2015-2016 Reno Fire Department: Community Report

City of Reno

Fire Department Community Report 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 MESSAGE FROM CHIEF COCHRAN 4 ABOUT THE RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT Mission, Values and Contact Information

6 FIRE STATIONS

Locations and Total Calls

8 DEPARTMENT RESPONSE STATISTICS Statistics and Time Averages

10 SPECIAL TEAMS

Incident Management Teams, Hazardous Materials Repose Team, Water Entry Team and Urban Search and Rescue Team

12 FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION

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

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RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT THEN & NOW EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FLEET MAINTENANCE TRAINING DIVISION Annual Department Training and Firefighter Recruit Academy

20 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 22 24 25 26

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

CHARITY & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FAQS SAFETY TIPS RENO 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).

MESSAGE FROM CITY COUNCIL 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 2

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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.

MESSAGE FROM CHIEF COCHRAN We 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:

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.

• 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.

Chief David Cochran

• 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 2015-2016 2016 Fire Department Community Report

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ABOUT RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT 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.

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.

OUR MISSION To 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.

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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 VALUES TO OUR 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION Emergency: 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: (775) 334-4636 Administration: (775) 334-2300 Website: Reno.Gov/Fire @RenoFireDept @RenoFireDept Facebook.com/RenoFireDepartment

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FIRE STATIONS STATION 1 495 East 4th Street

7,071

Total Calls

21.0%

STATION 2 2500 Sutro Street

3,119

Total Calls

9.3%

STATION 3 580 West Moana Lane

5,405

Total Calls

16.0%

STATION 4 1096 Ralston Street

2,909

Total Calls

8.6%

STATION 5 1500 Mayberry Drive

1,683

Total Calls

5.0%

STATION 6 3970 Mira Loma Drive

2,225

Total Calls

6.6%

STATION 7 3050 Skyline Boulevard

163

Total Calls

0.5%

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STATION 8

2,270

3600 Kings Row

Total Calls

6.7%

STATION 9 14005 Mount Vida Street

1,575

Total Calls

4.7%

STATION 10 5250 North Virginia Street

1,154

Total Calls

3.4%

STATION 11 7105 Mae Anne Avenue

1,171

Total Calls

3.5%

STATION 12 1190 Steamboat Parkway

1,655

Total Calls

4.9%

STATION 19 2105 Hawk Meadow Trail

43

Total Calls

0.1%

STATION 21 2501 Mill Street

3,253

Total Calls

9.7%

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DEPARTMENT RESPONSE STATISTICS RESPONSE STATISTICS Total Calls for Service 33,696 Total Fire Calls 657 Total Medical Emergency Calls 25,250 Busiest Day of the Week Friday Busiest Time of the Week 5pm-6pm Busiest Station Station #1 - 7,071 calls

RESPONSE TIME AVERAGES From 911 Call to Arrival 6 minutes 18 seconds From Fire Station to Scene 5 minutes 53 seconds Average Time on Scene 18 minutes 53 seconds

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The 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!

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Rupture/Explosion calls

25,250

0.03%

EMS calls

74.93%

657

Fire calls

1.95%

33,686 CALLS FOR SERVICE

BY TYPE IN 2015

1,827

False calls

5.42% 464

Hazmat calls

1.38% 4,361

Good Intent calls

12.94%

1,095

Public Assist calls

3.25%

4

Weather calls

0.01%

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SPECIAL TEAMS INCIDENT MANAGEMENT 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 MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM RFD 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.

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WATER ENTRY TEAM WET 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 SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM RFD’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.

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FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION MISSION STATEMENT The 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 INSPECTIONS 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.

PLAN REVIEW Fire 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.

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FIRE INVESTIGATIONS

PUBLIC EDUCATION

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 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.

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. Some of the programs we offer include station tours, fire extinguisher training, home escape planning, and general fire safety for children.

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.

311

118

Special Event Plan Overview calls

Fire Investigations calls

1.4%

3.8%

2,025

311

New Construction Inspections calls

24.5%

Re-occuring District Inspections calls

FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION WORK LOAD DISTRIBUTION

171

Other Service calls

2.1%

31.6%

(Annual, re-inspects, complaints and child care)

1,002

1,759

New Business License Inspections calls

New Construction Plan Reviews calls

12.1%

21.3%

245

Special Event Inspections calls

3.0%

27

Public Education Events calls

0.3%

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RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT THEN & NOW

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 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.

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FLEET MAINTENANCE 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.

FIRE ENGINE

LADDER TRUCK

RESCUE

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TRAINING DIVISION 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 bloodborne pathogen safety officer for all city departments.

ANNUAL DEPARTMENT TRAINING The Training Division delivered over 30,000 man hours of training in 2015, from federally mandated programs to fire department-specific emergency medical training and fireground 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.

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FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT ACADEMY During 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.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STATION TOURS Ever 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) 3337775 or visit Reno.Gov/Fire.

RIDE-ALONGS The Reno Fire Department offers ridealongs for anyone over the age of 18 interested in experiencing the life of a firefighter. Attendees spend a ninehour 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.

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READING IN THE SCHOOLS The 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 SERVICES The 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.

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CHARITY & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS The Reno Fire Department proudly supports the following charities, nonprofit 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

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FAQS WHAT 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?

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, Because emergencies happen at any time, the fire in most cases arriving several minutes before the department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. ambulance and providing extra trained personnel to Firefighters work 48-hour shifts. To maintain this staffing assist in patient care and preparing for transport. For there are three shifts or battalions that each work two critical patients, our personnel will join the ambulance consecutive shifts (48 hours) followed by 96 hours off. crew and ride with the patient to the hospital.

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SAFETY TIPS RIVER SAFETY Here 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.

FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS Smoke 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.

• Never go into the river alone.

People stay in the kitchen when they are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.

• Have a plan and rendezvous point in case you become Pot handles are always turned toward the back of separated. the stove.

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

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.

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RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT THEN & NOW

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