The mission of the Montrose Fire Protection District is to help improve the quality of life for our citizens by providing prompt, safe, and efficient response to emergencies with highly trained professional firefighters and emergency medical providers.
Fire Chief s Message It is my pleasure to submit to the Board of Directors the Montrose Fire Protection District s 4 Annual Report and to provide this general information on the District s financial, incident response, and other operational activities to the citizens we serve. 4 was a challenging year for the District. Faced with a decrease of over $5, in operating revenue, significant changes were necessary to prevent a reduction in services. The primary change to take place was in our staffing and response model: Minimum daily staffing was lowered from on- duty firefighter/ providers district- wide to. Station- was converted to a two- person station, tasked with the responsibility of first response to fire and medical incidents within their coverage area and responding support apparatus such as the Ladder Truck, Water Tender, or Special Operations equipment to incidents district- wide. This crew primarily runs from a Squad a light- duty apparatus capable of first response to all types of incidents. Support from one of the other stations occurs when necessary for manpower or patient transport. Station- is now staffed with three personnel per shift, cross staffing an Engine, Ambulance, and Brush truck by taking the appropriate apparatus based on call type. Station- continues to maintain staffing of an Engine, an Ambulance, and Battalion Chief. With the above changes, we were able to continue to provide timely, effective, and efficient services to the community during this period of economic challenge. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the District, please feel free to contact us by email at info@montrosefire.org, or by phone at (97) 49-98. We are also becoming more active on social media, so give MontroseFire District a Like on Facebook, or follow @MontroseFPD on the Twitter for information on incidents, fire safety and injury prevention tips, and other District information. Respectfully, Tad J. Rowan, Fire Chief
Financial Summary The District is governed by a 5 member Board of Directors elected by residents of the District. They are responsible for annual approval of a proposed budget and to provide oversight and direction for District services and policy. Current District Board members are: Steve Ellis Cody Russell Greg Bollig Lilia Falk Brandon Frey In 4, the District assessed valuation of properties decreased by over 4%. Income from Fees for Service was slightly more than in previous years due to an applied rate increase and an increase in calls. Revenue sources and amounts for 4 and the previous two years are shown in the chart to the right. Tax revenue comes from an 8.8 mil levy assessed to property and specific ownership taxes, Fees for Service are primarily reimbursements and permit fees, and Income represents revenue from grants, donations, interest earned, transfer from reserves, or other sources of income. $6,, $5,, $4,, $,, $,, $,, $ $6,, $5,, $4,, $,, $,, $,, $ Taxes Revenue Lease Proceeds Fees for Service Income Total $4,6,96 $,5 $6,86 $46,58 $5,6,644 $4,6,44 $ $687,74 $58,7 $5,5,89 4 $,75,844 $ $75,4 $94,9 $4,76,47 Expenditures Personnel Operaeng Capital Debt Service Total $,77,58 $77, $49,5 $6,867 $5,57,5 $,77,7 $77,96 $458,4 $6,98 $5,,879 4 $,664,89 $68,47 $5,56 $6,94 $4,76,45 4 Expenditures represent four basic categories of spending: Personnel, Operating, Capital, and Debt Service. Capital expenditures for 4 were for communications consoles ($4,65) at the Regional Communications Center and the replacement of radio components at the District s DTRS radio site ($,9). In order to sustain operations, approximately $, was transferred from reserves, leaving an ending reserve balance of $. Million.
Incident Summary In 4 the Montrose Fire Protection District responded to,84 requests for service, a 5% increase in call volume from. Calls for service are separated into four general categories. These four categories are further divided into specific types of calls, which can be seen on the Incident Response Summary included in this report., 4 Calls for Service by Type, 5, 8, 56 Emergency Medical Service () calls are by far the majority of our requests for service. These service types range from medical issues such as seizures and chest pain to trauma issues like falls and automobile crashes. The Summary of All Patient Problems data provides the detailed numbers of each specific patient problem treated. In 4, the number of responses increased by 94 when compared to. Fire Suppression calls are those calls where the MFPD responded to and extinguished a fire. These fires range from structure fires to grass fires, the specifics of which can be seen on the Incident Response Summary. In 4, we responded to 9 less fire incidents than in. There were five civilian injuries due to fire or exposure, each moderate in severity, and no fatalities as a result of fire. There were five firefighters injured at scenes, in these cases the injuries were minor. The potential dollar loss to fire in the District was approximately $,565,95. The actual dollar loss was an estimated $,,7, of which $57,5 was structural property and $56,55 was contents damaged or destroyed within a structure. are responses to automatic fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or other false calls where no fire or hazardous condition was present. The MFPD responded to fewer false alarms than in. Hazardous Conditions are those calls that do not fit into the above categories. They include carbon monoxide checks, hazardous materials, good intent calls, and a variety of other call types as specified on the Incident Response Summary. The MFPD responded to 7 more of these calls in 4 than in. 4
These incidents represent an average of 8.7 calls per day. Fridays were the busiest day for incident responses, July was the District s busiest month, and more requests for service originated between : hrs and 9: hrs than any other time period. The MFPD responds to incidents from three stations. Station locations were determined in an effort to provide the best reasonable response time, to the most people based on historical call data. The Response Time Average chart shows time from receipt of the call until the first District resource arrived for each station s primary response area. Incidents by Day of the Week 6 5 4 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Total 6 454 467 47 479 49 46 Incidents by Month 4 5 5 5 5 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 6 5 49 5 64 65 5 57 7 65 59 7 Response Time Average 5.74 5.9 5.7 Fire Overall 9.4 7.8 8. 7.58 8.5 7.7 StaRon StaRon StaRon 5
Incidents by ShiJ by Month 4 8 6 4 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec A Shig 88 8 88 8 78 88 9 87 84 8 B Shig 9 9 7 7 87 9 96 8 89 85 9 9 C Shig 8 76 79 8 99 86 6 8 94 95 84 78 Call Types by ShiJ 9 8 7 6 5 4 A Shig 5 8 6 85 B Shig 799 45 88 C Shig 6 79 44 9 Stations are staffed by three separate platoons, or shifts, that work 48- hour rotations. A- Shift was the busiest shift overall, responding to 77 total incidents. They were followed by B- Shift and then C- Shift, with 54 and 5 incidents respectively. A- Shift had the busiest set of the year, running calls on their July 4-5 tour of duty. Specific incident types, patient problems, and apparatus responses by station comprise the next few pages. Note that the Response Summary by Station numbers are higher than the number of annual incidents. This is due to incidents where multiple apparatus or crews respond to one incident (i.e., Structure, Automobile Accidents, Cardiac Arrests). 6
Incident Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department For period //4 Through //4 Current Year Previous Year Type of Incident Fire, not otherwise classified 7 7 7 7 Structure fire involving an enclosed building Structure fire not involving an enclosed building Cooking fire, confined to container 4 4 6 6 Chimney or flue fire, confined to chimney or flue 8 8 7 7 Fuel burner/boiler malfunction, fire confined Trash or rubbish fire, contained 8 8 Fire in motor home, camper, recreational vehicle 5 5 Fire in portable building, fixed location Passenger vehicle fire 7 7 Road freight or transport vehicle fire Self-propelled motor home or recreational vehicle fire Off-road vehicle or heavy equipment fire Forest fire Brush, or brush and grass mixture fire Grass fire rubbish, trash or waste fire 7 7 Dumpster or other outside trash receptacle fire 4 4 storage fire equipment fire Cultivated vegetation, crop fire, other 4 4 5 5 4 4 Emergency medical incident,59,6,8,8 Vehicle accident with injuries 94 94 76 76 Motor vehicle vs. pedestrian or bicycle accident Extrication of victim(s) Swimming or recreational water area rescue Swift water rescue Rescue or standby 6 6 Citizen Assist 5 5 7 7,4,4,9,9 False call (other than a fire alarm) 6 6 5 5 Fire alarm, malicious activation, no fire 7 7 Bomb scare - no bomb Fire alarm system malfunction, no fire 4 4 9 9 * denotes that the incident occured within the selected jurisdiction, but no units from that jurisdiction responded 7
Incident Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department For period //4 Through //4 Current Year Previous Year Type of Incident Extinguishing system activation due to malfunction Fire alarm sounded due to dust, lack of maintenance, or simil 8 8 95 95 Overpressure rupture, explosion, or overheat Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition Dive rescue or recovery Hazardous condition, other Gasoline or other flammable liquid spill 7 7 Natural gas or LPG leak 4 4 Oil or other combustible liquid spill Chemical spill or leak 4 4 4 4 Carbon monoxide incident 9 9 8 8 Electrical wiring/equipment problem, other 8 8 Power line down 5 5 7 7 Building or structure weakened or collapsed Aircraft standby Vehicle accident, non-injury 6 6 56 56 Explosive, bomb removal (for bomb scare, use 7) Service Call, other Smoke or odor removal Animal rescue 6 6 Assist police or other governmental agency 5 5 Public service 67 67 59 59 SWAT activation (assist law enforcement) Unauthorized burning Cover assignment, standby, moveup 5 5 Good intent call, other 8 8 Dispatched & cancelled enroute 5 5 8 8 SFD Error, No Run Made Cancelled on Scene 5 5 Authorized controlled burning 7 7 Smoke or odor investigation, no fire 9 9 66 66 Hazmat release investigation w/ no hazmat Fire alarm sounded due to cooking or burnt food 9 9 Medical alarm activation, no medical problem 46 46 5 5 Lightning strike (no fire) Special type of incident, other * denotes that the incident occured within the selected jurisdiction, but no units from that jurisdiction responded 8
Incident Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department For period //4 Through //4 Current Year Previous Year Type of Incident Citizen complaint 4 4 56 56 56 56 Grand,8,84,774,774 * denotes that the incident occured within the selected jurisdiction, but no units from that jurisdiction responded 9
Incident Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department For period //4 Through //4 Current Year Previous Year Type of Incident Total Incidents by Category Total Incidents by Category Current Year Previous Year.6% 75.8%.9% 7.7% Total:.%.4% 7.8% 4.8% 9.% Total:.% Two Year Comparison 8 4 6 8,4,9 4 8 95 5 4 56 56 #Current Year #Previous Year * denotes that the incident occured within the selected jurisdiction, but no units from that jurisdiction responded
Unit Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department For period //4 Through //4 Current Year Type of Incident Station Battalion 7 7 446 446 7 7 9 9 for Battalion 649 649 Brush 5 5 9 9 for Brush 7 7 Chief 6 6 for Chief Chief 4 4 for Chief 8 8 Engine 6 6,, 5 5 7 7 for Engine,545,545 Medic 47 47,84,84 6 6 for Medic,6,6
Unit Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department For period //4 Through //4 Current Year Type of Incident Station Medic 4 4 for Medic 7 7 Special Operations for Special Operations Squad for Squad 5 5 Tender for Tender Tower for Tower 6 6 for Station 4,46 4,46
Unit Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department For period //4 Through //4 Current Year Type of Incident Station Brush 4 4 for Brush 7 7 Medic 4 4 for Medic 5 5 Squad 7 7 64 64 6 6 for Squad 56 56 Tender 5 5 for Tender 75 75 Tower 8 8 for Tower 6 6 for Station 5 5
Unit Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department For period //4 Through //4 Current Year Type of Incident Station Brush 8 8 7 7 for Brush 5 5 Engine 6 6 5 5 9 9 4 4 for Engine 9 9 Medic 55 56 69 69 for Medic 68 69 for Station 76 77 Grand 5,79 5,7 4
Unit Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department Unit Response by Category For period //4 Through //4 4 Total Number of Responses 6 8 4 Battalion Brush Brush Brush Chief Chief Engine Engine Medic Medic Medic Medic 5 Special Operations Squad Squad Tender Tender Tower Tower
Unit Response Summary for Montrose Fire Department For period //4 Through //4 Response Summary by Station Station 4,46 Station 5 Station 77 5 5 5 5 4 45 Total Number of Responses 6
Prevention Summary The District is committed to the belief that the most efficient way to keep our community safe from fire, injury, and illness is through prevention. This is accomplished through building inspections, plan reviews, fire code enforcement, and public education. With the retirement of Deputy Chief Erickson, Fire Prevention Specialist Mark Bray now coordinates and oversees the prevention activities for the District. As new construction has slowed within the District, permits and plan reviews have decreased when compared to years past, however, a slight increase in permits issued and plan reviews was seen in 4. Fire Inspectors conduct physical inspections of new commercial construction and for compliancy of permits issued. On- duty Firefighters conduct annual fire safety inspections of commercial occupancies within the District. These inspections are intended to find general Fire Code Violations and to allow Firefighters to familiarize themselves with the building layout and construction in the event of a fire. As issues are identified, the property owner is made aware and requested to remedy the problem. A follow- up inspection is then conducted to insure compliancy. Permits Issued Fire Alarm Systems Fire Suppression Systems Undergound Fire Line Kitchen Hood Systems Fireworks Display Fireworks Sales 4 5 5 6 InspecLons Primary Business Inspeceons Plan Reviews Site Plans Special Use Building Plan Follow- up Business Inspeceons Permit Inspeceons Plan Inspeceons 4 84 4 7 7
While public education programs, fire prevention, and community relations activities take place throughout the year, the primary emphasis for fire prevention education occurs during Fire Prevention Week in October of each year. Through donations made by local business, the National Fire Safety Council provided the District with over $4, in education materials to use in elementary schools for teaching fire safety. In addition, Firefighters use puppets and fire truck tours to teach the importance of family escape plans, accessing the 9 system, and other health and safety messages. public education activities include: Station Tours Puppet Programs Juvenile Fire Setter Program Fire Extinguisher Classes General Adult Fire Education Infant and Child Car Seat Inspections Community Events (Main in Motion, Home & Garden Shows, Career Days, etc.) Through these programs, approximately 55 adults and,5 children were reached in 4. Fire InvesLgaLons Incendiary Accidental Undetermined 6 The District is also responsible for the determination of the cause and origin of all fires. This is performed by staff trained in fire investigation or, if needed, with consultation by investigation experts such as the Colorado Bureau of Investigations or other private, professional investigation firms. In 4, the District conducted 9 formal investigations. determined to be incendiary or suspicious are referred to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. 8
Training Summary Deputy Chief Allen Weese was the District Training Officer in 4 and was responsible for planning, coordinating, and tracking all of the various training that occurs throughout the year. Training occurs on a daily basis, with various on- duty drills and subjects. In addition to the on- duty training, other classes are conducted to provide continuing education for the maintenance of required fire and emergency medical certifications. Training highlights for 4 include: Advanced Cardiac Life Support conducted in January for the District s Paramedics and EMT- Intermediates. This two year certification is a requirement for all advanced life support providers. Officer Training conducted on a monthly basis. The District s Chiefs and Company Officers focused on a Crew Resource Management curriculum. National Fire Academy conducted in February. Captain Carwin and Lieutenant McBride attended a Company Officer Strategy and Tactics class. Annual Wildfire Refresher Class (RT- ) conducted in February and March for all District staff. This class reviewed wildland fire behavior, suppression tactics, and the use of fire shelters. Active Shooter conducted in March. This was a joint exercise with the Montrose Police Department focusing on neutralizing threats and rapidly removing patients. National Fire Academy conducted in Emmetsburg, MD in April. Captain Culver attended the two- week Effective Leadership Skills for Fire and Organizations class. Pediatric Education for Pre- Hospital Providers (PEPP) conducted in April and November for all MFPD staff. Live Burn Training conducted in May. MFPD assisted the Crested Butte and Telluride Fire Protection Districts with Live Burn Certifications at the District s training facility. Emergency Medical Documentation conducted by Chief Rowan for career staff to bring professional consistency to all incident reports and to maximize compliancy with reimbursement rules and regulations. Swift Water Rescue Technician conducted in May in Salida. Captain Martindale attended and received certification. He then conducted on- duty training for all career personnel. 9
Arson Investigation conducted in August in Grand Junction. Fire Prevention Specialist Bray and Captains Bush and E. McCullough attended a weeklong course conducted by the International Association of Arson Investigators. Incident Command System 4 conducted in Ouray in October. MFPD Command Staff attended a two- day certification class. Leadership Challenge conducted in Keystone in October. Chief Rowan and Battalion Chief Willsie attended various leadership courses. In 4, District staff completed over,89 man- hours of training in the following topics: Ground Ladders Building Construction Hazardous Materials Detection and Monitoring Incident Command System Ventilation Power Saws Hose and Appliances Fire Streams High Rise Hose Evolutions Master Stream Devices Suppression Systems Fire Control Operations Responsibilities of the Firefighter Responsibilities of the Company Officer Communications Radio Procedures Specialized Fire Training Firefighter Health and Safety SCBA Operation and Maintenance Ropes and Knots Personal Protective Equipment Search and Rescue Extrication Map Study Leadership High/Low Angle Rope Rescue Structure Protection Maps, Compass and GPS Defensive Driving Risk Management Higher Education Airway Management Cardiology Trauma Pediatrics CPR/AED Medication Routes and Dosing IV Therapy Quality Assurance Medical Documentation Mass Casualty Response Standard Operating Procedures Pump Operations Defensive Driving Brush Truck Operations Drafting Airport Fire Rescue Ice Rescue Driver Operator
Maintenance Summary The District operates and maintains Fire Stations, a training/live- burn building, 8 vehicles and numerous pieces of support equipment. Battalion Chief Craig Willsie supervises and coordinates the District maintenance program with a goal to maintain a superior state of readiness while being as cost- effective as possible. That challenge is met by purchasing quality equipment and apparatus and maintaining that equipment to a high standard. Equipment and apparatus are subject to daily, weekly, and annual inspections as required. Every effort is made to comply with applicable guidelines established by the National Fire Protection Association and Occupational Safety and Health Association. Maintence/Repair Costs $7,76. $,4. $7,98. $8,645. Apparatus "In House" Apparatus "Professional" Operaeonal Maintenance/Repair Faciliees Maintenance/Repair In an effort to keep costs as low as possible, the District performs the majority of maintenance and repair to facilities, equipment, and apparatus using District staff. When projects are beyond the scope and experience of in- house staff, local professional mechanics or contractors are used.
Staff Awards and Recognitions Firefighter of the Quarter The Firefighter of the Quarter Award is given to an employee who has been nominated by his or her peers for actions beyond their normal scope of duties. Recipients in 4 were: nd Quarter Firefighter/EMT- I Jessie Galvan. Years of Service Recognitions Firefighter/Paramedic Cameron Dillon, Lieutenant Troye Floyd, Firefighter/EMT Ryan Sealock, Reserve Firefighter Dino Farnese, Reserve Firefighter Phillip Bray, and Volunteer Firefighter James Evans were recognized for 5 years of service to the District. EMT Jerry Sieverson was recognized for 5 years of service to the District. Battalion Chief Craig Willsie and Captain Steve Bush were recognized for 5 years of service to the District. Employee of the Year The Fire Chief awards an employee of the year award to person(s) who perform exemplary or go beyond the call of duty. Captain Bill Martindale (pictured) received the award for Employee of the Year.