FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chardon Fire addresses Newsnet 5 report on poor FD response times
A recent news documentary criticized Ohio fire
departments that had excessive response times.
5/2006 - Chardon, Ohio
We feel compelled to address questions brought up in a news story that was
presented in May, 2006 on a local news station out of Cleveland. In a recent
local Newsnet 5
(WEWS) "investigative report", local fire departments throughout
northeastern Ohio were criticized for having "poor response times".
The story cited
data gathered from the National Fire Protection Association over 5 years. The departments
with the worst response times were generally those having been traditionally
volunteer or part-time based. These departments are now experiencing a
higher run volume, as people move to the "suburbs". Unfortunately, as
this has happened, national-wide volunteerism has fallen off.
While the intent
of the report is admirable, it provided a rather skewed look at Chardon area response times,
failing to take into account many individual variables, including square miles
covered, weather-related delays, and mutual aid responses. During the news spot, several questions were brought up
by lead reporter, Ron Regan. He suggested that residents "ask their
fire chief" 5 questions. So... in order to provide our residents with a
good "picture" of the quality EMS and fire protection they are
receiving, we decided to put our answers in writing:
1. What is your
average response time? Answer: Our response time is NOT
7.61 minutes (3rd best in the county), as reported. If Newsnet 5 had called
us to confirm the accuracy of the information, they would have obtained the
following:
2005 - 5.21 minutes, 2006 - 5.14 minutes from
time-of-call to time-on-scene ! (These response times represent a response
time average for our entire 42 square mile response area, so if
you live in Chardon City your response times are considerably less).
According to Newsnet 5's data, this would rate us as the #1 best response time
in Geauga County.
2. How has the number of calls increased in the last 10
years? Answer: Older data is harder to retrieve, but average annual
run totals have increased at a fairly predictable, steady rate of 3-5% per
year. 2005 saw an increase of 10% over 2004. As our population
grows, our response totals grow also. As with most fire departments, most
increases are in the area of EMS responses.
3. Have you been able to hire
full-time firefighters over that same period? Answer: Yes, the Chardon
Fire Department currently employs 5 full-time firefighter/paramedics, and 40
additional part-time firefighter/paramedics (or EMT's). Chardon FD has
maintained 24 hour on-station coverage since January, 2002, and currently staffs
5 personnel from 6am-6pm, and 4 personnel from 6pm-6am. Planned increases
for manning will be implemented in 2007.
4. What is your ISO (Insurance
Services Organization) rating for fire protection? If more money were
spent, how would that improve fire protection and lower homeowner insurance?
Great question. Answer: City of Chardon-ISO rating of 4.
Chardon and Claridon Townships-ISO ratings of 6/9. The 6 rating reflects
any property within 1000 ft. of a fire hydrant, and the "9" reflects
unhydranted areas. Chardon FD is working to improve its' ISO ratings in
unhydranted areas. Generally, homeowners see no significant savings for
ISO ratings under 5, but commercial occupancies do. More money for
personnel, equipment, fire stations, and infrastructure improvements would
improve fire protection, but most residents are not willing to bear the immense
tax increases necessary, and lose the rural atmosphere of large lot zoning
required for wells and septic systems.
5. How does response time change for
mid-day fire protection, compared to a fire at night? Answer: Since
Chardon Fire Dept. provides 24-hour staffing at the station, the only variables
affecting response times are weather and traffic conditions. There is no
delay in personnel response.
Feel free to call us at the station
(440-285-4665) if you have further questions. We would be happy to provide
you with any information that you request. Here are the links to the
Channel 5 report.
http://www.newsnet5.com/investigations/9219000/detail.html
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/9219211/detail.html
For More Information Contact:
Chardon Fire Department - Chief
Larry Gaspar
110 S. Hambden St. Chardon, OH 44024
Tel: 440-285-4665
FAX: 440-285-8320
Webmaster: Capt. John Blauch
