Fire Chief Report: June 10—July 7, 2013

............................CALLS FOR SERVICE
 ....................This Report ........Year to Date
 EMS..................  58....................321
 Fire/Other........     32....................113
 Total................. 90.................. .434
 2012..........   1/1/12–7/7/12.............. 353

 Year to date responses have increased 22.95%

• Fire Chief’s Goals and Priorities for 2013
• Execute the mission of OIFR through direction of the Board of Commissioners
• Improve and maintain fiscal accountability for all OIFR operations
• Provide positive leadership for OIFR and our community Improve reliability and performance for OIFR
• Update the OIFR strategic plan
• Provide sound management and oversight for all operations, equipment, facilities, projects and programs for OIFR
  • Update all policy, procedures and guidelines
  • Improve all communications (Radio, Interdepartmental, Community)
  • Expand public programs
• Foster open and clear communications with the Orcas Island Community and our surrounding partners

Notable Alarms

Vehicle Accident Sunday, June 30, we responded to Channel Road in the Deer Harbor neighborhood for the report of a vehicle that had gone off the road and landed in the water. The car left Channel Road, travelled down the embankment and landed upside down in the waters of Deer Harbor. The two occupants were rescued by citizens who heard the crash. The passenger was airlifted to a mainland hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the driver was evaluated and did not require further medical assistance.

Smoke in a Residence Tuesday, June 18, we responded to a report of, “a house full of smoke with smoke alarms going off.” Firefighters arrived four minutes later and encountered moderate smoke on the main floor of the home and heavy concentrations of smoke on the second floor. A rapid search revealed a pot burning on the stove. The pot was removed and the home cleared of smoke. Three dogs were in the home and were safely contained outside by a neighbor who initially discovered the problem. There were no injuries to citizens or responders.

SCUBA Diving Incident Monday, July 30, we responded to Deer Harbor area to assist a female patient who had experienced possible medical complications from SCUBA diving. The patient was assessed, found to be medically stable and was able to continue vacationing on Orcas Island.

News and Events

EMS Town Hall Meeting Thursday, June 13, at 4:00 p.m. Orcas Island Fire and Rescue hosted a community to a “Town Hall” meeting to explain our emergency medical program and discuss possible solutions for after-hours medical care. The meeting was well attended.

Orcas Cares On June 27th we worked with our Orcas Cares partners, the Senior Center, Lahari, Orcas Medical Foundation, Hearts and Hands, and the Lion’s Club to assist 70 seniors in preparing “What If Packets” which contained medical information to be used by responders in case of a medical emergency. Participants were provided medical assessments including base line EKGs and vital signs. Participants also completed medication lists and Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, all of which were included in the “What If Packets.”

The Orcas Cares program helps seniors and disabled people and has proven to be a success since its inception in April. A key to the success of the program has been the community partnerships driving the program.

Firewise OIFR convened our newly formed Firewise Team and is working to develop a plan for our island Firewise program addressing the Community Wildfire Protection Plan that was adopted by San Juan County in 2012. For more information on Firewise, go to the following link ~ https://www.firewise.org

Deer Harbor Station 24 Consistent with our future planning, Station 24 was staffed from 9 pm to 8 am from July 3 thru July 7 with two responders each night.

Pancake Breakfast Our Volunteer Association hosted our world famous pancake breakfast on Saturday, July 6, at the Eastsound Fire Hall. The breakfast was a big success with lots of people served.

Alaska Fire Deployment OIFR members, Assistant Fire Marshal Paul Turner and Administrative Assistant Lindsay Schirmer were deployed to the Stewart Creek Fire II near North Pole, Alaska. Paul and Lindsay are members of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Fire Incident Management Team 3 and assisted in the administrative management of the fire from June 30 through July 7. We appreciate their service and it’s good to have them home!

Looking Ahead

Paramedic/Duty Officer Search OIFR will be conducting an evaluation process for our three vacant Paramedic/Duty Officer positions. Applicants will be screened and tested through a comprehensive assessment center to be held over the weekend of July 27. It is our goal to have the new Paramedic/Duty Officers hired by August 1.

Firewise Town Hall Meeting Thursday, August 8, OIFR will be hosting an informational town hall meeting about the Firewise program featuring Jack Cohen. Mr. Cohen is the pre-eminent researcher on wildfire and home ignitions. He is a founder of the Firewise Communities/USA recognition program. (A firm time for the meeting will be announced soon.)

Board of Fire Commissioners Working Session July 30 at 5:30 p.m., the OIFR Board of Fire Commissioners will be conducting a working session to discuss the strategic plan and future funding for the district.

Pancake Breakfasts and Chicken Dinner Our Volunteer Association will be hosting our world famous “Fly In” pancake breakfast on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 at the Eastsound Fire Hall. A chicken dinner will be served on Saturday evening as well. Bring your family and guests to these tasty events as they are always fun and no one leaves hungry.