Annual Report 2019
RENO FIRE DEPARTMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
03 04 06 07 08 10 12 14
16 18 20 22 24 28 30 31
MESSAGE FROM FIRE CHIEF
ABOUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
RESPONSE DISTRICTS BY WARD
MISSION STATEMENT
FIRE STATIONS
RESPONSE STATISTICS
SPECIAL TEAMS
TRAINING DIVISION
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.
RENO CITY COUNCIL
Mayor
Hillary Schieve
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At-Large
Devon Reese
Ward 1
Jenny Brekhus
Ward 2
Vice Mayor Naomi Duerr
Ward 3
Oscar Delgado
Ward 4
Bonnie Weber
Ward 5
Neoma Jardon
MESSAGE FROM FIRE CHIEF We had another busy year in 2018. In addition to essentially matching our historic call volume of 2017, we also continue to advance in all aspects of our Department while working toward our strategic goals. Department priorities continue with adding new/ additional personnel, replacing our fire apparatus fleet, and replacing aging fire stations. We have made positive progress on the apparatus fleet replacement with 2 engines and a ladder truck currently on order. We expect to take delivery of these apparatus at the end of 2019. We also brought a proposal to the City Council which details a long term plan for the systematic replacement of our apparatus.
We responded to and assisted our Federal, State and Local firefighting agencies with 155 personnel and 24 apparatus on 54 wildland fires in 8 states. We will receive over $1.6 million in reimbursements for our services performed on these incidents. As part of these responses the Department deployed fire-line paramedics for the first time in our history. We secured public and private grant funding in the amount of $1.35 million dollars for the acquisition of one fire truck and one fire engine to address the needs of our aging fleet of apparatus.
The Fire Prevention Bureau conducted 5,788 business related inspections including business We continue to provide the highest level of service to the license approvals, special event checks, reoccurring City of Reno residents, operating 14 fire stations and 17 district inspections, issuing permits, re-inspections for fire companies with 213 line personnel, responding to compliance and complaints, reviewed a total of 1,834 nearly 42,000 calls for service, despite staffing levels that new construction plans and performed 3,667 new match those from 1999. We have been fortunate to make construction acceptance inspections, and investigated some strides in increased staffing of our mechanics’ shop 200 fires and made 12 arrests. and the Fire Prevention Bureau; so the focus looking As always, community outreach is one of our priorities. forward is to add to the ranks of our line personnel. The Department and our members continue to support The Department is also continuing down the path of charitable organizations such MDA, Northern Nevada being a dynamic, progressive Department that values Children’s Cancer Foundation, Mom’s on the Run and and respects its history but is nimble enough to take our signature holiday events to support our community advantage of new opportunities as they arise. We have -- the Children’s Christmas Party and the Sam Saibini updated our computerized staffing program to take Food Basket Program. I cannot say enough about the advantage of the latest technology. We are in the process members of this Department and the time they spend, of implementing a new, department-wide inventory both on and off duty, supporting these efforts and many system that will not only track all of our equipment and programs and events in our community. supplies, it will also make us more efficient by allowing As we go into 2019, we will continue to provide the us to more efficiently track and utilize those supplies. And we continue to work toward helping the City Council highest level of service to our community. We will continue to be innovative as a Department to take achieve their strategic priorities, including the expansion advantage of opportunities as they arise. We will work of our paramedic service levels as we now have eight closely with our city leaders as advocates for our companies that provide paramedic level service. Department and we will look for creative ways to promote We continue to see promotional opportunities throughout advances in the Department’s strategic priorities. the Department. In 2018, we promoted 8 Captains, 10 The Department is grateful for the support it receives Fire Equipment Operators and a Mechanic Supervisor. from all City leaders and we will continue to work In addition, we brought 12 new firefighters on line to collaboratively with Mayor Hillary Schieve to support compensate for our normal attrition. and advance the City’s strategic priorities including I would be remiss if I did not give kudos to the many promoting vibrant neighborhoods and public places Department members who are stepping up and taking along with well managed growth. The members of the ownership to move this Department forward. Whether it Reno Fire Department will do their part by continuing to is taking outside classes and then coming back to teach provide the best service in Northern Nevada. As your our members about new and innovative approaches to Fire Chief I am honored and grateful for the support of the job, assuming responsibility for our ongoing in-house this Department and this Community and I will continue training for prospective Captains or coming forward to to work hard to make this Department a source of pride help promote our recruiting efforts to expand the scope for the City of Reno. and diversity of the pool of prospective firefighters. Each of these efforts, and many more, not only move the Department forward but also demonstrate the desire and motivation to make this Department their own. Some additional highlights from 2018 include: We responded to a total of 41,727 calls in 2018. This is just fractionally less than the number of calls in 2017 Reno Fire Chief David R. Cochran which was an all time high. Our average response time RFD Est. May 10, 1888 was 6 minutes 27 seconds. Reno Fire Department | Annual Report 2019
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Reno.Gov/Fire
EMERGENCY 9-1-1 NON-EMERGENCY (775) 334-4636 ADMINISTRATION (775) 334-2300 WEBSITE Reno.Gov/Fire SOCIAL MEDIA RenoFireDepartment @RenoFireDept @RenoFireDept
OUR VALUES TO OUR ORGANIZATION
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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
Dick Nachtsheim
Seth Wiliams
Tray Palmer
A-Shift Battalion Chief (2)
Captains Operators Firefighters
B-Shift Battalion Chief (2)
56 Hour Training Captain (3)
Logistics Officer
Equipment Supply Technician
Fire Equipment Superintendent
Fire Equipment Mechanics (4) Equipment Service Writer
SERVICES
Fire Prevention Captain (2)
Admin Secretary
Dennis Nolan
EMS Captain
Management Assistant Office Assistant II Program Assistant
Fire Inspector I (3) Fire Inspector II (9)
Water Supply Inspector Captains Operators Firefighters
C-Shift Battalion Chief (2)
Captains
223 | EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 16 | FIRE PREVENTION 8 | ADMINISTRATION 6 | FLEET MAINTENANCE 3 | SAFETY & TRAINING 1 | EMS
257 TOTAL PERSONNEL COUNT
Operators Firefighters
Reno Fire Department | Annual Report 2019
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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
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FIRE STATIONS
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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
41,727| Station 1
TOTAL CALLS IN 2018
Station 2
495 East 4th Street Station 3
2500 Sutro Street Station 4
580 West Moana Lane Station 5
Station 6
1500 Mayberry Drive
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1096 Ralston Street
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
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RESPONSE STATISTICS The RFD had 41,727 calls for service in 2018. 67% of these calls were for emergency medical services. All RFD apparatus are capable of providing care at the Intermediate Life Support level. We have 50 paramedics within the Department and are now able to provide paramedic services and advanced level of care to our citizens. We also responded to 913 fire calls, or an average of about two
41,727|
913| 20.6% 8,575
STATION 1
9.6% 4,004
STATION 2
6.4% 2,650
STATION 8
10
4.8% 1,996
STATION 9
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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.
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, which includes extricating people trapped in vehicles, elevators
TOTAL CALLS IN 2018
28,093|
FIRE CALLS IN 2018
14.3% 5,963
STATION 3
3.9% 1,643
STATION 10
8.6% 3,592
STATION 4
3.2% 1,330
STATION 11
4.7% 1,961
STATION 5
5.3% 2,231
STATION 12
MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALLS IN 2018
6.6% 2,757
STATION 6
0.6% 259
STATION 19
2.3% 966
STATION 7
9.0% 3,774
STATION 21
Saturday BUSIEST DAY
5-6pm
Station 1
BUSIEST TIME
BUSIEST STATION 20.6% of total call volume
7min 54 sec
6 min 27 sec
14 min 58 sec
FROM 9-1-1 CALL TO ARRIVAL
FROM STATION TO SCENE
AVERAGE TIME SPENT ON SCENE
0.0% 2.2% 0.0%
913 FIRE
7 RUPTURES/EXPOSURES
0.4% 156 OTHER
4.9% 2,048 FALSE
1.0%
1 WEATHER RELATED
422 HAZMAT
21.5% 67.3%
28,093 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)
8,952 GOOD INT
2018 TYPES OF CALLS FOR SERVICE
2.7%
1,135 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
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SPECIAL TEAMS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM RFD contributes 40 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 32 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 38 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 12
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rescue. Although rare, these types of incidents require many welltrained 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 2018, the Training Division managed a recruit firefighter training program, which included a 16 week firefighter academy for 16 recruits, and managing specialized
individual recruit training for an additional nine months for each of the recruit firefighters.
ANNUAL DEPARTMENT TRAINING The Training Division delivered over 30,000 man hours of training in 2018, from federally mandated programs to fire departmentspecific emergency medicine training and fire-ground tactics and strategy classes. In 2018, the Training Division coordinated the creation of innovative departmentwide training that was identified and advocated by frontline firefighters as important to the safety of the citizens and firefighters, including Fire Dynamics Training and Vent/ Enter/Isolate/Search Training. The Training Division delivered two Acting Captains Academies in 2018, twice sending 36 qualified personnel through 48 hours of classroom training, assigning taskbooks, and bringing outside classes and trainers to this group to increase the competence of RFD fire crews. Nevada State training classes were delivered, including Incident Safety Officer, Preparation for Initial Company Operations, and Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations. 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 14
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Urban Search and Rescue Team, and oversaw two separate monthlong night drills, with a Ice Rescue Drill in the Winter and an Emergency Medical Firefighter Rescue Drill in the Fall. The Training Division has increased the Fire Department commitment to working with the community to acquire and train on abandoned buildings as part of City of Reno urban revitalization goals. Additionally, the Training Division continues to lead the way for the Fire Department’s migration to mobile electronic data recording. The Training Division continues to coordinate with outside agencies to implement state of the art mutually beneficial training, such as working with Reno Police 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, training for and wildland/urban interface incidents that occur in the Reno area on a regular basis.
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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.
16.2%
FIRE INSPECTIONS
1,834 NEW CONSTRUCTION PLAN REVIEW
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 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.
51.3%
2018 FPB PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION WORK LOAD DISTRIBUTION
32.5%
3,667 NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS
5,788 REOCCURRING DISTRICT INSPECTIONS Includes new businesses, annual re-inspects, special events complaints & childcare
PLAN REVIEW Fire Prevention also reviews plans to determine compliance with the adopted 2018 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 2018 increased by 25% from the previous year.
25% PLAN REVIEW INCREASE 16
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PUBLIC EDUCATION 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.
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 2018, the Reno Fire Department investigated 351 fires within the City of Reno. The Fire Investigation Arson Unit investigated 200 of these fires and made 12 arson arrests. 13 of these fires were juvenile related. From these fires we had 0 civilian fatalities and 13 civilian smoke and burn victims. The estimated dollar amount for fire loss was $3,387,257.
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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
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to many types of emergencies throughout the year.
prepared, safe and resilient during a disaster.
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.
For more information on how you can prepare for a disaster, visit Reno.Gov/Fire.
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
Reno Fire Department | Annual Report 2019
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 2018 saw great advancements in our EMS Division. RFD responded to 28,093 emergency medical calls in calendar year 2018. In addition to providing emergency medical training, certifications and licensing maintenance to our 223 personnel, the EMS supports the Operations Division with the medical supplies, equipment and drugs to do their job. RFD graduated another recruit academy in 2018 which added 6 additional paramedics, 2 AdvancedEMT and another 8 EMT's to our ranks. Following four months of firefighter training, all of the recruits receive a full week of EMS refresher which includes certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Life Support (PALS) and International Trauma Life Support (ITLS). The new recruits will help staff an additional Engine Company RFD added to its response capabilities in 2018. This has brought our Paramedic response capabilities to 2 Rescue-Ambulances, 1 RescueSquad and 6 Engine Companies. RFD has 12 certified CPR Instructors and has provided dozens of CPR classes and demonstrations
throughout the community. The EMS Division conducted 3 (one per shift) Advanced-EMT courses for department EMTs, again upgrading the level of on-scene care we provide with 16 new AEMTs on the line. RFD received two grants which provided the EMS Division with 4 new ZOLL X ECG/Defibrillator monitors, expanding the level of care our Paramedics provide with the highest quality state-of-theart technology. Looking forward to 2019, we plan to staff another Paramedic Engine Company. Recognizing the unfortunate reality of today’s threat environment, RFD has conducted, in cooperation with the Reno Police Department, active assailant response task force or, “RTF” training. We will continue to expand our capabilities and proficiency to these types of incidents throughout 2019. Additionally, we conducted three Division level training courses and two station-station hands on skill drills and numerous other EMS training opportunities for all of our line firefighters.
RFD provides medical coverage for dozens of special events and gatherings throughout the city each year. The EMS Division coordinates with the Operations Division, RPD, and other local governmental and private agencies to ensure these events are enjoyable, safe and successful for all attending. RFD has partnered with the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) College of Public Health’s bachelor degree program by providing two students internship opportunities with the EMS Division. The students will work with RFD community efforts in improving cardiac arrest outcomes and better response options to Reno’s high incidence “hot-zones” calls. Additionally, our EMS Division actively participates in all local, county and state meeting and work groups which are helping refine and improve our regions emergency medical response services.
28,093|
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CALLS
2018 RECRUIT ACADEMY GRADUATES CREATED AN ADDITIONAL
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6
2
8
PARAMEDICS
ADVANCED EMTS
EMTS
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FLEET MAINTENANCE RFD utilizes a dedicated Fleet Maintenance Facility, which maintains more than 140 fire department vehicles. In addition to the heavy equipment, ambulances and automotive stock, our shop maintains almost anything with a motor including portable pumps, chainsaws, positive pressure ventilation fans and even snowblowers and weed-eaters. Four Emergency Apparatus Technicians and a Fire Equipment Superintendent with over 120 years combined experience maintain all this equipment. Other than windshields, radiators and transmissions, our shop performs all work from replacing 750-gallon
water tanks and diesel engines to fabrication and welding. Our fire engines range in age from 1986 (older than two of our technicians) to 2017. RFD placed orders for two new pumpers and a new aerial ladder truck during the 2018/2019 fiscal cycle and plan to duplicate that order in the 2019/2020 fiscal year. When these new vehicles arrive, the mechanics will be tasked with taking a shell of a fire truck and transforming it to a fully capable “All Risk� emergency apparatus, protecting a neighborhood like yours. The RFD Fleet Maintenance Shop shares 28,550 square feet with
Logistics and our supply warehouse. Our Logistics Officer and Equipment Parts Technician take care of all our logistical needs from axes, ladders, fire hoses and nozzles, furniture and dishes in the station and Personal Protective Equipment like brush firefighting gear, structural firefighting gear, airway protection and possibly most important, TP. We rely on the logistics team to take care of our firefighters on extended incidents as they plan for and procure, warm dry clothing, food and coffee to keep our troops healthy and fed when some mitigation efforts continue for days.
FIRE ENGINES RFD has 21 front-line structure fire engines. Engine companies are responsible for securing a water source, deploying hose lines, conducting search-and-rescue operations, and putting water on the fire. 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
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AMBULANCES RFD has four ambulances, referred to as Rescues. Rescue 19 provides Advanced medical support to the Somersett area and Rescue 7 provides Paramedic service to the Skyline area, both Rescues are responding out of previously browned out fire stations. Rescue 21 responds with our UTV to provide Paramedic and Advanced medical support to our vigorous special event calendar and satisfy the medical support requirements outlined in NRS 450B while keeping Reno safe for you and our visitors. In addition, an RFD Rescue responds to all “Working Fires� to provide medical and rehabilitation support for our firefighters. RFD has collaborated with other local agencies to provide surge capacity for Paramedic transport through Mutual Aid requests.
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) 334-2300 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 nine-hour 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 2018, RFD had the opportunity to talk with over 2,500 children and we project to exceed that number in 2019.
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Reno Fire Department | Annual Report 2019
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 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, etc., and follow-up care for those displaced by fire, water damage or natural disasters. 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 1,900 hours of service to the community in 2018. An additional 490 hours of service was provided to local area hospitals and Medical Examiner’s office.
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 with 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 28 calls for service in 2018. Of those calls, 61% were water-related and 39% were ice related. These events occurred in or around the Truckee River and in other lakes, ponds and 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.
39% ICERELATED
As a comparison to recent events, in 1997 the Truckee was measured at 18,200 cfs, and in 2005 at 16,000 cfs. 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.
28 CALLS FOR SERVICE 61%
WATERRELATED
TRUCKEE RIVER STATS
120
MILES LONG 28
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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. Reno Fire Department | Annual Report 2019
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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 cost-effective 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
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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.
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.
SMOKE DETECTORS Located on every level of the home. Located inside and outside sleeping areas. 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.
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS Located on every level of the home. Should not be more than seven years old.
COOKING SAFETY Leave no items that can burn around any cooking area. Ensure someone stays in the kitchen when they are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food. Ensure pot handles are always turned toward the back of the stove.
FIRE SAFETY To prevent children from starting fires, lock up matches, lighters, cigarettes, candles, etc. Dispose of fireplace ashes property.
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.
Make Safety your priority Reno Fire Department | Annual Report 2019
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