reno fire department community report 2015

Reno.gov/fire | 334-INFO

TableOf contentsAbout the Reno fire department.....................................3Our mission and valuesDepartment response statistics.....................................5Calls for service in 2014Fire station locations........................................................6Station Addresses and apparatusSpecial TEAMS......................................................................7urban Search and rescue, HazmaT, AND water entryFire prevention...................................................................9Fire inspections, investigations, plan reviews AND MORE

Investigation Summary.......................................................11Report and fire Cause statisticsTraining Division..................................................................12Incident Safety, EMT and moreCommunity ENGAGEMENT......................................................13Community assistance, CHAPLAIN SERVICES, TOURS AND MORESafety tips............................................................................17Home, river, nightclub safety and moreFAQS........................................................................................18QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Pictured left-to-right: David Bobzien (At-Large), Jenny Brekhus (Ward 1), Paul McKenzie (Ward 4), Hillary Schieve (Mayor), Oscar Delgado (Vice

Mayor, Ward 3), Neoma Jardon (Ward 5), and Naomi Duerr (Ward 2).

Providing 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.

MESSAGEFROM city council

Reno.gov/fire | 334-INFO1

Welcome to our 2015 Reno Fire Department Community Report. The City of Reno is experiencing a steady, stable economic recovery that provides positive impacts on all City departments. Despite multiple challenges this past year, our members responded quickly, effectively and professionally to our community’s needs in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Increased community engagement was a key benchmark for our organization this past year as we reached out to senior populations and children within our school system, receiving recognition from the senior community as well as Washoe County School District. Below are more key benchmarks we reached as a department in 2014:

• We received funding to purchase two fire engines scheduled for delivery in July of 2015• We received $1.1 million dollars in Federal and State Grants for emergency tools and equipment• We responded to 33,534 calls for service; a reduction of about 8.5% from 2014 (this is directly due to a change in dispatch protocols)• Structural damage as a result of fires was kept to the room of origin, or minimal damage on a majority of the fires we responded to• During the 2014 fire season, we responded with 87 personnel and nine apparatus to 26 wild land fires in five states• We requested and received a revision to our Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating. This request resulted in a Class 2 ISO rating for the City of Reno• We reorganized the Prevention Bureau to streamline business permits and increased customer service• Our Arson Investigators made eight arson arrests and investigated 113 fires• Our Department was a key player in the County-wide disaster drill that took place at Emmitsburg, Maryland in November 2014

• Fire Station 12 in Damonte Ranch was officially dedicated and opened in April 2014• A Captain’s exam and promotion of ten members was completed in December 2014• Community engagement was pivotal with staff members reaching out to WCSD schools in their neighborhoods, reading in schools, participating in prevention week activities, mentoring, raising funds for the Children’s Cancer Foundation, autism, breast cancer awareness and children and family holiday activities

Once again this Department has demonstrated its value to protecting our community and adding value with its community engagement activities. This is a clear testament to the core beliefs that we embrace as an organization. Of course, no organization could reach any goals without the individual contributions of all members, from the Chief officers, administrative staff, shop and supply personnel, prevention staff and of course our operations division. This document reaffirms “we are good people doing great work.”

Stay Safe,

Chief Michael Hernandez @renochief

MessageFrom chief Hernandez

Reno.gov/fire | 334-INFO 2

The Reno Fire Department provides all-risk emergency services to the 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, emergency preparedness and management of large scale incidents.

Maintaining this level of service requires nearly constant training of our 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 significantly increase 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 our citizens 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 To our Organization• We will work as a team to accomplish the

Department’s missions and goals through open communications, 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 contribution with dignity, fairness and respect.

• We are accountable to those we serve and each other.

AboutThe Reno fire department

Contact information Emergency help: 9-1-1

Non-emergency help, RENO direct: (775) 334-4636

Administration: (775) 334-2300

Website: reno.gov/fire

facebook: facebook.com/renofiredepartmenttwitter: @renofiredeptINSTAGRAM: @renofiredept


The Reno Fire Department (RFD) responded to 35,534 calls for service in 2014. 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 26 paramedics within the Department and are working toward the ability of being able to provide paramedic services to our citizens.

In addition to our 25,685 calls for service for medical emergencies, we also responded to 607 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 during fire-ground operations. Aggressive interior attack is the key to putting fires out while they are small to minimize 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 responds to numerous calls for animal rescue, because our furry or feathered friends are important, too!

Incident response typesOf our total 35,534 calls for service, the graph below illustrates the distribution of calls by percentage. The miscellaneous portion of the graph includes fire alarms, good intent, or unfounded calls.

Emergency Medical Calls: 77%

Miscellaneous: 11%Fire Calls: 2%

Rescue Hazardous ConditionPublic Service Assist: 4%

Vehicle Accidents: 6%

DepartmentResponse Statistics

10Fire prevention

206Fire fighters

22Support staff

RFD STAFF NUMBERS

2014 response STATISTICS Total Calls for service: 33,534

Total FIRE Calls: 607

Total MEDICAL EMERGENCY Calls: 25,685

Busiest day of the week: SATURDAY

Busiest TIME OF THE DAY: 5PM-6PM

Busiest STATION: station #1 - 6,832 CALLS

Response time averagesFrom 911 call to arrival: 7 MINUTES 18 SECONDS

From fire station to scene: 5 MINUTES 46 SECONDS

Average TIME ON SCENE: 16 MINUTES 32 SECONDS


StationNumber Location Apparatus

1 495 East 4th Street Engine, Ladder Truck, and Rescue2 2500 Sutro Street Engine and Brush3 580 West Moana Lane Engine, Ladder Truck, Rescue, HazMat Rig, and Decon Trailer4 1096 Ralston Street Engine5 1500 Mayberry Drive Engine6 3970 Mira Loma Drive Engine and Brush7 3050 Skyline Boulevard Engine and Brush8 3600 Kings Row Engine and Brush9 14005 Mt. Vida Street Engine and Brush

10 5250 North Virginia Street Engine and Brush11 7105 Mae Anne Avenue Engine, Brush, Reserve Truck, Boat Rig, and Heavy Rescue12 1190 Steamboat Parkway Engine and Brush19 2105 Hawk Meadows Trail Engine and Brush21 2501 Mill Street Engine, Brush, and Boat Rig

*RFD LEADERSHIP, Administration and FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU ARE LOCATED AT RENO CITY HALL (One EAST FIRST street) ON THE 4TH FLOOR.

Rescue Hazardous ConditionPublic Service Assist: 4%

Fire EngineLadder truck Rescue Brush rig

Fire stationLocations and Apparatus

Reno.gov/fire | 334-INFOReno.gov/fire | 334-INFO 6

Urban search and rescue teamReno Fire’s Urban Search and Rescue Team (formerly the Technical Rescue Team) is trained to handle some of the “high risk-low frequency” incidents that may occur in our community. The 37-member team specializes in high-angle rope rescue, collapsed building search and shoring, confined space rescue and trench rescue utilizing specialized equipment. Although rare, these types of incidents demand well trained individuals who work together as a team to give a victim the best chance of survival. The team is working towards becoming a Regional Task Force within the FEMA response model.

Hazardous materials response teamThe Reno Fire Department contributes 30 members to the Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team. The team is composed of members from the City of Reno Fire Department, City of Sparks Fire Department and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. All members are trained to the HazMat Technician level with specialized training to respond to chemical, biological and radiological incidents.

The team maintains a variety of sampling and detection devices and the protective equipment necessary for personnel to enter a hot zone and 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 heavy industrial area and occurrence of illegal dumping, means that our team must be ready to respond to minimize the human and environmental effects of hazardousmaterials incidents.

Water entry teamThe Water Entry Team (WET) currently consists of 27 Reno Fire personnel who have received specialized training at the technician level for Swift Water and Ice Rescue. Team members train monthly in both the classroom environment and on the river, lakes and ponds we respond to. Additionally, all team members must pass on annual fitness test that exceeds the standards of the United States Life Saving Association for Aquatic Rescue Response Teams.

The team has two apparatus equipped with zodiac-style rubber inflatable boats, whitewater rafts, inflatable and hardshell kayaks, river boards and an ice rescue sled. WET receives an average of 45 calls for service each year. 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 depending on the season’s snow volume.

SpecialTeams


2Reno.gov/fire | 334-INFO 22

Councilmember Oscar Delgado (left) attends a WET training drill in the Truckee River.


The Fire Prevention Division has four main functions: Fire Inspections, Fire

Investigation, Plan Review and Public Education.

Fire 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.

Fire 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 occurrence, such as product recalls, public awareness, increased code compliance inspections, or arresting and prosecuting an arsonist. Fire Prevention investigators are Nevada P.O.S.T. certified peace officers. In 2014, Fire Prevention investigated 113 fires of which approximately 43 percent were determined to be incendiary in nature.

Fire Prevention also reviews plans to determine compliance with the 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 and proper and adequate exiting.

The Reno Fire Department provides public education programs upon request. Both our engine companies and our prevention personnel have an active presence in our community. Many school and scouting groups also enjoy station tours.

Work Load Overview

Fire Prevention

20%Plan

Reviews

13%Fire

Investigations

9%Training

4%Special event plan reviews

1%Public

Education

53%Field

Inspections


The Reno Fire Prevention Bureau investigated 113 fires within the city in

2014. The Bureau made eight arson arrests and issued three citations. From these investigated fires, there were five civilian fatalities and 27 civilian smoke and burn victims (all five fatalities occurred in the victim’s homes.)

Juvenile Related firesThere was a total of 15 juvenile related fires suppressed in 2014: Seven brush fires, one commercial structure, four fires involving personal property and three residential structure fires.

Citizen requests ReceivedThrough Reno direct (334-INFO)Reno Direct, a non-emergency customer center, assists citizens and visitors with city service requests and general information. When a call, email, or chat comes in to Reno Direct, the request is logged and assigned to a City Department. The Reno Fire Department responds to several Reno Direct requests. A break down, by percentage, of those calls for service is illustrated below.

2014 Fire cause statisticsAccidental: 43.8%

Incendiary: 42.9%

Undetermined: 12.3%

Act of Nature: 0.8%

Common causes of residential firesIntentional 33.9%

Cooking 13.2%

Smoking 13.2%Heating 13.2%Electrical & lighting 13.2%Hash oil 9.4%

Candles 3.8%

Residential

Commercial Vehicle

Call typesUndetermined

Accidental

Incendiary

wildland

57%Fire

Prevention

18%Fire codeViolation

7%Red zone Violation

5%Fire

Hazard

5%Fire

Undefined

2%Inspection

Request

7%Broken

Hydrants

InvestigationSummary report


The Training Division provides training for the entire department ranging from Wildland Training

to Night Drills to Emergency Medical Services. The division also supports the training of the special teams on the department including HazMat, Water Entry Team and the Urban Search and Rescue Team.

In 2014, the Training Division also provided in-house Incident Safety Officer (ISO) classes resulting in 24 members receiving their National Fire Academy ISO credential. A second ISO class was held during the second week of January and doubled the number of ISO qualified members in the department.

The division also assisted in implementing a promotional test for suppression captains within the department. Ten new captains were promoted in December 2014.

One of the major accomplishments for the division this year was training every EMT in the department to new state mandated level required for every EMT in Nevada. The program consisted of 30 hours of additional training beyond the normal annual continuing education requirements expected of every EMT. This was accomplished prior to the December 2015 deadline mandated by the State of Nevada.

Reno fireTraining division

2Reno.gov/fire | 334-INFO 2

Councilmember Naomi Duerr (left) and Mayor Hillary Schieve (right) attend a fire training event.


CommunityENGAGEMENTCommunity assistance programThe Reno Firefighters Community Assistance Program (RFFCAP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides assistance to members of the community, firefighters, and their families who have been affected negatively by fire and nature disasters. Over the last 10 years, RFFCAP has been able to help hundreds in the community after a devastating setback. While we can’t completely restore anyone’s life to normal, we hope to at least help them get back to work and the kids back in school with the supplies they need to be successful. In recent years, we have added a program to help pay veterinary bills for animals injured during fire or other incidents when the owner does not have the means to pay. The RFFCAP is a 100% volunteer based, funded by the sale of Reno Fire clothing items, donations from the public and by organization fundraising events.

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 www.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 www.reno.gov/fire.

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.

The Chaplain provides extended outreach as a liaison with the Reno Firefighters Community Assistance Program and partners with the American Red Cross.

Chaplain Arvin provided over 2,200 hours of service in 2014 earning him the “Community Service Hero Award” from The American Red Cross at their Annual 2014 Real Heroes Ceremony.


CommunityENGAGEMENTSmoke alarm programsThe Reno Fire Department offers free smoke alarms to city residents through a grant funded program aimed at helping low income individuals be safer at home. We also offer special devices for the hearing impaired. These can be picked up in person at City Hall or if needed, a firefighter will come to your home and install the unit at no cost. Visit www.reno.gov/fire for more information.

Incident management teamsThe Reno Fire Department proudly supports both local and national Incident Management Teams. Our members go through stringent training, qualification and a selection process to serve with these teams. The Incident Management Teams are on-call year round for a wide range of emergencies, including fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials, terrorist actions and other emergency incidents. Reno Fire Department resources represent command, general staff and support positions on these teams. Since the personnel deployed gain significant training and experience, this benefits our community by increasing our ability to manage local emergencies.

Charity and non-profit organizationsThe Reno Fire Department proudly supports the following causes:

• Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, nvchildrenscancer.org

• Natalia’s Night• St. Baldricks Foundation,

stbaldricks.org

• Big Brothers/Big Sisters, bbbsnn.org

• JUSTin HOPE Foundation, justinhope.org

• Susan G. Komen, komen.org• Mom’s on the Run,

momsontherun.info• Washoe County School District• Senior Citizen Outreach• Gatekeeper program• Osher Lifelong Learning• Older American’s 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


RFD goes pink to raise awareness of breast cancer and support Susan G. Komen and Mom’s on the Run.

RFD goes green in support of Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation and St. Baldrick’s Foundation.


SafetyTipsHome SafetyResidential fires account for nearly 400,000 of the fires reported annually in the United States. On average, fires in recent years have caused more than 3,000 deaths and approximately 18,000 injuries. Most of these deaths and injuries occur in the home.

Many of these deaths and injuries could be prevented by following some simple home safety tips such as installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, having a home escape plan, and creating defensible space around your home to prevent the threat of wildfires.

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.

Nightclub/Establishment SafetyEvery day, millions of people wake up, go to work or school, and take in social events. But every so often the unexpected happens: an earthquake, a fire, a chemical spill, an act of terrorism or some other disaster. People entering any public assembly building need to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Before you enter• Have a communication plan. Identify a

relative or friend beforehand to contact in case of emergency and you are separated from family or friends.

• Pick a meeting place outside to meet family or friends with whom you are attending the function.

When you enter• Locate exits immediately. Always be

prepared to use the exit closest to you. During an emergency• React Immediately. If an alarm sounds,

you see smoke or fire, or other unusual disturbances, immediately exit the building in an orderly fashion to your closest exit – keep in mind that it may not be the main exit.

• Get out, stay out! Once you have escaped, stay out. Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. Let trained firefighters conduct rescue operations.

Fireplace/Burn safetyDid you know that there is a Burn Code determined each day by the Washoe County Health Department based on our current air quality that tells us if we are allowed to burn? Keep it clean. Know the code by visiting www.washoecounty.us.


Why do several fire engines respondTo what looks like a minor call?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 call taker. Sometimes this information may not be complete, however, dispatch will always err on the side of caution and send what they feel is appropriate. There may be several fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a minor incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is minor, we can be horribly mistaken.

What is the difference between aFire 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. Please see apparatus pictures on page 13.

Do firefighters pay for their food whenYou see them in stores or does the cityPay for their meals?

Each firefighter pays for his or her own food. Typically, a ‘store list’ is prepared at the start of each shift where everyone at the station pays in and meals are decided upon. Then after shopping for food, the cost of each meal that day is added up and change is given.

Why does the fire department send a fire engineWith 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.

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.

FrequentlyASKED QUESTIONS


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