.5%

311Special Event Plan

Overview calls

3.8%

118Fire

Investigations calls

1.4%

171 Other

Service calls

2.1%


RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT THEN & NOW


The Reno Fire Department provides emergency medical services on a daily basis and during citywide special events as part of a two-tiered Advanced Life Support EMS delivery model. Fire Department responders are trained to the Advanced/Paramedic and Intermediate Life Support service level, are properly equipped and work to complement the existing delivery system where the focus is on the patient.

For the first time in the 128-year history of the RFD, Reno firefighters began providing paramedic-level service. Our RFD Training Division personnel, working in conjunction with our medical director, developed new paramedic patient care protocols, delivered multiple paramedic-level training courses designed to update and sharpen the skills of our paramedics, and worked with the Fire Chief, the Operations Division, and the entire fire department to successfully implement paramedic fire companies in Fire Districts 1 and 21 in January 2016, increasing the level of service for emergency medical response in the City of Reno.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES


The Reno Fire Department strives to maximize our citizens’ tax dollars while providing the highest level of safety for our community and firefighters.

The RFD successfully garnered over $250,000 in federal monies to replace aging hydrants in some of our older neighborhoods. We are targeting as many as 50 hydrants for replacement to help ensure a reliable water supply for an emergency situation as well as protecting our environment through minimizing catastrophic failures in an outdated system. Most of these hydrants were installed in the 1950s and in one case the system was initially put into operation in 1930.

We are proud to announce that we have purchased three new fire engines which you will see in service in your neighborhoods in 2016. These new fire engines include the latest safety features for our firefighters and reduced emissions to help maintain our clear Nevada air.

FLEET MAINTENANCE

FIRE ENGINE

LADDER TRUCK

RESCUE

BRUSH RIG


The Reno Fire Department Training Division coordinates and delivers training for the fire department and provides incident safety officers on every fire department multi-company response, in addition to serving as the blood-borne pathogen safety officer for all city departments.

ANNUAL DEPARTMENT TRAININGThe Training Division delivered over 30,000 man hours of training in 2015, from federally mandated programs to fire department-specific emergency medical training and fire-ground tactics and strategy classes. In addition, the Training Division supported and helped to coordinate fire department technical team training for the Hazardous Materials Team, Water Entry Team, and the Urban Search and Rescue Team.

The Training Division also coordinated with outside agencies to implement new, state-of-the-art mutually beneficial training, such as supporting and coordinating RFD participation in REMSA simulation laboratory training and District Health Department Immunization Training.

TRAINING DIVISION


FIREFIGHTERRECRUIT ACADEMYDuring 2015, the RFD Training Division worked with the City of Reno Civil Service to update the entry level firefighter test, including working with a private company and coordinating input from all Reno fire captains and battalion chiefs to help create a modern test, and then beta testing with Reno fire equipment operators and firefighters to make sure that the new test met RFD goals and standards. This test was then implemented, which resulted in 32 new firefighters being offered jobs with the Reno Fire Department.

We planned two recruit academies for 2016, one which started in January 2016 and one for April 2016. After the completion of each 12-week academy, our new recruit firefighters will be placed on-line in fire stations to serve the community.


STATION TOURSEver wonder what it’s like to work in a fire station? The Reno Fire Department offers free tours of our fire stations. Tours are conducted during normal business hours and are available by appointment only. For more information, call (775) 333-7775 or visit Reno.Gov/Fire.

RIDE-ALONGSThe Reno Fire Department offers ride-alongs for anyone over the age of 18 interested in experiencing the life of a firefighter. Attendees spend a nine-hour day at a fire station with the crew experiencing firsthand what life in the firehouse is like and what is involved when responding to emergency calls. To apply, visit Reno.Gov/Fire.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT


READING IN THE SCHOOLSThe Reno Fire Department continues to partner with the Washoe County School District during National Reading Month in March. This program allows us to better keep our area children safe by visiting elementary school classrooms to read and share our fire safety message, in the hope that we can help move closer to our goal of having the safest possible community. In 2015, RFD had the opportunity to talk with over 1,500 children and we project to exceed that number in 2016.

CHAPLAIN SERVICESThe Reno Fire Department’s Chaplaincy Services Program provides trauma intervention, resource services, and spiritual care to employees and the public.

Our Board Certified Crisis and Trauma Response Chaplain Stephen Arvin is on call 24/7 and responds to calls for community and citizen assistance. The focus of crisis and trauma response varies from mental, spiritual and/or emotional care due to loss of life and may include physical outreach such as blankets, clothing, and follow-up care.

Chaplain Arvin provides extended outreach as a liaison with the Reno Firefighters Community Assistance Program (RFFCAP) and partners with the American Red Cross. Chaplain Arvin provided over 2,600 hours of service in 2015. For more information on RFFCAP or to contact Chaplain Arvin, call (775) 560-4861.


The Reno Fire Department proudly supports the following charities, non-profit organizations and events:

• Northern Nevada Children’s

Cancer Foundation

• Natalia’s Night

• St. Baldrick's Foundation

• Big Brothers/Big Sisters

• JUSTin HOPE Foundation

• Susan G. Komen

• Moms on the Run

• Washoe County School District

• Senior Citizen Outreach

• Gatekeeper program

• Osher Lifelong Learning

• Older Americans Month

• Notables

• Sam Saibini Christmas Baskets

• Homeless Children’s Christmas Party

• Sierra Pediatric Blood and Cancer

Specialists

• Legends of the Game

Celebrity Golf Tournament

• Special Kids' Rodeo

CHARITY & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS


FAQSWHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FIRE ENGINE AND A FIRE TRUCK?There is a lot of slang and specific jargon in the fire service. A fire engine is equipped with a water pump, a 500-750 gallon water tank to enable quick fire attack until a water source can be secured from a hydrant and thousands of feet of fire hose. Engines perform fire attack as well as being the first response apparatus. Fire trucks specialize in ventilation, search and rescue and extrication. They are equipped with an aerial ladder to access upper floors and have the ability to spray water on a fire from above. Trucks also carry multiple ground ladders, numerous power and hand tools, ventilation fans and heavy rescue and extrication equipment.

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE FOR FIREFIGHTERS?Because emergencies happen at any time, the fire department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Firefighters work 48-hour shifts. To maintain this staffing there are three shifts or battalions that each work two consecutive shifts (48 hours) followed by 96 hours off.

Their workweek averages 56 hours. This is the most cost-effective way to provide constant staffing.

WHY DOES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SEND A FIRE ENGINE WITH FOUR FIREFIGHTERS TO EVERY CALL, INCLUDING MEDICAL EMERGENCIES?The Engine Company is the basic unit of response for most fire departments and is staffed to respond to the widest range of possible emergencies including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and other hazardous situations. Because the personnel operate as a cohesive crew with set responsibilities, they respond together as a unit to all emergencies.

Fire stations are strategically placed around our community to allow for quick response times to all neighborhoods. By also responding to medical emergencies, we provide the best service to the citizen, in most cases arriving several minutes before the ambulance and providing extra trained personnel to assist in patient care and preparing for transport. For critical patients, our personnel will join the ambulance crew and ride with the patient to the hospital.


RIVER SAFETYHere are some tips to make your experience in or around the river more enjoyable:

• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when in or around moving water.

• Wear sturdy shoes, thermal protection from cold water, and a hat and sunscreen.

• Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when boating or tubing.

• Never go into the river alone.

• Have a plan and rendezvous point in case you become separated.

• Let a friend or family member know where you are and when you intend to return home.

FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERSSmoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are on every level of the home. Smoke alarms are inside and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms are tested each month by listening for

the noise when you press the "test" button. Smoke alarms batteries are changed as needed. Smoke alarms are less than 10 years old.

Cooking Safety The cooking area has no items that can burn. People stay in the kitchen when they are frying,

grilling, boiling or broiling food. Pot handles are always turned toward the back of

the stove.

Escape Plan There is a fire escape plan that shows two ways out of

every room. Everyone knows where the safe meeting place is

outside the home. Everyone living in the house practices the escape plan

two times a year.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms Carbon monoxide alarms are located on each level of

the home. Carbon monoxide alarms are less than 7 years old.

Electrical and Appliance Safety All electrical cords are in good condition and not

broken or cut. Dryer lint is cleaned after every use. All plug outlets are safe and do not feel warm when

touched. (If they are warm, call the landlord or an electrician.)

Candle Safety Candles are in sturdy fire-proof containers that won't

be tipped over. Adults blow out all candles when leaving the room or

going to bed. Candles are kept out of reach of children and pets.

Fire Safety To prevent children from starting fires, lock up

matches, lighters, cigarettes, candles, etc.

SAFETY TIPS


RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT THEN & NOW

28 PBReno.Gov/Fire 334-INFO 2015-2016 Fire Department Community Report28 Reno.Gov/Fire 334-INFO (4636)

2015-2016 reno fire department: community report

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