Annual Report 2018
RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
03 04 06 07 08 10 12 14
MESSAGE FROM FIRE CHIEF
ABOUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
RESPONSE DISTRICTS BY WARD
MISSION STATEMENT
FIRE STATIONS
RESPONSE STATISTICS
SPECIAL TEAMS
TRAINING DIVISION
16 18 20 22 24 28 30 31
DIVISION OF FIRE PREVENTION
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
FLEET MAINTENANCE
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
WATER SAFETY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR OWNERS & RENTERS
MESSAGE FROM RENO CITY COUNCIL Providing vibrant neighborhoods and public places 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 fire 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 FIRE CHIEF Once again, I am pleased to present the Annual Report for the Reno Fire Department (RFD). Over the past 12 months, there has been continual change and progress within the Department that serves your community.
Foundation and Moms on the Run. RFD also continued its signature holiday events to support our community - the RFD Children’s Christmas Party and the Sam Saibini Food Basket Program. In addition, we continue to collaborate with the Washoe County School District during National RFD operates 14 fire stations and 17 fire Reading Month in March. This program has companies with 213 total line personnel. In 2017, reached over 1,500 children each year, and we responded to 42,069 calls for service, a 12% allows us to better keep our area children safe increase over 2016, with an average response by visiting elementary school classrooms to read time of 6 minutes. and share our fire safety message. We have maintained this performance standard even though staffing levels match those from 1999. As a point of reference, the New York City Fire Department averaged about 120 calls per firefighter last year. RFD averaged 200. We provide the highest level of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) that can be delivered in the field to our community. We have increased our number of paramedic units from three to six. In 2018, RFD plans to add an additional two paramedic units to our complement. During the 2017 fire season, we responded to and assisted our Federal, State and Local firefighting agencies with 122 personnel and 25 apparatus to 43 wildland fires in 7 states, as well as hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico and St. Croix. We assisted in mitigating two federally declared disasters last year—the January flooding of the Truckee River and spring flooding in the North Valleys—both of which directly affected the citizens of Reno. RFD will receive over $1.1 million in reimbursements for the services performed on these incidents. In July 2017, we placed 16 new fire recruits on line following the completion of a rigorous and challenging 16-week fire academy, our third academy in the past two years.
As we look forward to 2018, my priority will be to continue to provide the highest level of service to our community. We will work toward strengthening our staffing and equipment resources in order to support this service, a goal that will only grow in importance as the City continues to support its strategic priorities including promoting vibrant neighborhoods and public places along with well-managed growth. RFD continues to enjoy tremendous support from Mayor Hillary Schieve and the entire Reno City Council, and the members of the RFD will repay that support by continuing to provide the best service in Northern Nevada. As your Fire Chief, I am grateful for the support of this department and community and I will repay that support by continuing to advocate for progress and growth in RFD and the City of Reno.
Reno Fire Chief David R. Cochran RFD Est. May 10, 1888
In late 2017, RFD conducted its first Community EMT class at no cost to participants. This innovative training program was developed to reach out to members of the community who may have thought about a career in firefighting but, due to various circumstances, were not able to achieve the minimum hiring requirement of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). These 24 students represented all ethnicities, genders and lifestyles, and many may someday apply to be firefighters with the department. Community outreach continues to be a priority. We support charitable organizations such as MDA, Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer
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ABOUT THE RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT ABOUT US The Reno Fire Department (RFD) 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. We now provide paramedic-level service to the citizens and visitors of Reno. This is the highest level of emergency medical care that can be provided in the field. In addition to 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. The minimum annual training requirement to maintain firefighting and medical skills is 240 hours per year. Special teams and company-level drills add significantly to that number of hours.
OUR VALUES TO OUR CITIZENS AND VISITORS The lives and well-being of our citizens, visitors and department members are our highest priority.
the best possible emergency response based on concern, compassion and professionalism in everything we do.
We will be fiscally responsible in all we do.
We strive to provide the highest level of public safety to our citizens.
OUR VALUES TO OUR ORGANIZATION We encourage and promote pride, loyalty and a true sense of ownership in our department and our community. We seek responsibility and take responsibility.
OUR VALUES TO EACH OTHER We are committed to openness and honesty in all situations.
diverse contributions with dignity, fairness and respect.
We value each member of the department and treat each person's
We are accountable to those we serve and to each other.
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EMERGENCY 9-1-1 NON-EMERGENCY (775) 334-4636 ADMINISTRATION (775) 334-2300 WEBSITE Reno.Gov/Fire SOCIAL MEDIA RenoFireDepartment @RenoFireDept @RenoFireDept
We will constantly strive to earn the respect of our community by providing
We will work as a team to accomplish the department’s missions and goals through open communication, cooperation and recognition of shared successes.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Organization chart RENO FIRE CHIEF David Cochran
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HEALTH/ WELLNESS DIVISION
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
ADMIN MANAGER
DIVISION CHIEF
EMS CHIEF
Michele Hobbs
Robert Leighton
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION
SAFETY & TRAINING DIVISION
FACILITIES & FLEET DIVISION
FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION
ADMINISTRATIVE
DIVISION CHIEF
DIVISION CHIEF
DIVISION CHIEF
FIRE MARSHAL
Steve Leighton
Richard Nachtsheim
Seth Wiliams
Tray Palmer
A-Shift Battalion Chief (2)
56 Hour Training Captain (3)
Fire Equipment Mechanic (3)
SERVICES
Fire Prevention Captain (2)
Dennis Nolan
Admin Secretary Management Assistant Office Assistant II Program Assistant
Captains Operators
Logistics
Firefighters
B-Shift Battalion Chief (2)
Fire Service Technician
Equipment Parts Technician
Fire Inspector I (8) Fire Inspector II (2)
Water Supply Inspector Captains
Secretary
TOTAL PERSONNEL COUNT
Operators Firefighters
48 | Captains 51 | Operators
C-Shift Battalion Chief (2)
114 | Firefighters
223 | EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 14 | FIRE PREVENTION 9 | ADMINISTRATION 4 | FLEET MAINTENANCE 3 | TRAINING 1 | EMS
Captains Operators Firefighters
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RESPONSE DISTRICTS BY WARD
LEGEND Fire Stations Reno Fire Districts Ward One 99
Ward Two Ward Three Ward Four
SILVER LAKE
Ward Five
GOLDEN VALLEY
10 10
22 88
19 19
44 11 11
21 21 55
33 77
66
FIRE STATIONS
6
1
495 East 4th Street
8
3600 Kings Row
2
2500 Sutro Street
9
14005 Mount Vida Street
3
580 West Moana Lane
10 5250 North Virginia Street
4
1096 Ralston Street
11 7105 Mae Anne Avenue
5
1500 Mayberry Drive
12 1190 Steamboat Parkway
6
3970 Mira Loma Drive
19 2105 Hawk Meadow Trail
7
3050 Skyline Boulevard 21 2501 Mill Street
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MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is 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.
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FIRE STATIONS
42,069 | Station 1
TOTAL CALLS IN 2017
Station 2
495 East 4th Street Station 3
2500 Sutro Street Station 4
580 West Moana Lane Station 5
1096 Ralston Street Station 6
1500 Mayberry Drive
3970 Mira Loma Drive
Station 7
Station 8
3050 Skyline Boulevard Station 9
3600 Kings Row Station 10
14005 Mount Vida Street
5250 North Virginia Street Station 12
Station 11
1190 Steamboat Parkway
7105 Mae Anne Avenue Station 19
Station 21
2105 Hawk Meadow Trail
2501 Mill Street
RESPONSE STATISTICS The RFD had 42,069 calls for service in 2017, a 12% increase from 2016. 68.5% of these calls were for emergency medical services. All RFD apparatus are capable of providing care at the Intermediate Life Support level. We have 55 paramedics within the Department and are now able to provide paramedic services and advanced level of care to our citizens.
42,069| 815| 19.9% 8,375
STATION 1
9.3% 3,917
STATION 2
6.6% 2,758
STATION 8
10
5.0% 2,096
STATION 9
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We also responded to 815 fire calls, or an average of about two per day. As a busy metropolitan fire department, we staff all fire engines and trucks with four people to allow for maximum efficiency in fire-ground operations. Aggressive interior attack is the key to putting fires out while they are small to minimize damages and provide greater life safety.
which includes extricating people trapped in vehicles, elevators and machinery and water-rescue responses. RFD also responded to numerous calls for animal rescues, because our furry and feathered friends are important too!
We also responded to vehicle accidents and rescue calls,
TOTAL CALLS IN 2017 12% INCREASE FROM 2016
28,816|
FIRE CALLS IN 2017
14.4% 6,058
STATION 3
3.7% 1,576
STATION 10
9.3% 3,931
STATION 4
2.7% 1,143
STATION 11
MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALLS IN 2017
4.7% 1,984
STATION 5
5.2% 2,196
STATION 12
6.9% 2,916
STATION 6
1.0% 437
STATION 19
2.2% 927
STATION 7
8.9% 3,755
STATION 21
Friday
6-7pm
BUSIEST DAY
Station 1
BUSIEST TIME
BUSIEST STATION 20% of total call volume
7min 40 sec
6 min 22 sec
17min 6 sec
FROM 9-1-1 CALL TO ARRIVAL
FROM STATION TO SCENE
AVERAGE TIME SPENT ON SCENE
0.0% 1.9% 0.0%
815 FIRE
9 RUPTURES/EXPOSURES
0.01% 60 OTHER
4.8% 2,027 FALSE
1.1%
7 WEATHER RELATED
462 HAZMAT
21.6% 68.5%
28,816 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)
9,086 GOOD INT
2017 TYPES OF CALLS FOR SERVICE
1.9%
787 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
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SPECIAL TEAMS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM RFD contributes 42 members to the Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team. This hazmat team is composed of members from RFD, Sparks Fire Department and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.
necessary for personnel to enter hazardous areas to control or contain a release.
All members are specially trained to the hazmat technician level to respond to chemical, biological and radiological incidents.
This, coupled with our high density industrial area and occurrence of illegal dumping, means our team must be capable of responding swiftly to minimize the human and environmental effects of hazmat incidents.
The team maintains a variety of detection devices and protective equipment
Reno is a major shipping corridor with interstate highways, railroad lines and an air cargo terminal.
WATER ENTRY TEAM The Water Entry Team (WET) currently consists of 34 Reno firefighters who have received specialized training for swift/still water and ice rescues. Team members train monthly in the classroom, in the river, and in lakes and ponds in the area. 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 zodiacstyle rubber inflatable boats,
URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM RFD's Urban Search and Rescue Team consists of 32 highly trained and dedicated members capable of handling some of the high-risk, lowfrequency incidents that occur in our community. Team members specialize in highangle rope rescue, collapsed building search and shoring, confined-space rescue and trench rescue. Although 12
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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.
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 aboveaverage annual snow pack due to the spring run-off. See page 28 for additional information on RFD WET Team and Water Safety.
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TRAINING DIVISION
The RFD 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. The Training Division also maintains the training records for every fire department employee and manages ongoing training that keeps personnel safe, efficient, knowledgeable, and protected.
FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT ACADEMY In 2017, the Training Division conducted a recruit firefighter training program, which included a 16 week firefighter academy for 16 recruits, and managed specialized individual recruit training for an additional 9 months for each of the recruit firefighters. The Training Division implemented a new Acting Captains Academy in 2017, creating a path that included
sending 36 qualified personnel through 48 hours of classroom training, assigning task books, and bringing outside classes and trainers to this group to increase the competence of RFD fire crews.
ANNUAL DEPARTMENT TRAINING The Training Division delivered over 30,000 hours of training in 2017, from federally mandated programs to fire department-specific emergency medicine training and fireground tactics and strategy classes. In addition, the Training Division supported and helped to coordinate
RFD technical team training for the Hazardous Materials Team, Water Entry Team, and the Urban Search and Rescue Team, and oversaw two separate month-long night drills, with a Technical Rescue Drill in the spring and a High Rise Operations drill in the fall.
TRAINING ENHANCEMENTS
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The Training Division has increased RFD's commitment to working with the community to acquire and train in abandoned buildings as part of City of Reno urban revitalization goals. Additionally, the Training Division is leading the way for the department’s migration to mobile electronic data recording.
Department to begin a training program on mass casualty incident response and supporting and coordinating RFD participation in Traffic Incident Management System instruction to Fire, EMS and police agencies in our area, and training for wildland/urban interface incidents that occur in the Reno area on a regular basis.
The Training Division continues to coordinate with outside agencies to implement state-of-the-art mutually beneficial training, such as working with Reno Police
Finally, the Training Division worked in the last year to initiate a Peer Support Program and support involved employees by providing training and logistical support.
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DIVISION OF FIRE PREVENTION
The Reno Fire Department, 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 for most commercial occupancies is annual
15.9% with priority based on the associated hazards that a site may pose. The conditions we inspect include materials and manner of storage, maintenance of exits, accessibility to fire service personnel, maintenance of fire protection and detection systems and general housekeeping.
8.1%
1,450 NEW CONSTRUCTION PLAN REVIEW
2017 FPB PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION WORK LOAD DISTRIBUTION
45.8%
4,180 NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS
738 SPECIAL EVENT PLAN REVIEW & INSPECTIONS
30.2%
2,758 REOCCURRING DISTRICT INSPECTIONS Includes new businesses, annual re-inspects, complaints & childcare
PLAN REVIEW Fire Prevention also reviews plans to determine compliance with the adopted 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, RFD access, and proper and adequate exiting. The number of construction plans reviewed in 2017 increased by 20% from the previous year.
20% PLAN REVIEW INCREASE 16
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PUBLIC EDUCATION RFD 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.
FIRE INVESTIGATIONS 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 arson investigators are Nevada Peace Officer Standards Training (P.O.S.T.) certified peace officers. In the calendar year of 2017, the Reno Fire Department investigated 312 fires within the City of Reno. The Fire Investigation Arson Unit
investigated 156 of these fires and made 12 arson arrests and 4 juvenile fire-setter referrals. From these investigated fires we had 3 civilian fatalities and 11 civilian smoke and burn victims. The estimated dollar amount for fire loss was $3,409,530.
SELF INSPECTION PROGRAM The City of Reno Fire Department implemented a fire self-inspection program for “low risk� businesses within the City. The optional program provides an opportunity for the Reno Fire Department and the City business community to form a partnership in fire and life safety. It also provides
an economic incentive to the business owner to perform and maintain a fire safe environment while allowing fire inspectors to concentrate on more hazardous (moderate to high risk) businesses. In 2017 over 3,100 businesses participated in the program.
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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Emergency Management for the City of Reno is responsible for administering an all-hazard mitigation, preparedness, protection, response and recovery program to protect Reno residents. The goal is to work collaboratively with regional partners to ensure adequate plans are in place to guide the City of Reno to effectively prepare, respond and recover from disasters. Emergency Management for the City of Reno is organized within RFD; however, the Emergency Management response encompasses all City of Reno departments based on the individual incident. Primary department responders for emergency management are RFD, Reno Police Department (RPD) and the Reno Public Works department. Each of these agencies responds to many
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types of emergencies throughout the year. Fortunately, we very rarely encounter dealing with disasters such as a major earthquakes, floods, large wildfires or acts of terrorism. Nonetheless, we must always be prepared to respond to such an event to provide our citizens with the service and support needed in the event of such a crisis. The City of Reno uses a Regional Emergency Operations Plan to guide actions in the occurrence of a disaster. Emergency preparedness is not only the responsibility of the City of Reno, but also a responsibility for all citizens. Working together will allow the entire community to be more prepared, safe and resilient during a disaster.
In 2017, the City of Reno requested two Federal Emergency Declarations for flooding incidents. The Regional Operations Center was activated for both emergencies. For more information on how you can prepare for a disaster, visit Reno.Gov/Fire.
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES RFD graduated another recruit academy in 2017, which added 8 additional paramedics, 5 AdvancedEMTs and another 4 EMTs to our ranks. Following 4 months of firefighter training, all of the recruits receive a full week of EMS, which includes certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Life Support (PALS). The new recruits will help staff an additional Rescue Unit and Engine Company. This has brought our Paramedic response capabilities to 2 Rescue Ambulances, 1 Rescue Squad and 4 Engine Companies. RFD embarked on an innovative training program to reach out to members of the community who may have thought about a career in firefighting but due to various circumstances were not able to achieve the minimum hiring requirement of being an EMT.
RFD conducted its first Community EMT class at no cost to the 24 participants. These students represented all ethnicities, genders and lifestyles and many may someday apply to the RFD. To keep our firefighters/medics at their peak performance, RFD had certified 6 of its own paramedics as ACLS/PALS instructors and purchased all new bluetooth-capable adult and infant CPR manikins. We conducted 3 division-level training courses and 2 station-level hands-on skill drills and numerous other EMS training opportunities for all of our online firefighters. Our EMS Division actively participates in all local, county and state meeting and work groups, which refines and improves our emergency medical response services.
In 2018, we are planning another Paramedic Engine Company and to add a custom designed Rescue-Ambulance to our first line responses. RFD is on the cutting edge of technology with our electronic patient care reporting and we are looking into buying new electronic tablets to replace the 2 portables we are now using. This allows us to be more expedient and efficient in our on-scene patient assessments and data gathering. We have increased our ability to gather, track and analyze data, which will allow us to make more informed strategic plans to provide our citizens with the highest level of fire protection and EMS.
28,816|
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CALLS 8% INCREASE COMPARED TO 2016
2017 RECRUIT ACADEMY GRADUATES CREATED AN ADDITIONAL
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8
5
4
PARAMEDICS
ADVANCED EMTS
EMTS
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FLEET MAINTENANCE
FIRE ENGINES RFD has 21 front-line structure fire engines. Engine companies are responsible for securing a water source, deploying hose lines, conducting searchand-rescue operations, and putting water on the fire.
Age: Range from 1986 to 2016 Cost: $605,000 Engine $220,000 Equipment
Fire engines have pumps, carry water, have ground, extension and roof ladders, tools, and other equipment.
RESCUE VEHICLE RFD has 5 front-line rescue vehicles. Rescue vehicle companies are a type of specialty firefighting or emergency medical service apparatus. They are designed to provide the specialized equipment necessary for technical rescue situations such as traffic collisions requiring vehicle extrication, building collapses, confined space rescue, rope rescues and swiftwater rescues. They carry an array of special equipment to provide these services. Age: Range from 1986 to 2008 Cost: $350,000 Vehicle $150,000 Equipment 22
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LADDER TRUCKS RFD has 4 front-line ladder trucks. Ladder trucks specialize in forcible entry, ventilation, roof operations, search and rescue operations in and above the fire, and deployment of ground ladders. Ladder trucks do not have pumps, water tanks or carry hose; trucks do not connect to fire hydrants. In addition to the turntable-mounted 105-foot ladder on the apparatus, ladder trucks carry a complement
of different sizes of ground, extension and roof ladders, various tools and other equipment such as extrication tools. Age: Range from 1994 to 2006 Cost: $1,300,000 Truck $300,000 Equipment
BRUSH TRUCKS RFD has 8 front-line brush trucks. These 4-wheel drive vehicles respond to brush/wildland fires, carry water and specialized brush/ wildland fire equipment. Age: Range from 1999 to 2009 Cost: $350,000 Truck $150,000 Equipment
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STATION TOURS Ever wonder what it’s like to work in a fire station? RFD 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-ALONGS RFD offers ride-alongs for anyone over the age of 18 interested in experiencing the life of a firefighter. Attendees spend a ninehour day at a fire station, experiencing firsthand what life in the firehouse is like, and what is involved when responding to emergency calls. Visit Reno.Gov/Fire to apply.
READING IN THE SCHOOLS RFD 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 2017, RFD had the opportunity to talk with over 1,500 children and we project to exceed that number in 2018. 24
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CHAPLAIN SERVICES On-call 24/7, the chaplain responds to assist the incident commander with interaction with members of the public in the midst of an often traumatic situation. The chaplain assists in determining who owns and/ or occupies the property and assuring they are being taken care of in the realm of grief and trauma, physical, emotional and spiritual care. Providing simple items such as a warm blanket, bottled water or assisting in notification of family is vital. Partner agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Reno Firefighters' Community Assistance Program assist with the chaplain as liaison.
Chaplain Stephen Arvin completed 1,693 hours of outreach this past year with an additional 342 hours of support to local law enforcement, fire departments and the Medical Examiner’s Office. If there is a traumatic event taking place, you may well see our chaplain offering care.
PEER SUPPORT TEAM The Peer Support Team (PST) offers emotional assistance and support to the City of Reno's first responders and their families by being a non-judgmental and confidential listener during times of professional or personal crises. The PST assists our peers and vetted resources to additional or specialized assistance. The focus of the PST is to expand the available resources by offering additional choices to personnel who want to talk to someone.
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Each PST member is armed with resources to help prevent the day-to-day stress of the public safety profession. Some members have advanced training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) that allows the team to defuse and/or debrief following traumatic incidents. The PST offers yoga to all City of Reno first responders and their spouses. Yoga is sponsored by a partnership with the Reno Firefighters Local 731 Union.
CHARITY & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 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 of Northern Nevada 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 Renown Children's Hospital American Cancer SocietyRelay for Life American Heart Association Care Chest
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WATER SAFETY
The Water Entry Team (WET) responded to 57 calls for service in 2017. Of those calls, 98% were water-related and 2% was ice-related. 50 of these events occurred in or around the Truckee River and seven occurred in other lakes, ponds or ditches in the City of Reno and beyond. With the 120-mile long Truckee River running through downtown Reno, water safety is a top priority for RFD. The Truckee River drains
3,060 square miles and has an average flow of 804 cubic feet per second (cfs). The maximum recorded flow for the Truckee was in 1963 when the river flowed at 18,900 cfs.
2% ICERELATED
As a comparison to recent events, in 1997 the Truckee was measured at 18,200 cfs, and in 2005 at 16,000 cfs.
57 CALLS FOR SERVICE
It is critical that our citizens understand the power and force of the Truckee River. With that, here is some river, flood and ice safety information to keep you safe.
98%
WATERRELATED
TRUCKEE RIVER STATS
120
MILES LONG
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DRAINS
AVERAGE FLOW
MAXIMUM RECORDED FLOW
SQUARE MILES
CUBIC FEET PER SEC
CUBIC FEET PER SEC IN 1963
3,060
804
18,900
RIVER SAFETY Always wear a personal flotation device. Fish/float/swim/boat with a buddy. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. Save the alcohol for after you leave the river. If you fall in, assume a defensive floating position on your back with your feet facing down the river.
FLOOD SAFETY Keep your distance from raging flood waters. Avoid skin contact with any flood water. Don’t drive through flooded roads. Be prepared to not have tap water at your home for several days
ICE SAFETY #1 Rule – Stay off the ice. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Attempt shore-based rescue, do not enter the ice or water to attempt a rescue. Victim has about 10 minutes of purposeful muscle movement. They will lose heat 25-32 times faster. Hypothermia can cause unconsciousness in as few as 7 minutes.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE FOR FIREFIGHTERS? Because emergencies can 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. Each firefighter works two consecutive shifts (48 hours) followed by 96 hours off. A firefighter's work week averages 56 hours. This is the most costeffective way to provide constant staffing.
56 HOURS WORK WEEK AVERAGE
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FIRE ENGINE AND A FIRE TRUCK? FIRE ENGINE
FIRE TRUCK
Engines respond first and begin to fight the fire. They are equipped with a water pump and a 500-750 gallon water tank to enable quick fire attack until a water source can be secured from a hydrant. The engine carries thousands of feet of fire hose.
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 an elevated position. Trucks also carry multiple ground ladders, numerous power and hand tools, ventilation fans and heavy rescue and extrication equipment.
WHY DOES THE RFD SEND A FIRE ENGINE WITH 4 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 30
Reno.Gov/Fire
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 responding to medical emergencies quickly, we provide the best service to the citizens.
In most cases, an engine will arrive several minutes before an ambulance and provide 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.
SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR OWNERS & RENTERS ESCAPE PLAN Create a fire escape plan that shows two ways out of every room. Ensure everyone knows where the safe meeting place is outside the home. Everyone living in the house should practice the escape plan two times a year.
COOKING SAFETY
SMOKE DETECTORS
Leave no items that can burn around any cooking area.
Located on every level of the home.
Ensure someone stays in the kitchen when they are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
Located inside and outside sleeping areas.
Ensure pot handles are always turned toward the back of the stove.
Test every month by listening for the noise when you press the "test" button. Batteries are changed yearly. Should not be more than ten years old.
CANDLE SAFETY Place in a sturdy fire-proof container that will not tip over. Blow out all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Make Safety your priority
ELECTRICAL & APPLIANCE SAFETY Ensure electrical cords are in good condition and not broken or cut. Clean dryer lint after every use. Ensure electrical outlets are safe and do not feel warm when touched. If they are warm, call the landlord or an electrician.
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS Located on every level of the home. Should not be more than seven years old.
FIRE SAFETY To prevent children from starting fires, lock up matches, lighters, cigarettes, candles, etc. Dispose of fireplace ashes property.
Reno Fire Department | Annual Report 2018
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Reno.Gov/Fire