Lexington Fire Department

Transcription

1 Lexington Fire Department Geographic Information System Fire Suppression Capaility Analysis March 14, 2003

2 Executive Summary This study examines predicted response times and geographic coverage areas for fire department units deployed from current fire stations in Lexington, Massachusetts. Upon analysis of resource deployment and the geographic areas expected to receive coverage from fire department units responding to an incident, it was revealed that the Lexington Fire Department (LFD) currently does not deploy sufficient personnel and apparatus and fails to meet performance ojectives descried in current industry standards. Specifically, the following analysis of the Lexington Fire Department concludes that: The Lexington Fire Department cannot deploy adequate apparatus and personnel on the fire scene to provide for safe and effective rescue and fire suppression operations; The Lexington Fire Department should increase staffing on Engine 1 and Ladder 1 to provide for a minimum of four personnel deployed on these types of apparatus at all times, therey meeting staffing performance ojectives in NFPA 1710 Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Pulic y Career Fire Departments 1 ; The Lexington Fire Department should staff the command vehicle with a Battalion Chief and one firefighter serving as the incident Safety Officer. NFPA Standard 1710, Section , states that, supervisory chief officers shall have staff aides deployed to them for purposes of incident management and accountaility at emergency incidents; These measures will work to ensure that the Lexington Fire Department evolves into compliance with estalished NFPA industry standards and safety regulations. Moreover, it promotes safer and more effective fire suppression and disaster incident mitigation, while expediting the delivery of essential fire and emergency medical services to the citizens of Lexington. 1 NFPA Standard 1710, Sections and , state that engine and ladder companies shall e staffed with a minimum of four on-duty personnel. It should e noted that the NFPA definition accorded to the word shall is as follows: Shall indicates a mandatory requirement. 2

3 Introduction This report summarizes the results of an analysis of station location and emergency response times for the Lexington, Massachusetts Fire Department. Currently, Lexington fire stations are staffed with a minimum numer of personnel who respond on appropriate apparatus, determined y the type of call received. Current station staffing and unit deployment, as well as recommended station staffing and unit deployment are detailed later in this report. The current and Town proposed fire department station staffing and unit deployment plan has een evaluated using the ArcView 3.2a and Network Analyst Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. In recent years, there has een growth in the general areas in, and surrounding, Lexington. Expansions have included residential and commercial constructions, accompanied with population increases. These developments have, in turn, led to increases in demand for emergency services. The fire department has generated a proposal addressing these issues, including the need for additional personnel to manage these demand increases. This study examines predicted response times and geographic coverage for fire department units deployed from current station locations. The results of this study are graphically depicted on the following pages. 3

4 GIS Analysis Using ArcView 3.2a and Network Analyst Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, which analyzes a computer model of the street network, several plots were generated predicting which roads within Lexington could e covered y the Lexington Fire Department within two time frames, using different cominations of apparatus and station locations. Year 2002 Significant Incidents and target hazards were also plotted on the Town map. Response scenarios to key target hazards were also modeled. The output of this process shows coverage ased on information provided y the fire department. Estimated response time, for the purposes of this analysis, is defined as the time when units are enroute to the emergency incident and ends when the units arrive at the scene, 2 travel time. Accordingly, response times in this analysis are ased on 4 and 8-minute travel times, for first due and full alarm assignments, respectively. However, it should e noted that total response time, from the time the request for assistance is placed to the time personnel arrive on the scene, may take a few additional minutes, due to factors such as call processing, dispatch and turnout time. Typically, these components will add two additional minutes to overall response time. Travel speed is ased on reasonale and prudent road speeds (see chart elow). Colored polygons enclose areas where roads can e traveled within each response time criteria. Colored lines show those roads predicted to e covered within each response time criteria. Percentages of roads predicted to e covered within the stated response times are ased on software calculated roads lengths. The report that follows is a est estimate response time model of those roads covered y the Lexington Fire Department. Travel speeds were assigned ased on road type. Assigned Road Speeds: Primary roads with limited access, interstates, unseparated Primary roads with limited access, interstates, unseparated, over passing Primary roads with limited access, interstates, separate Primary roads without limited access, interstates, unseparated Primary roads without limited access, interstates, separated Secondary or connecting roads, county highways, unseparated Secondary or connecting roads, county highways, separated 55 mph 55 mph 55 mph 45 mph 45 mph 35 mph 35 mph Local, rural roads or Town streets, unseparated 25 mph All other smaller roads, routes, trails, including freeway access ramps 20 mph 2 NFPA Standard 1710, Section

5 Current Lexington Fire Department Apparatus, Field Staffing, and Deployment Year 2002 Station Address Apparatus Staffing Responses Headquarters 45 Bedford St. Engine 3 4-FF/EMT-B s 2,456 Engine 2 Cross-Staffed 3 69 Engine 4 Cross-Staffed 4 Ladder 1 3-FF/EMT-B s 820 Rescue 1 2-FF/EMT-P s 2,064 Rescue 2 Cross-Staffed 439 C-3 1-Captain 924 East Lexington 1006 Massachusetts Engine 1 3-FF/EMT-B s 1,467 Engine 5 Cross-Staffed 15 Total Staffing 13 Firefighter/EMT s/shift* *Currently one shift has only 12 firefighters availale, and within 2 months a 2 nd shift will e down to 12 firefighters (due to retirement and medical leave). 3 Apparatus denoted as cross-staffed is deployed with the on-duty crew if that particular piece of equipment is needed for a response to an incident. 5

6 Recommended Lexington Fire Department Apparatus, Field Staffing, and Deployment Based on GIS Analysis *Changes identified in red italics* Station Address Apparatus Staffing Headquarters 45 Bedford St. Engine 3 4-FF/EMT-B s Engine 2 Cross-Staffed 4 Engine 4 Cross-Staffed Ladder 1 4-FF/EMT-B s Rescue 1 2-FF/EMT-P s Rescue 2 Cross-Staffed C-3 1-Captain 1-FF/Chiefs Aide East Lexington 1006 Massachusetts Engine 1 4-FF/EMT-B s Engine 5 Cross-Staffed Total Staffing 16 Firefighter/EMT s *NFPA Standard 1710, Sections and , state that engine and ladder companies shall e staffed with a minimum of four on-duty personnel. It should e noted that the NFPA definition accorded to the word shall is as follows: Shall indicates a mandatory requirement. 4 Apparatus denoted as cross-staffed is deployed with the on-duty crew if that particular piece of equipment is needed for a response to an incident. 6

7 Maps 7

8 Map 1: Current deployment overview Lexington Fire Department Current Deployment Overview Headquarters East Lexington Fire and First Responder Stations City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Map 1 shows the general layout of the response area with current fire stations, road network, rail lines, rivers, water odies, parks, Hanscom Air Force Base and Town oundaries identified. The Lexington Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services to a population of 33,000 residents located within the 18 square miles of the Town of Lexington. 8

9 Map 2: Proposed deployment overview Lexington Fire Department Deployment Overview Without East Lexington Station Headquarters Fire and First Responder Station City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Town of Lexington Parks *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Map 2 shows the general layout of the response area with the Town proposed deployment (East Lexington Fire Station closed), road network, rail lines, rivers, water odies, parks, Hanscom Air Force Base and Town oundaries identified. 9

10 Overview of Fire Department Operations This report summarizes the results of a station location, staffing, and emergency vehicle response time analysis for the Lexington Fire Department. The fifty-four memers of the Lexington Fire Department protect the lives and property of the approximately thirtythree thousand citizens residing within the Town of Lexington. Dual-role firefighters cross-trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT s) currently staff two fire stations located throughout the Town. These professionals are deployed from two engine companies, one ladder company, one rescue unit and one command vehicle. The memers of the fire department who staff these apparatus respond to calls for emergency assistance in excess of 3,600 times per year, and specialize in providing fire suppression, disaster incident mitigation, essential emergency medical services (EMS), and technical emergency assistance to the citizens of Lexington 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fire Suppression: In the Town of Lexington, fire suppression apparatus respond from two fire stations strategically located throughout the Town. Currently, the department does not meet requirements for staffing performance ojectives as outlined in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard and Standard Both NFPA 1500 and NFPA 1710 recommend that a minimum acceptale fire company staffing level should e four memers responding on or arriving with each engine and each ladder company responding to any type of fire. Emergency Medical Services: Currently, headquarters station deploys a fully-staffed ALS transport unit (amulance), staffed with two paramedics trained and equipped to provide the range of ALS services. In addition, all other department personnel are trained to the EMT-Basic level and provide a reserve BLS transport unit. 5 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. 6 Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations and Special Operations to the Pulic y Career Fire Departments. 10

11 Hazardous Materials Response: The Lexington Fire Department also provides Hazardous Materials Incident Response, with all units functioning as regular fire department companies when not assigned to a hazardous materials incident. OSHA Level II HazMat Operations training includes information gathering, chemical identification, scene isolation, spill and leak control, fire control tactics, and cost recovery. The teams also conduct site inspections of sites that store, use, and/or ship hazardous materials. Certification to OSHA Level III HazMat Technician follows compliance with OSHA standard EMS personnel are required to e present at hazardous materials incidents under OSHA regulation 29 CFR This regulation requires medical surveillance for all hazmat team memers [ (f)(2)(iv), use of site-specific incident command system [ (q)(3)] and, as a minimum, qualified asic life support personnel standing y with equipment [ (q)(3)(vi)]. NFPA 473 is the standard for competencies for EMS personnel responding to hazardous materials incidents. This standard mirrors the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR , and outlines two levels of training for EMS personnel. Level I skills include risk analysis, EMS response planning, including determining personal protective equipment use, and treating and transporting a decontaminated patient. Level II skills include hazard analysis, EMS response planning, including personal protective equipment use, treatment of contaminated patients, EMS response coordination, and medical support of hazmat personnel. 7 The importance of a rapid response to a hazardous materials incident cannot e overstated. Responding personnel must arrive as promptly as possile to allow for sufficient time to identify the hazards involved and initiate a plan of action that ensures the safety of the community and the on-scene personnel efore attempting to rescue and treat any victims. Emergency Management Planning: Weapons of Mass Destruction, Chemical and Biological Planning The Fire Department in conjunction with the Health Board and its staff continued work on emergency planning to address oth natural and man-made disasters, and completed a draft plan for dealing with an influenza pandemic or other infectious disease. The Health Department is working with representatives of the Police and Fire Departments on a Health and Safety Committee to develop medical treatment plans and environmental programs ranging from floods and lizzards to iological and chemical attacks over the next year. 7 EMS Hazardous Materials Operations, Emergency Medical Services (August 1999), pgs

12 Map 3: Current 4-minute engine company response area. Lexington Fire Department Current 4-Minute Engine Company Response Area* Headquarters East Lexington Fire and First Responder Stations 4-Minute Engine Company Response Area* 80% of All Roads Covered Within 4-Minutes* City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S NFPA 1710 Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Pulic y Career Fire Departments states the fire department s fire suppression resources shall e deployed to provide for the arrival of an engine company within a 4-minute response time to 90% of the incidents. The 4-minute arrival goal, while important for the extinguishment of small fires, is essential for EMS first response. Cardiac arrest is one of the most critical medical emergencies that can e treated in the field. The use of an automated external defirillator y trained personnel is integral to the treatment and survival of cardiac arrest. According to the National Institutes of Health: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, there need to e sufficient first responder units deployed in the community at all times to ensure a rapid response to all life-threatening calls. As a rule of thum, a first responder should arrive on the scene less than 5 minutes from the time of dispatch in 90% of all such calls. 8 Map 3 indicates the 4-minute engine company response area for engine companies deployed from all existing Lexington Fire Department fire stations. Currently, the engines that deploy from the two stations are capale of responding to 80% of all roads located within the Town of Lexington in 4-minutes or less. 8 Staffing and Equipping Emergency Medical Services Systems: Rapid Identification and Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction, National Institutes of Health: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Septemer

13 Map 4: Proposed 4-minute engine company response area. Lexington Fire Department 4-Minute Engine Company Response Area Without East Lexington Station Headquarters Fire and First Responder Station 4-Minute Engine Company Response Area* 55% of All Roads Covered Within 4-Minutes* City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Map 4 indicates the proposed engine 4-minute response areas following the closure of East Lexington Station. Under these conditions, it is calculated that engine companies deploying from these stations would e capale of responding to 55% of all roads located within the Town of Lexington in 4-minutes or less, if the single engine company is availale. This percentage reflects a 25% decrease in 4-minute response capailities from the existing condition (reference Map 3). 13

14 Map 5: Current 8-minute engine company response area. Lexington Fire Department Current 8-Minute Engine Company Response Area* Headquarters East Lexington Fire and First Responder Stations 8-Minute Response Area* 100% of All Roads Covered Within 8-Minutes* Schools City Road Network Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Map 5 shows those areas that are currently covered within 8 minutes from all fire stations. Engine company apparatus may reach approximately 100% of roads within 8 minutes, assuming all units are availale. In reality, due to simultaneous calls, or calls requiring multiple units, actual response times may e longer. This 8-minute goal for arriving companies is critical ecause the progression of a structural fire to the point of flashover (the very rapid spreading of a fire due to super heating of room contents and other comustiles) generally occurs in less than 10 minutes. As there is a potential delay etween fire ignition, discovery, and the transmission of an alarm, it may e said that flashover is likely to occur within 8 minutes of fire fighters receiving the alarm. 9 It is critical that apparatus arrive on the scene within 8 to 10 minutes, efore the fire s exponential growth exceeds the capailities of the on-scene resources to mitigate the emergency. 10 In addition, structure fires occurring at the farthest reaches of the 8-minute polygons indicated in Map 5 are more likely to urn up to and eyond the point of flashover, which presents significant risk to fire fighters operating within a structure. This may force operations to shift from an offensive mode to a defensive mode. This is especially true in structures which have no automatic suppression or detection systems, as seen in older uildings. 9 Reducing Staffing: At What Cost?, John C. Gerard and A. Terry Jacosen, Fire Service Today, Septemer 1981, pp 15 and 17; and Hazard I Fire Hazard Assessment Method, National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, June See Fire Propagation Curve, following page. 14

15 Map 6: Proposed 8-minute engine company response area. Lexington Fire Department 8-Minute Engine Company Response Area Without East Lexington Station Headquarters Fire and First Responder Station 8-Minute Engine Company Response Area* 100% of All Roads Covered Within 8-Minutes* City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Map 6 indicates the proposed engine 8-minute response areas following the closure of East Lexington Station. Under these conditions, it is calculated that a company deploying from this station would e capale of responding to 100% of all roads located within the Town of Lexington in 8-minutes or less. This percentage reflects no change in the 8- minute response capailities from the existing condition (reference Map 5). However, this model assumes that the engine company will e availale at the time of the emergency, an assumption that cannot e guaranteed. If the Town were to close East Lexington Station, the single remaining engine company at Headquarters Station (Engine 3) would now e responding to approximately 3,800 incidents per year, which may affect response time to simultaneous and concurrent incidents throughout the jurisdiction. The engine company at East Lexington Station currently provides oth first response to fire and emergency medical incidents to those citizens living on the East side of the Town. If this station were to close, the citizens on the East side of the Town would e forced to wait for units to arrive from Headquarters Station, which ased upon the projected models in this report, may increase average response times y 2-3 minutes. In fact, the Town acknowledges on its wepage that, in East Lexington the amulances/rescues are stationed at Headquarters and are delayed due to the distances they must travel. The response of the closest fire engine to your emergency rings trained firefighter/emt s to you home within minutes during an emergency seconds count! 15

16 Map 7: Current Truck Company 8-Minute Response Area Lexington Fire Department Current 8-Minute Truck Company Response Area* Headquarters East Lexington Fire and First Responder Stations 8-Minute Truck Company Response Area* 100% of All Roads Covered Within 8-Minutes* City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Map 7 illustrates that 100% of the Town is projected to fall within an 8-minute response from the Truck Company located at Headquarters station. While the projected response area appears to e sufficient, this is not always the case as the Town cross-staffs the reserve rescue unit with truck company personnel. The reserve rescue unit responded to 450 incidents in the year 2002, 205 of which were transports requiring the patient to e treated and transported to the most appropriate medical facility. During the times when the reserve rescue unit is in service, the Town lacks truck company coverage. If the East Lexington Station and Ladder 1 are closed, the Town may lack adequate engine company coverage in the event of simultaneous medical emergencies ecause the remaining engine company at Headquarters station would have to staff the reserve rescue unit. The truck company performs an invaluale service on the fireground. Truck companies are assigned to forcile entry, ventilation, search and rescue, utility control, illumination, overhaul, and salvage work. NFPA 1710 states that, The initial full alarm assignment shall provide for the following (5) A minimum of one search and rescue team shall e part of the initial full alarm assignment. Each search and rescue team shall consist of a minimum of two personnel. (6) A minimum of one ventilation team shall e part of the initial full alarm assignment. Each ventilation team shall consist of a minimum of two personnel. (7) If an aerial device is used in operations, one person shall function as an aerial operator who shall maintain primary control of the aerial device at all times. 16

17 NFPA Standard 1710 further states that, Fire companies whose primary functions are to perform the variety of services associated with truck work, such as forcile entry, ventilation, search and rescue, aerial operations for water delivery and rescue, utility control, illumination, overhaul, and salvage work, shall e known as ladder or truck companies. These companies shall e staffed with a minimum of four on-duty personnel In jurisdictions with tactical hazards, high hazard occupancies, high incident frequencies, geographical restrictions these companies shall e staffed with a minimum of five or six on-duty personnel. 11 The Town should evaluate the current policies and procedures for Ladder Company staffing and attempt to etter comply with NFPA 1710 staffing performance ojectives through dedicated and consistent staffing of oth the ladder and rescue. 11 NFPA 1710 Sections and

18 Map 8: Current OSHA 2 In/2 Out compliance area. Lexington Fire Department Current OSHA "2 In/2 Out" Compliance Area* Headquarters East Lexington Fire and First Responder Stations OSHA "2 In/2 Out" Compliance Area* 100% of All Roads Covered Within 8-Minutes* City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Minimally, a crew of four is desired to make a safe initial attack on a fire, with a crew of two working inside the urning structure and a reserve crew of two standing y to assist as necessary. This is known as the 2 In/2 Out Standard. 12 Map 8 illustrates that the Lexington Fire Department is capale of deploying sufficient resources to provide 2 In/2 Out coverage on 100% of all roads covered y the Lexington Fire Department in 8- minutes or less, assuming that all units are availale. Two of the most important elements in limiting fire spread are the quick arrival of sufficient numers of personnel and equipment to attack and extinguish the fire as close to the point of origin as possile, we well as rescue any trapped occupants and care for the injured. Several existing National Fire Protection Association standards address this time-critical issue. NFPA 1500 States, while memers can e assigned and arrive at the scene of an incident in many different ways, it is strongly recommended that interior fire fighting operations not e conducted without an adequate numer of qualified firefighters operating in companies under the supervision on company officers. It is recommended that a minimum acceptale fire company staffing level should e four memers responding on or arriving with each engine and each ladder company responding to any type of fire. NFPA Standard 1710 further recommends that fire companies whose primary functions are to pump and deliver water and perform asic fire fighting at fires, 12 Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulation, 29 CFR and National Fire Protection Association Standard

19 including search and rescue shall e staffed with a minimum of four on-duty personnel, 13 while fire companies whose primary functions are to perform the variety of services associated with truck work, such as forcile entry, ventilation, search and rescue, aerial operations for water delivery and rescue, utility control, illumination, overhaul and salvage work shall [also] e staffed with a minimum of four on-duty personnel. 14 The 2 In/2 Out Standard, codified as OSHA 29 CFR , requires a crew of two working inside the urning structure to e protected y a crew of two standing y to assist as necessary, to make a safe initial attack on a fire. Currently, the Lexington Fire Department maintains minimum staffing on Engine 1 and Ladder 1 at 3 personnel. The operator of the apparatus must remain with the apparatus to safely operate the engine pump or ladder. This can leave a crew of as few as two personnel (depending on the station) to initiate fire attack and search and rescue activities. Therefore, such activities initiated y a single engine or ladder company would not e in compliance with the 2 In/2 Out regulation until a second unit arrives to assist the first-due company. Only those structure fires located within a limited area, as depicted in Map 8, where a sufficient numer of adequately staffed apparatus can arrive at a common destination within 8 minutes, will receive the equipment and personnel required to initiate safe and effective fire suppression and rescue operations in accordance with OSHA and NFPA 2 In/ 2 Out guidelines outlined in this report. As the progression of a structural fire to the point of flashover generally occurs in less that 10 minutes, it is predicted that those structure fires at the furthest reaches, and eyond the extent of, the 8 minute polygons indicated aove are more likely to continue to urn up to and eyond the point of flashover. 13 NFPA Standard 1710, Section and NFPA Standard 1710, Section and

20 Map 9: Proposed 2 In/2 Out compliance area. Lexington Fire Department OSHA " 2 In/2 Out" Compliance Area Without East Lexington Station Headquarters Fire and First Responder Station OSHA "2 In/2 Out" Compliance Area* 100% of All Roads Covered Within 8-Minutes* City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Map 9 indicates the proposed 2 In/2 Out compliance area following closure of the East Lexington Station. Under these conditions, it is calculated that fire suppression units deploying from these stations would e capale of responding to 100% of all roads located within the Town of Lexington in 8-minutes or less and e in compliance with the 2 In/2 Out recommendations if all units are availale at the time of alarm. 20

21 Map 10: Current structure fire alarm 8-minute response area. Lexington Fire Department Current 8-Minute Structure Fire Response Area* Headquarters East Lexington Fire and First Responder Stations Structure Fire Response Area* 94% of all roads covered within 8-minutes* City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. **Structure Fire Response Consists of: 2 Engine Companies, 1 Ladder Company, 1 Rescue and 1 Captain N W E S Map 10 indicates that 94% of all roads are covered y a full structure alarm assignment within 8-minutes. While the Lexington Fire Department does not maintain minimum staffing levels meeting the staffing performance standards of NFPA 1710, it is important that the current minimum staffing and apparatus deployment e maintained. 21

22 Map 11: Proposed structure fire alarm 8-minute response area. Lexington Fire Department 8-Minute Structure Fire Response Area Without East Lexington Station Headquarters Fire and First Responder Station 0% of All Roads Covered Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. **Structure Fire Response Consists of: 2 Engine Companies, 1 Ladder Company, 1 Rescue and 1 Captain N W E S Map 11 indicates the proposed structure fire alarm 8-minute response area following the closure of East Lexington Station. Under these conditions, it is calculated that fire suppression units deploying from this station would e capale of responding to 0% of all roads located within the Town of Lexington in 8-minutes or less and e in compliance with the 2 In/2 Out recommendation. This percentage reflects a 94% decrease in the response capailities from the existing condition (reference Map 10). 22

23 Map 12: Current NFPA 1710 initial full alarm assignment compliance area. Lexington Fire Department Current NFPA 1710 Initial Full Alarm Assignment Staffing Compliance Area* Headquarters East Lexington Fire and First Responder Stations 0% of All Roads Covered Within 8-Minutes* Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S In addition to the NFPA guidelines which offer recommendations on response times for a full alarm assignment, this standard also provides criterion for the capailities of a full alarm contingent. Including incident command, there should e no less than 15 fire fighters on the scene of a full alarm incident, 17 if a second Pump and Aerial device are in operation (See figure 1). 15 These personnel provide for estalishment of incident command outside of the hazard area (includes commander and aide) 16 an operator who shall ensure uninterrupted water application attack and reserve lines operated y a minimum of two personnel each to effectively and safely maintain the line one support person for each support and reserve line to provide hydrant hookup, assist in line lays, utility control, and forcile entry a minimum of one victim search and rescue team consisting of a minimum of two personnel a minimum of one ventilation team consisting of a minimum of two personnel an aerial operator who shall maintain primary control of the aerial device at all times estalishment of an IRIC that shall consist of a minimum of two properly equipped and trained personnel. 17,18 Currently, the Lexington Fire Department is incapale of assemling 15 to 17 firefighters, in compliance with NFPA Standard 1710, on any of the roads located within the Town of Lexington. 15 See diagram, following page. 16 Parentheses added. 17 NFPA 1710, Section One memer of the IRIC team may e a support person reassigned on scene to the Rapid Intervention Team. 23

24 Map 13: Proposed NFPA 1710 Initial full alarm assignment staffing compliance area. Lexington Fire Department NFPA 1710 Initial Full Alarm Assignment Staffing Compliance Area Without East Lexington Station Headquarters Fire and First Responder Station 0% of All Roads Covered Within 8-Minutes* Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Map 13 indicates the proposed NFPA 1710 initial full alarm assignment staffing compliance area following the closure of East Lexington Station. Under these conditions, it is calculated that fire suppression units deploying from these stations would e capale of responding to 0% of all roads located within the Town of Lexington in 8-minutes or less with firefighters in compliance with NFPA Standard This percentage reflects no improvement in the response capailities from the existing condition (reference Map 12). 24

25 Figure Initial Full Alarm Assignment Capaility Deployed Within 8 Minutes Ventilation Team 15 Personnel Required 17 Personnel Required If Aerial Device And Supply Pump Are In Operation Back Up Hose Crew 100 GPM 100 GPM Aerial Operator Victim Search & Rescue Team Engine Attack Hose Crew Attack Pump Operator 400 GPM Water Supply Example Total on scene: 17 Incident Command Vehicle: 1 Officer Ladder Apparatus: 1 Officer / 3 FF's (1 FF Assigned to Victim Search & Rescue) Engine: 1 Officer / 3 FF's Engine: 1 Officer / 3 FF's Engine: 1 Officer / 3 FF's 1 FF Assigned to Victim Search & Rescue 1 FF Assigned as I.C. Aide 1 Officer / 1 FF Assigned to IRIC Incident Commander I.C. Aide IRIC TEAM Supply Pump Operator 25

26 Map 14: Target Hazard: Nursing Home Lexington Fire Department Target Hazard: Nursing Home Headquarters East Lexington Fire and First Responder Stations Target Hazard: Nursing Home Projected Response Routes and Times to Nursing Home (Mins:Secs)* Lexington St. 1:44 (3 Personnel assemled on-scene) Headquarters St. 5:10 (13 Personnel assemled on-scene) City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. N W E S Fire departments face an exceptional challenge with nursing homes (and other healthcare occupancies) as there are many immoile patients requiring assistance to evacuate. Many of these individuals must e moved while attached to life support equipment, requiring the assistance of many personnel trained to move special needs patients with critical medical equipment. Map 14 illustrates that the East Lexington Station is projected to respond to the nursing home location indicated on the map within 1 minute 44 seconds, with Headquarters units not projected to arrive until 5 minutes 10 seconds into the incident. If East Lexington Station were to close, the firefighters from Headquarters Station will e attempting to extinguish the fire and also remove patients from the immediate area with no support from other companies. This increases the risk of injury or death for oth occupants and firefighters, and the Town should re-examine its proposed station staffing and apparatus deployment levels to etter meet the need of the citizens and occupancies. 26

27 Map 15: Year 2002 Significant Incidents Lexington Fire Department Year 2002 Significant Incidents ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ Headquarters ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ East Lexington ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ Fire and First Responder Stations ÿ Significant Incidents City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. **Significant incidents include responses requiring all of the on-duty fire and EMS personnel and apparatus. N W E S Map 15 illustrates that the Lexington Fire Department responds to a wide variety of incidents requiring the use of all currently availale fire suppression staffing and apparatus. Many incidents have also required the use of mutual aid. These incidents are dispersed throughout the jurisdiction. The closure of East Lexington Fire Station, and/or the elimination of Ladder 1 at Headquarters Station may limit the effectiveness of future fire attacks. Below is a list of the incidents identified on Map 15: Date Description Address Shift 1/20/02 Working Fire 1308 Mass. Ave. A-Group 1/30/02 2 nd Alarm 542 Mass. Ave. B-Group 3/5/02 Special Call (Oil Truck Rollover) Rte. 128/2 C-Group 3/31/02 Working Fire 43 Lincoln St. C-Group 4/17/02 Working Fire 41 Allen St.-Carroll s D-Group 5/11/02 Special Call (Extensive Brush Fire) Turning Mill Road D-Group 5/18/02 Working Fire 142 Emerson Gardens C-Group 5/27/02 Working Fire 21 Bedford St. D-Group 7/3/02 2 nd Alarm Edison Way-Nstar C-Group 10/23/02 Working Fire 21 Lillian Rd. C-Group 11/5/02 2 nd Alarm 22 Pineknoll Rd. B-Group 11/15/02 Special Call (Haz-Mat) Rte. 128/Golf Course B-Group 12/12/02 Working Fire 38 Ward. St. C-Group 12/31/02 2 nd Alarm 556 Lowell St. B-Group 27

28 Map 16: Target Hazards Lexington Fire Department Target Hazards Headquarters East Lexington Fire and First Responder Stations Hazardous Materials Locations Elderly, Nursing, and Assisted Living Homes Intermediate Care Facilities Apartment Complexes City Road Network Schools Minuteman icycle/recreation path Rivers Water Bodies Parks Town of Lexington *Assumes all units are fully staffed and availale to respond immediately upon dispatch. W N E S Map 16 illustrates the wide variety of target hazards found throughout Town of Lexington. The hazards indicated on the map all have multiple hazards associated with the specific location, ut share one common feature; a small fire in any of these occupancies could easily grow past the incipient stage and require the full resources of the department to effectively control, confine, and extinguish. 28

29 Fire Suppression Deployment Issues Increased Fire Staffing: Data generated y the National Fire Protection Association provides evidence that rapid and aggressive interior attack can sustantially reduce the human and property loss associated with structural fires. At each stage of a fire s extension eyond the room of origin, the rate of civilian deaths, injuries, and property damage grows exponentially. Clearly, an early and aggressive offensive initial interior attack on a working structural fire results in greatly reduced loss of life and property damage. Consequently, given that the progression of a structural fire to the point of flashover (the very rapid spreading of fire due to super heating of room and contents and other comustiles) generally occurs in less than 10 minutes, 19 two of the most important elements in limiting fire spread are the quick arrival of sufficient numers of personnel and equipment to attack and extinguish the fire as close to the point of origin as possile. Fire Propagation Curve Percent of Property Destruction Room of Origin Beyond Room of Origin Minutes 19 Reduced Staffing: At What Cost?, John C. Gerard and A. Terry Jacoson, Fire Service Today, Septemer 1981, pp 15 and 17; and Hazard I Fire Hazard Assessment Method, National Institutes of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, June

30 Assuming a crew of 5 fire fighters is 100% effective in performing the critical tasks required for an interior fire attack, the following tale 20 shows the impact that reduced staffing has on the effectiveness of fireground operations involving a single-family residential structure. Impact of Crew Size of First Alarm Assignment on Fire Attack in a Residential Structure 1st Engine Co. 2nd Engine Co. Truck/Ladder Co. Charge Locate Charge Charge Check Initial Interior and Interior Sup- Exterior Search Exposures Line and Rescue port Line and Line and Roof and for Fire Crew Size: Advance Victim Advance Advance Ventilation Rescue Extension 5 Firefighters 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 4 Firefighters 84.7% 96.1% 77.9% 72.9% 79.0% 90.3% 80.2% 3 Firefighters 71.3% 82.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 79.6% 0.0% The results in the tale aove have recently een supported for small fire departments y the Westerville, Massachusetts Fire Department. 21 Using standard firefighting tactics, the results of the Westerville Fire Department study showed that 4 fire fighters could perform rescue of potential fire victims 80% faster than a 3 fire fighter crew. The enhancements that increased crew size can have on rescue operations are all the more dramatic when victim survivaility is considered. Data produced y the Dallas Fire Department showed that when rescue occurred etween 12 and 15 ½ minutes, the survival rate was 46.6%. The rate dropped to 5.5% when rescue occurred etween 15 and 17 ½ minutes. Thus a variance of only 2 to 3 minutes in the speed with which rescue operations could e completed can increase fire victim survivaility eightfold. Consequently, the fire service in North America has for most of the twentieth century accepted the premise and the expectation that fire fighters will whenever possile perform aggressive interior fire attacks when confronted with a working structure fire. This has een and still is the industry s standard of performance. 20 Source: Dallas Fire Department Staffing Level Study, McManis Associates, June National Fire Academy, Manning Levels for Engine and Ladder Companies in Small Fire Departments (RR No ), Richard C. Morrison. 30

31 Crew Safety The linkage etween fire fighter safety and the numer of personnel on the initial fire attack has een demonstrated in study after study. In 1982, the U.S. Fire Administration conducted a survey of over 150 fire departments as to current crew size and standard response practices. 22 When asked to identify those factors that were most important in determining crew size and initial response, fire chiefs and Town managers ranked crew safety at the top of the list. To test the relationship etween staffing effectiveness and fire fighter injuries, Jon Cushman of the Seattle Fire Department undertook three separate analyses over a 5-year period. The studies showed: average time per disaility increased as company strength decreased for oth types of companies (engine and ladder). The results indicated that the rate of fire fighter injuries expressed as total hours of disaility per hours of fireground exposure where 54% greater for engine companies staffed with 3 personnel when compared to those staffed with 4 fire fighters, while companies staffed with 5 personnel had an injury rate that was only one-third of that associated with 4-person companies. An even more telling statistic relates to the severity rates in Cushman s susequent analysis that also concluded that average hours per disaility associated with 3-person company staffing were nearly 50% greater than those occurring when units were staffed with 4 and 5 personnel. One in three fire fighters was injured in the line of duty. 23 The Dallas Fire Department, in 1969 and again in 1984, also conducted textook drills and live fire tests to compare the effectiveness among various levels of staffing. 24 The study concluded that deficient levels of staffing will result in an inaility to cover critical tasks. As the numers of fire fighters decrease without eliminating any of the tasks to e accomplished the Department must delay some of the required tasks or attempt to perform all the tasks unsafely with inadequate staff. Consequently, the Dallas Fire Department concluded that in a residential fire: The five-person crews demonstrated a more coordinated and effective attack on the fire and search and rescue operations, while the four person crew was capale of performing satisfactorily in controlling the fire and in effecting the rescue operation. The study s conclusion regarding the three- 22 Report on the Survey of Fire Suppression Crew Practices, Centaur Associates conducted for FEMA, June 30, 1982; pp IAFF Death and Injury Report; p Dallas Fire Department Staffing Level Study, McManis and Associated and John T. O Hagan and Associates, June 1984; pp II-1 through II-7. 31

32 person crew was that not all the required critical tasks could e accomplished within the given time span. Regarding the three person crew, the report stated: At this level there was little margin for error and any appreciale delay in arrival might place control of the fire eyond their capaility. This is an extremely important statement given that the Dallas Fire Department took great care to insure that the time spent to complete critical tasks was not made at the expense of sound operating practices or safety. However, this would not e the situation in actual fireground operations. Fire fighters operating in understaffed environments are too often expected to perform eyond their capailities. The National Fire Academy also noted in a research project developed for its Executive Development III Program that the average time of the Engine Company (in the Dallas Studies) is revealing. The first (simulation) consisted of a three-man team and their average time was minutes. All personnel were exhausted, ruer legged, and had difficulty standing up and all three were unfit for further fire fighting. The four-man team conducting the very same test, averaged minutes and upon completing they were nearing exhaustion. Next came the five-man team which averaged 6.15 minutes, and afterwards all showed little evidence of fatigue. 25 In 1993, the Austin Fire Department emarked on a study to determine whether companies staffed with 4 fire fighters were safer and more effective than the 3 person companies the Department was currently employing. In order to compare effectiveness, physiological impact on fire fighters and Austin Fire Department injury rates at various staffing levels, the Fire Department conducted drills consisting of a series of common fireground tasks divided into three scenarios: a simulated two-story residential fire, a simulated aerial ladder evolution, and a simulated engine company high-rise fire. These simulations revealed, once again, that regardless of the experience or how prepared firefighters are, with an insufficient numer of personnel to conduct tasks efficiently, inevitaly life and property continue to suffer. Severity and the degree of hazard increases until controlled or the fire passes the critical point. Consequently, the Austin Fire Department concluded that the effectiveness significantly improved when the company was increased from 3 to 4 personnel. The Austin Fire Department s report stated: In the two story residential fire the efficiency or time improvement etween three person and four person crews was 73%. In aerial ladder evolution the efficiency improvement etween three and four person crews was 66%. In the engine company high-rise fire the efficiency improvement etween three and four person crews was 35%. Averaging all scenarios the improved efficiency was 58%. The Austin Study also examined the physiological impact of increased company level staffing fire fighters. Before and immediately after the completion of each scenario, medical evaluations including pulse, respiration, lood pressure, EKG strips, ody temperature, and visual assessment were given to each fire fighter. Not surprisingly, the crews consisting of 4 fire fighters recorded a notale decrease in the pulse rate (cardiovascular stress level) and respirations than did 3 person crews. For three person crews the average pulse rate per minute, post drill was ; whereas, the average 25 Fire Engines Are Becoming Expensive Taxi Cas- Inadequate Manning, National Fire Academy, Executive Development III Program, 1981; p.4. 32

33 pulse rate per minute for the four person staff was This is a 16% increase with the two crews having equal aseline pulse rates. Air consumption for each firefighter working on a four-person crew as opposed to a three person crew decreased y 53%. The dramatic increase was determined to e a result of less exertion involved in the exercises with four-person crews. Visual assessment of each firefighter verified the additional exhaustion level of the three person crew memers. The importance of this study is not so much what it directly revealed, ut what conclusions can e drawn from comining this information along with firefighter death studies. Thirty-nine percent of firefighter deaths are the result of heart attacks 26. If four person crews result in decreased physiological stress, then it follows that there should e fewer deaths from heart attacks IAFF Death and Injury Survey; p.3. 33

34 Conclusion This analysis shows the extent of coverage provided y the Lexington Fire Department with units responding from current station locations. The Lexington Fire Department has progressively allocated its resources to provide the est coverage availale with those units. The prolem remains that current coverage fails to meet any minimally accepted industry standard. Whether exploring 4-minute, 8-minute, 2 In/2 Out, NFPA 1710 Standard Section , or NFPA 1710 Standard Section LFD coverage fails to meet industry standards. The results show that the Lexington Fire Department is understaffed, and current staffing levels should e supplemented with additional resources, including the addition of at least one new station. Information provided y the fire department indicated that there are approximately 3,600 fire and EMS responses annually. Recently, the frequency of medical calls has increased, due to growth in the area. Therefore, fire department units are frequently already assigned to a response when a simultaneous or concurrent call is received. The maps in this study are ased on the assumption that all fire department units are availale for immediate response when a call for service is received. If units are already responding to other calls, coverage as shown in this report will decrease. The addition of more fire stations, staffed apparatus, as well as increased staffing on all apparatus will assist in reducing the time citizens spend waiting for emergency response. The Lexington Fire Department utilizes a minimum staffing requirement of 3 firefighters each on Engine 1 and Ladder 1. The department also cross-staffs the reserve rescue unit with the ladder company crew. This practice results in the ladder company eing unavailale when the reserve rescue unit is called to respond to the approximately 450 emergency medical calls the unit handles each year. The fire department asserts that this policy enales the Department to handle increased call activity without adding costly resources. However, according to the National Fire Protection Handook, staffing an Engine or a Ladder with insufficient personnel may lead to a loss of efficiency and increased fire losses. The Handook states, Staffing fire apparatus at a level elow minimum requirements can result in a less effective and less safe fire fighting performance, and that calling for additional assistance should not e relied upon to replace adequately the required staffing and equipment needed immediately at the scene for initial attack and rescue. 27 Several existing National Fire Protection Association standards address these minimum staffing requirements. NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program states, while memers can e assigned and arrive at the scene of an incident in many different ways, it is strongly recommended that interior firefighting operations not e conducted without an adequate numer of qualified fire fighters operating in companies under the supervision of company officers. It is recommended that a minimum acceptale fire company staffing level should e four memers responding on or arriving with each engine and each ladder company responding to any type of fire. NFPA 1710 states Fire companies whose primary functions are to pump 27 The National Fire Protection Handook, National Fire Protection Association, 18 th ed., page