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Regular Session Minutes <br />January 23, 2025 <br />Page 3 <br />Fire Impacts: In 2024, structure fires resulted in $5,721,816 in property losses, while <br />$6,409,700 was saved. Non-structure fires accounted for an additional $1.8 million in <br />losses. <br />Commissioner Cushnie asked about the progress of red flag warnings and the status <br />of up-staffing and protocols. Deputy Volpe and Chief Todd outlined the interim <br />directives and ongoing efforts to establish formal protocols. <br />Emergency OperationsHighlights: <br />o Battalion 1 (East Hawaii):Responded to a structure fire at Val Hala <br />Apartments, where rescue operations included saving three lost hunters. <br />Additional incidents included a fire on Hopue Road and a rescue at a steam <br />vent in Volcano National Park. <br />o There was a structure fire at the old bowling alley <br />in Kainaliu, where a successful rescue was made. Theyworked diligently with <br />nearby businessesto remove artwork and other items, preventing damage <br />and saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in property. Additionally, there <br />was a brush fire at Upolu Point and an aircraft emergency involving a Cessna <br />hard landing in District 9. <br />Special Operations: <br />o Haz-Mat:The new Hazmat 4 IFB was awarded to Hughes Fire. X-4 and X-21 <br />are currently at the upfitter for the installation of aftermarket accessories. A <br />Haz-Tech class is scheduled for January 6-17, with 24 personnel selected to <br />attend. <br />o Ocean Safety: They are in discussions with HGEA about a staffing proposal. <br />The staffing models in Hilo and Kona have historically been different, and <br />they are working to align them for consistency across the island. While they <br />initially thought it would be straightforward,it has proven to be more <br />challenging, and meetings are ongoing. <br />o Rescue: Confined space rescue equipment has been purchased, and Sayre- <br />funded equipment acquisitions have begun. X-2 and X-7 are currently at the <br />upfitter for the installation of aftermarket accessories. <br />Support Services: <br />o Emergency Medical Services: Chief Todd provided an update on EMS <br />training, including hands-only CPR and medical standby at events. The 2025 <br />distributed. The community paramedicine program and Narcan awareness <br />efforts continue, with EMS personnel collaborating with Kona Community <br />Hospital on a community education project. Pulsara is being used to improve <br /> <br />