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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/06/2009, B 2 - FIRE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS UPDATE 1 counat M 1/6/09 j acEnaa uEpoM 1�Numba CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO FROM: John Callahan, Fire Chief Prepared By: Rodger Maggio, Fire Marshal SUBJECT: FIRE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS UPDATE RECOMMENDATION Receive a report regarding the City's Fire Prevention and Disaster Preparedness programs. REPORT-IN-BRIEF Several months ago, in the aftermath of fires in residential structures, the Council asked questions about the City's fire prevention services and our philosophy regarding our balancing engineering, educational and enforcement strategies. Interest in the City's disaster preparedness efforts is also always high, and even more so after we witness national disasters. Earlier in 2008, staff offered to return to Council with an overview of our Fire Prevention Program, including the range of services offered by the Bureau and the mix of our prevention strategies. Given the opportunity for "quality time" with Council on this important topic, we felt it suitable to also briefly summarize recent disaster preparation efforts. The balance of this report provides some historical background and context related to fire prevention, along with a summary of our philosophy and efforts. Recent disaster preparation activities are also briefly addressed. Opportunities. for more detailed discussion of these programs, including long-tern planning, shall also be available during the Council's review of the Fire Master Plan in February 2009. DISCUSSION Historical Background The United States has an extensive history of devastating fires. With each major loss, lessons are learned. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911, where 145 souls perished taught us the dangers of locked exits. Likewise the Iroquois Theater Fire of 1903 that killed 602 persons extolled the problem of inward swinging exit doors on large occupancy buildings. The Coconut Grove Night Club Fire of 1942 proved deadly to 492 patrons, due to improper exiting. So dire was the fire problem in the United States in the late 19th century and early 20th century that the mere act of yelling "fire" in a church led to panic and the trampling death of over 100 persons in 1902. �3a - 1 Report Title Page 2 Ironically, the first fire sprinkler system was patented in 1872 and the first national fire sprinkler installation standard was adopted in 1896. But it wasn't until the second half of the 20th century that fire codes would be established and adopted in many communities in the United States, and not until the 21 st century that the model codes recognized the benefits of fire sprinklers on a wide scale. Since 1977, fire losses in the U.S. have dropped from 678,000 fires resulting in 4,835 deaths in single family dwellings to 300,500 fires and 2,350 deaths last year. There is a similar reduction in multi-dwelling fires statistics. This is mainly due to the adoption of modern fire and building codes and the establishment of fire prevention bureaus starting in the mid 1960's. The City of San Luis Obispo has had its share of major fires over the last two centuries, including the loss of one of its theaters. However, the City was one of the first communities in the nation to recognize that fire sprinklers save both lives and property by passing a comprehensive fire sprinkler installation ordinance. It wasn't until 1987 that the City of San Luis Obispo hired its first full-time fire prevention employee, a fire plan checker. An inspector was hired in 1990. The fire department, as of March 2008 now has a staffed fire prevention bureau,protecting that which we hold dear through engineering, education, and enforcement. SLO Fire Department Prevention Bureau Philosophy and Overview The City Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau has a three-prong approach to enhancing the fire and life safety of the community. This approach encompasses engineering, public education, and enforcement. The engineering component includes building fire and life safety features into new construction projects, including the installation of fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems. This is done through the plan review process along with inspection and testing of new systems when they are installed. The educational component incorporates a variety of strategies, including presentations to the public, educational mailers, and working with business owners. By educating the owners of commercial properties about the benefits of fire safety in the City we are creating partnerships with businesses with a shared goal of fire and life safety. The enforcement component is used as a last resort to ensure compliance and correct hazardous conditions. Over the past few years, the City of San Luis Obispo experienced several fires in residential structures affecting both single family occupancy and multi-family dwellings. Based on these incidents, earlier in 2008 the Council asked staff to return with an update on the Fire Department's efforts in fire prevention. Given the opportunity to discuss fire prevention with the Council, staff thought that it would also be timely to update Council on our disaster preparedness efforts due to the connection between the two programs. The Fire Prevention Bureau plays a vital role in the safety of the residents, visitors and businesses. By inspecting multi-family residential units, potential hazards are reduced and the threat of loss of life due to fire is diminished. By inspecting businesses, bureau personnel limit fire losses, protecting the community's economic vitality and job base. By working with industrial facilities, staff is protecting the public and the environment from the effects of accidental hazardous chemical releases. The thorough investigation of fires and aggressive prosecution of arsonists serves as a deterrent to those who may maliciously start fires. Being ]3a--a I I I Report Title Page 3 involved in the early stages of the new construction development process allows the fire prevention bureau to address issues promoting building safety and life safety for the public and our firefighters. For many years, the Fire Department's been committed to regularly conducting emergency drills. We have recently conducted emergency drills in conjunction with the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services, the San Luis Obispo County Health Department, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Fire Department conducts ongoing disaster preparedness training for its citizens and staff through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program. Fire.Prevention Bureau Activities in 2008 Along with fighting fires and responding to medical calls, the Fire Department makes every effort to keep our citizens safe by performing a number of activities. The Fire Prevention Bureau is part of the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department and consists of a Fire Marshal, three Fire Inspectors, a Hazardous Materials Coordinator, one full-time Administrative Assistant (Multi Dwelling Property Inspection Program) and one temporary Administrative Assistant (Weed Abatement). The year 2008 has been a very busy one for the Fire Prevention Bureau. January saw the adoption and implementation of the new Fire and Building Codes, based on the International Fire and Building Codes. Also in January, comprehensive Wildland-Urban Interface construction standards were implemented statewide, adding additional responsibilities to the Bureau. These standards are intended to provide a level of protection for structures located in wildfire prone areas from flame and ember intrusion. In March the new full-time Fire Marshal came on board. Each of the following areas will be discussed in depth. 1. Development Review/Construction Inspection 2. Multi-Dwelling Property Inspection 3. Fire and Life Safety Inspection 4. Certified Unified Program Agency(CUPA) 5. Fire Investigations 6. Public Education 7. Code Enforcement 8. Vegetation Management 9. Emergency Operations Support 10. Hydrant Maintenance Program 1. Development Review/Construction.Inspection The Fire Marshal has implemented a single-point inspection scheduling system: a new inspection hotline where contractors call in their inspections and an inspector will be assigned via the existing department software program. Construction inspections are provided with 24-hours notice, and.not more than a maximum of 48-hours. Information on inspection scheduling will soon be posted on the department website, along with an updated version of the "Developer's Guide". In addition a new sign-off card has been developed for use in new construction that improves Fire Department documentation of construction inspections. The Bureau's accomplishments in 2008 include: 30,-3 Report Title Page 4 0 85 Architectural Review projects completed. 0 144 Building Construction and Fire Protection Plan Reviews completed. 0 93% of Plan Reviews completed in three weeks or less. 0 $123,600 projected annual revenue for fire safety plan review. 0 Over 200 construction related inspections provided. 2. Multi Dwelling Property Inspection Program The Fire Prevention Bureau has been assigned the task of inspecting all multi-dwelling properties (3 or more units) in the City to ensure that they meet a reasonable degree of fire and life safety for the thousands of renters in our community as well as visitors who choose to patronize our local hotels and motels. Accomplishments in 2008 include: 0 474 multi-dwelling properties inspected annually, of which 85% have been completed at the time of writing this report and 100% completion is expected by the end of the year 2008. 0 $187,545 projected annual revenue from the multi-dwelling property inspection program at 50% cost recovery. 3. Fire and Life Safety Inspections Staff inspects a variety of commercial and institutional occupancies; including assisted living centers, nursing homes, hospitals, day care centers, schools, retail businesses, office buildings, restaurants, churches, etc. Accomplishments in 2008 include: 0 305 properties have been inspected by the Bureau. • 2,463 commercial properties have been inspected by the firefighters on engine companies.. 0 $79,000 collected in annual revenue for Fire Code permit fees. 4. Certified Unified Program Agency(CUPA) The Bureau is currently a Participating Agency with the San Luis Obispo County Division of Environmental Health, which is a CUPA. Since the City has chosen to be a Participating Agency, the Hazardous Materials Coordinator is responsible for carrying out State-Mandated regulatory oversight of businesses in the City. These. include entities that use or store hazardous materials, generate hazardous waste or have underground or above ground fuel storage tanks. Diligence on behalf of the Hazardous Materials Coordinator resulted in the discovery of major underground storage tank violations at a Chevron gas station facility that required the issuance of an Administrative Enforcement Order. This action resulted in a $64,000 negotiated settlement accruing to the program. Staff is currently working on an additional Administrative Enforcement Order for repeated violations of Underground Storage Tank regulations at another facility. Accomplishments in 2008 include: 0 254 CUPA inspections completed. 0 $71,400 collected in revenue for annual CUPA permit fees. 3a -�- i 1 ) Report Title Page 5 • Hazardous Materials Spills response cost recovery S. Fire Investigations Bureau staff investigated dozens of fires, including three fires located in residential structures with illegal garage or attic conversions. San Luis Obispo City Fire Department's lead investigator was asked to cover the City of Paso Robles while its investigator was on medical leave. During that time, he investigated a major chemical plant fire. His actions and hard work were praised by the Fire Chief of Paso Robles. One felony arrest for arson was made this year. The subject has since pleaded guilty in the case. The City is a continuing host to several regional, state and national training symposiums. The Biannual California Conference of Arson Investigators is held at the Embassy Suites in March and in November each year. These events help in bringing hundreds of participants and the resulting travel revenues into the City. 6. Public Education The Fire Department secured a $1,500 grant from a major retailer to purchase child safety seats. Additionally, the State of California donated child safety seats, which have been distributed to families in need. Public education is a year long program for the Fire Department. In 2008, an estimated 2,000 people came to the Department's annual Open House. The Department conducted nine fire drills at Cal Poly in the spring, summer and fall. The Department participated in teen mentoring events, did smoke detector checks at residential properties, conducted fire extinguisher training events at local businesses, and participated in seven significant public information events. .7. Code Enforcement Fire Department Inspectors work closely with Building Department staff on a variety of code enforcement issues relative to all types of buildings inspected. Such code enforcement issues include hoarding, illegal storage, substandard housing issues, construction deficits, illegal additions, and a number of other items. Due to a number of fires in residential occupancies with illegal garage conversions, staff was asked to increase the City's public outreach to local residents about the dangers of unsafe housing. In partnership with the Building Department, staff developed and published a tri- fold brochure illustrating these hazards. These brochures were mailed to every household in the City. Also, a fire safety flyer was developed targeting student housing and was distributed through the housing office at Cal Poly. 8 Vegetation Management In the area of vegetation management, the Bureau implemented a program to reduce wildland fuels in the open space areas surrounding the City. This was carried out with the cooperation �J "r i Report Title Page 6 of the City's Natural Resource Manager using crews from the Cuesta Conservation Camp at a very modest cost. The Fire Marshal gave a presentation to an upper division Landscape Architecture course at Cal Poly. The use of fire safe landscape design was taught to our future landscape architects. Staff is currently working on public education materials for local residents living in the Wildland-Urban Interface areas. To date accomplishments in 2008 include: • 1,500 weed abatement letters mailed out. • 80 cubic yards of combustible brush removed behind homes adjacent to the Irish Hills open space. • Eucalyptus grove pruned and thinned in the Cerro San Luis Open Space. • Downed fuel removed in the Bowden Ranch open space drainage. 9. Emergency Operations Support In addition to our normal day-to-day assignments, fire prevention staff is called upon to support emergency operations during major fires. • Bureau personnel were deployed to Northern California during the fire siege of June and July, assigned to the Resource Unit.. While assigned to an out of county assignment, staff received praise from their unit leaders for the quality of work done at these fires. • Staff filled support roles at fires in San Luis Obispo, including Logistics, Status/Check-In Recorder, and Public Information Officer at the recent EI Cerrito Fire. 10. Hydrant Maintenance The Bureau currently oversees two interns, who are charged with the maintenance of all City's hydrants including painting and reporting any hydrant deficiency to the Utilities Department. As an effort to reduce fuel costs and green house gas emissions, the Bureau has implemented the use of bicycles for transportation in the hydrant maintenance program. This has been especially helpful while conducting maintenance in the downtown area. Disaster Preparedness Activities in 2008 The Fire Chief has the responsibility for the city-wide disaster planning. Staff assists with the training and exercising the personnel of all departments in the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This year, the department participated in a Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant Drill that was rated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and involved employees from every City department. In addition to the drill, there was an educational session and a "dress rehearsal"drill. Most recently, the department served as a Point of Distribution (POD) for influenza inoculations. This drill showed our ability to mobilize the necessary resources to address an exposure to the Avian Flu Virus. Staff estimates that approximately 584 individuals were vaccinated. Ba -� Report Title Page 7 The Department also administers the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This program trains members of our community to be self-sufficient during the first 72 hours following a disaster and to help emergency responders. The Department has trained approximately 800 of our citizens in this program, 31 this year alone. Additionally, the Department offers a disaster preparedness class for City employees annually. Approximately 150 employees have taken this training. Fire Department staff is in the process of updating the City's Emergency Operations Plan, which mirrors the structure of the County's to better enable coordination between agencies in the event of a real emergency. The City's Emergency Operations Plan will be presented to Council for approval in 2009. Next Major Discussion: Fire Department MasterPlan The Council will have the opportunity to more fully review and discuss the City's long term Fire Department prevention services as well as suppression strategies when the Fire Master Plan is reviewed by Council in February, 2009. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this report T:/Council Agenda Reports/Fire CAR/CAR 2008-Prevention&Disaster Preparedness Update Page I of 1 Council, SloCity From: Terry Mohan [catsdad@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Mon 1/5/2009 12:29 PM To: Council, SloCity Cc: Subject: Multi Dwelling Property Inspection Program-Agenda Item 2 Attachments: Multi Dwelling Property Inspection Program I would like to see theMulti Dwelling Property Inspection Program discontinued as an unnecessary annual drain on our general fund. While it was initiated in compliance to a state mandate the decision by the council two years ago to transfer approximately 30% more of the programs cost onto the taxpayer made it a program we don't need and can't afford. While this report attempts to suggest we are receiving an annual projected revenue of $187,545 from this program in actuality out of our general fund we are spending $187,545 to make up the full cost of this mandate. While the council at the time of the increased taxpayer contribution pretended that this inspection program contained benefits for the general public, the simple definition of its intentions explains the true beneficiaries of these inspections, large property owners, and I for one am not one of them. I say we either pass all of the costs of these inspections on to the owners that the state intended or cancel the program all together and fire the Fire Inspector hired specifically for this job. This is another case of special interests costs being paid by an out of touch, apathetic constituency. Terry Mohan 2416 Santa Clara Co L San Luis Obispo, CA Q�COUNCIL CMDD DIR ff-GAeC(7/ftt. [-FIN DIR jArt_p FIRE CHIEF �TTORNE) a-Pw DIR CI CLEMORIQ M-POLICE CWF O DEPT HEADS 31SO DIA IYUTIL DIS TiuQ C-I-iR DIR / N(ct✓f1iYlE5 /C[f�j �ou��L i r27D FILE — ME INIG AGENIDA DATE / b [i ce',i ` So-- https://mail.slocity.org/exchange/slocitycouncil/Inbox/Multi%2ODwelling%2OProperty%20... 1/5/2009