Minutes of Meeting FIRE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE to the OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES Sacramento Inn Sacramento, California April 4, 1973 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bush at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 1973. on I. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Others Present: Loren Bush, Chairman; National Fire Protection Association R. G. Barrows, Vice Chairman; OES Fire and Rescue Division George Arens -- Volunteer Fire Departments Harry Bigglestone -- Insurance Services Office Robert Hall, for Albert Hole, State Fire Marshal's Office Richard Houts -- County Fire Departments (South) John Keller -- County Fire Departments (North) Albert Streuli -- Fire Districts (North) Philip Ward -- National Park Service Winston Wilson -- City Fire Departments (North) Leonard Bell -- City Fire Departments (South) Douglas Leisz, U.S. Forest Service Lou Moran, California Division of Forestry Willis Pinkerton -- Fire Districts (South) R. L. Vickers, Deputy Director, OES Gil Richardson, Solano County Fire Warden Dianne Morris, Fire and Rescue Division, OES Paul Scott, Fire and Rescue Division, OES Bill Wirth, OES Fire & Rescue Division Mike Wood, Fire and Rescue Division, OES II. OPENING REMARKS Chairman Bush welcomed the group and explained that in Chief Barrows' absence at the morning session of the meeting, Paul Scott would present the report on the Fire and Rescue Division activities since the last meeting. Mr. Scott stated that Chief Barrows and Mr. Vickers were attending a meeting in the Governor's Office regarding the Eucalyptus tree problem in the East Bay Hills.
2. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 23, 1972 The Committee unanimously agreed that the minutes of the August 23, 1972 meeting of the OES Fire Services Advisory Committee should be approved. IV. RESCUE PROGRAM Chairman Bush called on Paul Scott to comment on efforts made since the last meeting of the committee with reference to the Rescue Program and recommendations that were made. Mr. Scott mentioned the recommendation regarding funding for a prototype rescue vehicle. The recommendation was accepted, but funding was diverted to another priority program. However, the request will again appear in the 1974/75 budget proposals. Chief Houts asked if OES Fire Division has begun specifications for a prototype rescue vehicle. Mr. Scott explained that they have been collecting information such as body types, new equipment, etc., but as yet, there were no finalized specs. It was noted that efforts on this recommendation had slowed due to the unavailability of funding for the vehicle. Chief Streuli commented that work should continue, even though the money isn't available. Specifications and equipment need constant updating, and by the time the money is available, OES Fire Division should be ready with a set of current specs. It was also suggested to contact the Mechanics Section of the Cal-Chiefs for their contributions to the specs. The committee" agreed that OES should first come forth with a basic set of specs, then approach-the Cal-Chiefs for their recommendations. V. FIRE AND RESCUE DIVISION ACTIVITIES ---- Mr. Scott reviewed some of the projects and research and development committees that OES Fire Division is presently involved in:
3. 1. Wildland Task Force - as a result of the 1970 fires. OES involvement has been in fire control aspect. 2. California Fire Chiefs Communications Committee, 'regarding 154.280 "White Fire Olannel." Emphasis has been on availability and use of OES communications equipment. Chief Keller mentioned that the Northern California Section is urging use of mountain-top repeaters and transmitters. Also, one of the aims of the Cal-Chiefs is to set up proper guidelines on how to use 154.280. 3. Joint Government Project between Southern California and Mexico. OES has been providing assistance both in fire and rescue, including films, brochures, etc. 4. San Francisco Bay Area Earthquake Response Planning Project: Explained research center that is under contract with OES, and that Chief Barrows is on a steering committee. Mr. Scott then introduced Mr. Richardson, explaining his involvement in the earthquake committee. Present plans call for Operational Area meetings of fire chiefs in each of the nine Bay Area counties in order to finalize emergency operations plans. Mr. Richardson noted that this project will soon begin in the Los Angeles area. Discussion followed regarding involvement of the fire services in this project. Mr. Richardson stated that officials have been trying to get definite statements from the fire service; but they don't realize that the fire service must remain flexible - every disaster must be handled with flexibility. 5. Bay Area Eucalyptus Problem (Operation Bluegum) - Explained political pressure and pressure on obtaining results.
4. Along with being involved "in so many committees, the OES Fire Division is still attempting to further the Mutual Aid Program and strengthen the Apparatus Program. VI. OES RESERVE APPARATUS PROGRAM As of this time, 60 pumpers have been released in to the Reserve Apparatus Program. One rescue truck has been sold, leaving 28. Ten more pumpers will be released this year as the new units arrive. Mr. 8cott reviewed the terms of sale of the apparatus and asked for comments on whether or not OES should continue to sell them. Round-table discussion was held regarding repowering versus selling of units; spare parts; age and obsolescence, etc. Committee agreed that because of labor problems, difficulty in Obtaining parts, and the age of the older pumpers, it is more feasible to sell the units rather than re-power. The next question raised was regarding priorities to be set when selling reserve apparatus. Should a first-come, first-serve basis be utilized or should priorities be set by area, region, or state? It was agreed that since the apparatus is State equipment, then the needs of the State should be first priority. Motion 1 It was moved by Chief Wilson, seconded by Chief Arens, and unanimously carried, THAT THE OES FIRE AND RESCUE DIVISION CHANGE ITS PRIORITY SYSTEM ON SELLING EQUIPMENT ON THE RESERVE APPARATUS PROGRAM, AND THAT THEY SET UP A NEW PRIORITY SYSTEM BASED UPON THIS GENERAL SUGGESTION: FIRST PRIORITY IS THE GENERAL NEED OF OES (STATE), AND SECOND IS A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE BASIS. VII. AFTERNOON SESSION Committee meeting re-convened at 1:00 p.m. after lunch. At this time, Chief Barrows and OES Deputy Director Vickers had arrived. The retirement of Loren Bush as Committee Chairman was acknowledged, and John Keller was appointed new Chairman.
5. Mr. Vickers spoke to Mr. Bush about all the valuable contributions he has made, and expressed appreciation to Chief Keller for taking over Chairmanship. Mr. Vickers then read a letter to Mr. Bush from Governor Reagan, and presented him with a Certificate of Commendation. Chief Barrows, on behalf of the OES Fire and Rescue Division, presented Mr. Bush with a statue, engraved with his name and the years of his participation in the fire service. Mr. Bush expressed his delight and thanks to the committee. VIII. GOVERNOR'S EARTHQUAKE COUNCIL REPORT - RECOMMENDATION 16b - "HEAVY RESCUE" It was agreed that the committee should determine a statewide heavy rescue requirement - not just what to carryon a truck, but what is needed for the entire state. Discussion followed on whose responsibility it is for heavy rescue; how long should the fire department carry out heavy rescue operations in a major disaster; how should inventory of resources be accomplished; what is the definition of "heavy rescue"; what are the legal aspects of heavy rescue. Chief Barrows mentioned that the committee shouldn't consider the fire department as the entire rescue service, but as a focal point or coordinator to get operations started. The Bay Area Earthquake Project was cited as being precedence-setting. If guidelines and plans are set in the nine Bay Area counties, they will be set throughout the state. It was decided to establish a sub-committee to implement the recommendations of the Governor's Earthquake Council Report, and that the committee would give first consideration to some of the items discussed today. It was recommended that Chief Houts chair this subcommittee, with one member being Chuck Ulrey, OES Fire Coordinator in Southern California, another member being J. J. VanValkenburgh, Director of Training at the Los Angeles City Rescue SChool, and Chief Willis Pinkerton, Barstow Fire District.
6. IX. RECOMMENDATION 16c - FIRE SERVICE CAPABILITY Discussion followed as to the limitations of mutual aid under our present system, yet there are no restrictions as to how far the fire service can go. A task force sub-committee was recommended to list fire service problems and how to solve them now, and in the future. Chief Keller stated that the members of this sub-committee must use their imaginations - no restrictions. Need vivid, imaginative input. The committee recommended the following individuals for the sub-committee on Fire Service capability: Department of Conservation Large Metropolitan Fire Service Rural Fire Representative Local Government, Large City or County Fire Marshal Insurance Industry Large Metropolitan Civil Defense Utilities Public Works Office of Emergency Services John Hastings, Deputy State Forester R. H. Houts, Chief, L.A. County Fire Department Chief Streuli was recommended, but unable to accept. Chief George Arens, Arbuckle Vol. Fire Dept. accepted. Wes McClure, San Leandro City Manager Al Hole, State Fire Marshal Harry Bigglestone, I.S.O. Ed Joyce, San Francisco County Civil Defense Director Frank Rothganger, OES Utilities Division Brian Richter, Director of Public Works, Sacto. County R. G. Barrows, Chief, OES Fire & Rescue Division (Chairman) X. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Keller stated he would be in contact with each member of the two sub-committees in order to achieve the results they are after. The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m. n~, Ij)~ ~afu.j JO~LLER, Chairman #'L- _