HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 FIRE CHIEFS REPORT FY21-22 AUGUST1
Hawai’i Fire Department
kazuo.todd@hawaiicounty.gov 808-932-2900
25 Aupuni St, Hilo, HI, 96720
FIRE CHIEFS REPORT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TO THE FIRE COMMISSION ______________________________________ 3
Response Highlights ______________________________________________________ 3
Community Outreach ______________________________________________________ 4
BUDGET _____________________________________________________ 5
Alternative Funding and Grants ______________________________________________ 5
SAFER Grant ____________________________________________________________ 5
National Forest Service Grant _______________________________________________ 5
FEMA AFG for COVID 19 __________________________________________________ 5
FEMA BRIC _____________________________________________________________ 5
FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant ______________________________________ 5
HUMAN RESOURCES ___________________________________________ 6
Recruitment _____________________________________________________________ 6
Classification ____________________________________________________________ 6
Employee Development and Training _________________________________________ 6
Gains and Losses ________________________________________________________ 6
Retirement ______________________________________________________________ 6
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION _____________________________ 7
Battalion 1, East Hawai’i ___________________________________________________ 7
Battalion 2, West Hawai’i ___________________________________________________ 8
Hazardous Materials Response ______________________________________________ 8
Ocean Safety ____________________________________________________________ 8
Rescue _________________________________________________________________ 9
SUPPORT SERVICES 11
Emergency Medical Services Bureau ________________________________________ 11
Training Bureau _________________________________________________________ 12
Volunteer Bureau ________________________________________________________ 12
Fire Prevention Bureau ___________________________________________________ 12
Maintenance Bureau _____________________________________________________ 13
Auxiliary Service Bureau __________________________________________________ 13
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS 14
CHIEF'S BRIEFING 15
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TO THE FIRE COMMISSION
State of the Department
Having hit the first four (4) months, I am pleased to report that several of the new initiatives
have been implemented and initial feedback has been good. The philosophy of powering
down and allowing subordinates to have more authority in making decisions at their level has
garnered a sense of increased responsibility and ownership in the management process.
Coupled with these successes are several issues that are still impacting the full performance
of emergency response. The shortage of Dispatchers and Paramedics has stretched an
already thin pool of staff, which has resulted in higher-than-normal expenditures of overtime.
Efforts have been concentrated on realigning supervisory positions within the Dispatch office
and authorizing additional overtime for the paramedics. We anticipate as qualified personnel
fill vacancies, the dependency on overtime should be greatly reduced. This past month has
challenged the Department with several large-scale fires and responses.
Response Highlights
The following are the highlights from August 2021. The complete list of responses will be
provided in the Emergency Operations Division Update.
July 30, Inc# 15240, Wildland Fire: Mana Road District 9, HFD units, Paradise
Helicopters, PTA Fire, three (3) Military Blackhawks, DOFAW, 26 Bull dozers, IMT,
40,000+ acres burned from Makahalau to Keamuku to Waikōloa and up to DOFAW
boundary on Mauna Kea. Incident lasting 11 days. Three (3) structures lost.
(Documented on last month’s report)
Aug 13, Inc# 16631, Wildland Fire: DKI 48.5mm. District 16, Joint response with HFD,
PTA Fire, and DOFAW. Rapid moving Brush Fire contained to 320 acres between
48.5mm and 46.5mm on DKI
Aug 15, Inc # 16486, Rescue: Mauna Lani, District 14 Overturned canoe in surf, five
(5) people. All parties extricated from surf. One (1) party transported to NHCH.
Aug 29, Inc# 17637, Rescue/Special Service: Offshore of Mākole‘ā/District 7, Boat in
distress, units responded for a 31’ Trimaran with a broken mast, no power, drifting into
the surf area. RB07 able to get on scene before grounding and was towed back to
Honokōhau harbor. No injuries or damage.
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Community Outreach
On August 14th, Company 21 assisted the
D.O.D. with the Technical
Decontamination for an unexploded
ordinance.
Had a meeting with the Deaf Community
reference emergency notifications.
Met with Jim Burneka Cancer Consult on
the potential for Contractor led
assessment of hazards within the Fire
Department.
Attended a planning meeting on lava roads (opening, alternate routes).
Attended a seminar on the Salamander Software.
Had a meeting with Bob Becker in reference to the COOP.
Met with Dr. Rachel Solemaas re: HCC/HFD curriculums.
Attended the Waimea town meeting.
FB Video Tim Spears (Prevention Bureau).
Attended the Pa‘auilo town meeting with Councilmember Heather Kimball to discuss
WUI issues.
Attended the initial planning
conference for the Ironman race.
Met with councilmembers – Lee
Loy, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Richards post Mana road Brush Fire
and to discuss future initiatives.
Attended the Waikōloa Village
Association meeting.
Met with students at Hilo High
school to talk about integrity in work.
Met at council chambers for
proposed Fire Commission Meeting
teleconferencing set up.
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BUDGET
FY 2021-2022
FY 2021-2022 - County Budget:
Total spending through July 31st is at 21.80% with 16.66% of the fiscal year completed.
Salaries and Wages
Closed at 22.52% Fire and 20.38% EMS.
OCE expenditures closed at 29.82% in Fire, and 13.88% in EMS.
State Funded Budget Items:
EMS reimbursements for FY 20-21 current to March for reimbursements. Remainder of
the year is in progress and should be submitted by September 31st.
Alternative Funding and Grants
SAFER Grant – Grant submitted for six (6) Captain Positions and three (3) FF
positions. No updates.
National Forest Service Grant (50/50 matching for $50,000).
b. Submitted for reimbursement for FY 19-20 (Pending).
c. Submitted for reimbursement for FY 20-21 (Pending).
d. Working on application for FY 21-22 (approved and being expended).
FEMA AFG for Covid-19 – grant period extended another year. No Updates.
FEMA AFG for 2021 has been completed and submitted we have submitted for extractors
for all of our fire stations. No updates.
Grant from State of Hawai’i, Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Division. Training has started.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and the Flood Mitigation.
Assistance Grant opens on September 30, 2021 thru January 28, 2022 for submittals.
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HUMAN RESOURCES
Internal Recruitment within Department:
Fire Captain (Emergency Operations) – Pending scheduling of interview/assessment
center.
Fire Equipment Operator – 21 candidates passed the written exam. Pending
interview/assessment center.
Fire Prevention Inspector II – Internal recruitment opened on August 29, 2021, and will
close on September 7, 2021.
Fire Prevention Inspector I – Pending scheduling of interview/assessment center.
Fire Rescue Specialist – 16 candidates referred to participate in the Physical
Assessment Exercise. PAE to be announced.
Internal Recruitment within the County:
Accountant I – One (1) temporary position closed on August 17, 2021. There were no
applicants. Request to Fill form resubmitted for internal recruitment within the
Department. Received interest from current employee.
Account Clerk – Position opened on August 22, 2021, and closed on August 31, 2021.
Pending referred list from Department of Human Resources.
Open-Competitive Recruitment:
Fire Radio Dispatcher I – Five (5) new hires started September 1, 2021.
Classification:
One (1) Fire Fighter position reallocated to Fire/EMS Specialist I effective August 16,
2021.
Two (2) Fire Radio Dispatcher II positions temporarily reallocated to Fire Radio
Dispatcher I effective September 1, 2021.
One (1) Water Safety Officer I (1/2T) reinstated to Water Safety Officer II (1/2T)
effective September 1, 2021.
Labor Relations:
Internal Investigations – Certified mail to Fire Equipment Operator (1), Fire/EMS
Specialist II (1), Fire Fighter (3).
Investigation for Formal Complaint by a Captain.
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EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION
Total Calls for CY 2021
5-Year Snapshot
QUANTITY
Fire Rescue/EMS Hazardous Condition
Service Call Good Intent Fire Alarm / False Call
Severe Weather Special Incident Other
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
5-Year Total Calls
AUG 16-17 AUG 17-18 AUG 18-19 AUG 19-20 AUG 20-21
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Trends:
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
AUG 16-17 AUG 17-18 AUG 18-19 AUG 19-20 AUG 20-21
Fire +7%
190
195
200
205
210
215
220
225
230
235
AUG 16-17 AUG 17-18 AUG 18-19 AUG 19-20 AUG 20-21
Hazardous Condition +9%
17398
17999 18045 17900
18705
16500
17000
17500
18000
18500
19000
AUG 16-17 AUG 17-18 AUG 18-19 AUG 19-20 AUG 20-21
Rescue/EMS +11%
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Analysis:
The overall call volume has increased by 9% in the past 5 years. This holds a similar trend
with population growth which is hovering around 8.4% in the County of Hawai’i. There has
been a big upswing of Rescue/EMS calls, nearly 11%. Much of this could be associated with
COVID-19, but there was a significant decrease in EMS responses during the COVID-19
Mandatory Shut-Down measures. Additional data analysis needs to be made, running these
numbers, to determine if this is an odd year, or if these numbers are an indication of
increased demand for EMS.
Apparatus updates:
Rosenbauer build (BT-17), HFD received the vehicle. Upon inspection, there are items
that need to be addressed before accepting ownership. Working on addressing these
issues with the vendor.
Trailer for Captain Cook UTV procured. Waiting for pick up date and registration.
Ongoing discussions regarding the relocation of Company 1 (Central). Looking at
renovating Central Fire Station.
HFD installed fire danger signs for previous Wildland Fire at Honu‘apo in Ka‘u. A few
people from the public have been entering the old fire area and getting burned from
residual hot spots in the ground.
COVID-19. The Operations Division has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
with numerous personnel getting infected and others having to quarantine. We
established a small Task Force to manage Contact Tracing and management of
affected personnel.
BATTALION 1, East Hawaiʻi:
Incidents:
August 5, Inc#15752, Structure Fire: Mauna Loa Dr./District 05, no injuries, or fatalities.
August 6, Inc#15803, Rescue: Cinderland/District 10, Stranded Hikers, two (2) people
unable to make their way back due to darkness. Located and taken back to safety, no
injuries, or fatalities.
August 7, Inc#15849, Rescue and Boat Tow:
Hilo Bay/District 01, sinking recreational dinghy,
three (3)-adults clinging onto the sides of the
boat and one (1)-dog inside the boat, there was
one (1) person with a minor injury.
August 18, Inc#16727, Structure Fire: District
10, vacant structure with fires started in different
locations in the house, no fatalities, or injuries.
August 19, Inc#16817, Fire: Structure Fire,
District 18, vacant structure, fully engulfed on
initial report, no fatalities, or injuries.
August 22, Inc#17093, Hazmat: C02 leak, Hele Gas, Kamehameha Ave./District 01,
Carbon dioxide canister leak, structure evacuated, ventilated, and readings taken
before and after to ensure safety. Canisters taken O/C with management notifying
vendor. No injuries or fatalities.
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August 29, Inc#17647, Search & Rescue: missing swimmer – “Arches”, District 10; 30’s
male, last seen approximately 20-yards offshore, HFD and Coast Guard on initial
response. Body recovered the following day.
BATTALION 2, West Hawaiʻi:
Incidents:
July 30, Inc# 15240, Wildland Fire: Mana
Road District 9, HFD units, Paradise
Helicopters, PTA Fire, three (3) Military
Blackhawks, DOFAW, 26 Bull dozers,
IMT, 40,000+ acres burned from
Makahalau to Keamuku to Waikōloa and
up to DOFAW boundary on Mauna Kea.
Incident lasting 11 days. Three (3)
structures lost. (Documented on last
month’s report)
Aug 6, Inc# 15804, Structure Fire: District
14, 2,100 sq. ft. residence, started as garage fire – spread to main house fueled by high
winds. Contained to 35% of structure. Defensive attack transitioning to offensive
interior attack.
Aug 13, Inc# 16631, Wildland Fire: DKI
48.5mm. District 16, Joint response with
HFD, PTA Fire, and DOFAW. Rapid
moving Brush Fire contained to 320 acres
between 48.5mm and 46.5mm on DKI
Aug 15, Inc # 16486, Rescue: Mauna
Lani, District 14 Overturned canoe in surf,
five (5) people. All parties extricated from
surf. One (1) party transported to NHCH.
Aug 15, Inc# 16487, Rescue: Missing
swimmer, Captain Cook District 6
Choppers used to locate missing swimmer
in the bay.
Aug 15, Inc# 16494, EMS/Rescue:
Offshore of Kohala Ranch District 14; Code 500 status diver. SKI-2 used to extricate
victim from Dive vessel / Catamaran and bring to boat harbor.
Aug 29, Inc# 17637, Rescue/Special Service: Offshore of Mākole‘ā/District 7, Boat in
distress, units responded for a 31’ Trimaran with a broken mast, no power, drifting into
the surf area. RB07 able to get on scene before grounding and was towed back to
Honokōhau harbor. No injuries or damage.
Hazardous Materials Response:
Confined Space Training on schedule for October for all HazMat personnel.
Continuing to work on CAMEO training opportunity for HazMat personnel. Looking to
request for funds from LEPC to assist with cost of the training.
Acquired additional Tyvek suits and Gloves for response PPE.
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Sent Radiation Meters away for annual calibration.
Ocean Safety:
Street LG program for Ocean Safety incident reporting currently at a standstill. Training
and funding.
RWC procurement status: Rescue Sleds and mounting hardware arrived. The second
SKI pushed back for possible late September delivery. Also awaiting certificate of
ownership from Vendor for first SKI.
Working on furnishing the recently acquired Storage container for Punaluʻu Ocean
Safety. Adding shelving and storage space.
Replacement of ATV trailer for Punaluʻu placed in service.
Continuing to work on the new Office trailer for Kahaluʻu Beach that we received from
State Highways.
Working on repairs for Hāpuna, Kahaluʻu and Laʻaloa PA systems. Notice to proceed
with repairs sent to the vendor.
New PA system for Kua Bay has been installed.
Rescue :
Rescue Boat 7-7 (Force). Awaiting scheduling availability with Force marine. Status
quo on scheduling with Force Marine.
Rescue Boat 2- Looking into replacing motors, currently 15 years old.
Confined Space Training for Rescue Personnel has been scheduled for October.
Sealegs-7 completed 100-hour service. Vessel proven to be a great asset for Rescue.
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
Emergency Medical Services Bureau:
The state department of health has changed over to a new software program for our
patient care reports. The new program is called ESO Solutions. We have completed
our in-service training and the state would like to go live with this program beginning
September 1, 2021.
The EMS Bureau and AC-2 participated in the Hāweo Award Ceremony for FMS II
Bertram Carvalho, Jr., on August 3, 2021.
The first MICT class of 2021 that started in January is currently in their third month of
internship.
The second MICT class of 2021 started on August 23rd. We have five (50 personnel in
this asynchronous class.
Our new ambulance that is assigned to South Kohala Fire Station was put into service
on August 13, 2021.
The EMS Bureau participated in a Zoom presentation on public access defibrillator
programs. This presentation was for the East Hawaii Community Action Network
Committee. This collaborative effort between the EMS Bureau and the Prevention
Bureau was well received by the committee members with a lot of positive feedback.
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Training Bureau:
The 50th Fire Fighter Recruit Class completed truck operations training at Pōhakuloa
Training Area consisting of search, forcible entry, ground ladders, and vertical
ventilation.
Coordinated guest speakers for Hilo High School “Foundations of Fire and EMS” class
this fall semester. Presentation topics delivered include--drones in the fire service,
history of firefighting, professionalism, and fire extinguisher use.
Genesis Rescue extrication tool demonstration involving companies in Kona, South
Kohala, Waimea, and Hilo generated positive feedback. The extrication tools will be
available for other companies to trial for a short time.
Application to provide Confined Space Rescue training for all assigned Fire Rescue
Specialists and Fire HAZMAT Specialists has been approved by the IAFF and targeted
to take place in October 2021.
Stringent COVID-19 infection control for essential training and support services
operations exceeding CDC recommendations have been created and are currently in
place for our recruit class.
Volunteer Bureau:
PAS (Personnel Accountability System) ID cards for volunteers have been printed and
are being distributed.
Mobile and portable radio update is reaching completion (95% complete). If remaining
volunteers bring radios to drill, updates should be completed by end of the month.
Volunteer company 8-A (Pa‘auilo) has added two (22 new personnel to their roster this
month and Volunteer companies 9-B (Kanehoa) and 11-A (Nā‘ālehu) have added one
(1) personnel each. We currently have 10-15 applicants in various stages of our
recruitment process.
August training has been focused on vehicle accident procedures as well as
suppression of conventional vehicle and electric vehicle fires.
Fire Prevention Bureau:
The Fire Prevention Bureau transitioned back to a 40-hour schedule on August 14th,
2021. As part of the transition of the Fire Prevention Bureau from a 24-hour schedule
and back to 40-hour work week, a realignment of bureau priorities has been
conducted. The Fire Prevention Bureau will be shifting its focus away from performing
routine fire investigations for the present. Instead, the Bureau will be focusing the
majority of its attention on plan review, code enforcement, and related prevention
efforts. While the Bureau will be shifting away from minor fire investigations, they will
be available for significant fire incidents including, but not limited to, loss of life and/or
high dollar value loss.
On a longer time horizon, it is the intent of the Fire Chief and the Fire Prevention
Bureau to rebuild a specialized fire investigation team based on a 24-hour schedule
and pursuit of IAAI Certified Fire Investigator qualifications. The goal will be to expand
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on the training offered to operational personnel on fire investigations and pursue a
quality program based off of NFPA 921.
The Fire Prevention Bureau started preparation for Fire Prevention Week which will be
held the week of October 3, 2021. This year’s theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire
Safety”.
The Fire Prevention Bureau has transitioned to the County’s new electronic plan
review system.
Prevention staff started working with the EMS Bureau on a public education project to
get more AEDs in public places.
The first draft of the County of Hawai‘i Fire Code Amendments has been completed.
The Fire Prevention Bureau investigated four (4) fires
Maintenance Shop
Apparatus and equipment repair
Seventy-six (76) total repairs/service.
Twenty-one (21) service calls or trouble calls.
Nine (9) contracted out and tows.
Received new BT 17
Fire Communications Control Center (FCCC)
Worked on policy for dress code for Fire Radio Dispatchers as well as trying to acquire
uniforms for new Fire Radio Dispatcher I’s (FRD I’s). Unfortunately, there is a lack of
inventory by the vendor for uniforms. Uniforms will not be here in time for the FRD I’s
start date of September 1.
Updated policies on mask wearing and admittance to dispatch have been implemented
due to increased COVID infections in the community. The combination to FCCC center
has been changed.
EMS Training room to be used for Fire Radio Dispatcher I’s training. Computers
needed to be set up as well as internet access. Worked with FCS Karen and IT to
address issues with computers and connection. Also acquired items needed to set up
computer stations.
Auxiliary Services Bureau
Continued learning about ordering and stocking levels for the warehouse.
Replaced Kaumana Fire Station’s refrigerator that stopped working.
Acquired shelving for Training and Captain Cook Fire Station.
Attended Council Meeting to accept donated items from Honolulu Fire Department.
Assisted EMS bureau with acquiring items for Covid testing.
Worked on Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) project. Installed SIM cards into Cradlepoint
units in all east side vehicles. Will start working on west side vehicles next month.
Attended Genesis Rescue Tools demonstration. This is a battery tool used for vehicle
extrication emergencies. Demonstrated and allowed participation by attendees of tools
and techniques. Also shown Innotex turnout gear. Informed of new NFPA standards
and changes.
Working on a proposed position reallocation of a Fire Mechanic position to assist Chief
Mechanic with duties.
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Capital Improvement Projects:
Hawai‘i County Emergency Communications Center
a. Anbe Aruga & Ishizu is the architect.
b. Hensel Phelps is the contractor.
c. Not finished with permitting review and plan approval. During this period DPW
is reviewing the drawings to ensure that construction material and installation is
coordinated and appropriate.
d. No official start date.
Waiakea Fire Station Electrical Upgrade
a. Engineering Partners Inc (EPI) is the engineering firm.
b. HELCO application for service upgrade submitted on June 28, 2021.
c. Preparing to submit for building permit.
Pāhala Fire Station
a. Engineering Partners is the architect/engineer.
b. Contract and funding approved. Awaiting schedule by consultant.
Hawaiian Paradise Park Fire Station Dormitory Addition
a. Department of Public Works (DPW) is the lead. EPI is the supporting
engineering firm for mechanical and electrical.
b. In receipt of civil and plumbing proposal. According to the Purchasing Division,
we have to go thru procurement again for the civil engineering portion.
c. Preparing additional (supplemental) services contract for EPI for plumbing.
d. DPW will submit for permitting while we are awaiting the contract for the civil
component.
Central Fire Station Rehabilitation Project
a. Scott Fleming is the Architect.
b. The design contract has been approved and funding for the design phase has
been allotted.
Kailua Fire Station
a. Will be purchasing a new generator through emergency procurement.
b. Civil Defense will loan us a generator. DPW to install temporary transfer
switch.
c. Electrical permit will be required.
Waikoloa Fire Station/ Civil Defense Antenna
a. DPW is the architect/engineer.
b. The design is complete. Drawings are in the pre-final stage and being reviewed
by project coordinator.
Kaumana Fire Station Plumbing Improvements
a. Inaba Engineering is the engineering firm
b. Design contract approved and we are waiting on the schedule for the design
phase.
c. Survey to start in about 3 weeks (end of July).
d. Inaba will prepare schedule and submit.
Kaumana Fire Station Improvements
a. Scott Fleming is the Architect.
b. The contract has been awarded.
c. Awaiting funding.
Waiakea Fire Station Improvement
a. Scott Fleming is the Architect.
b. The contract has been awarded and we are waiting for funding for the design
phase.
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Chief’s Briefing and New Business:
1. Fire Commission meetings in Council Chambers:
a. Training complete.
b. Streaming set up to go out on HFD Videos YouTube Account.
c. Need to discuss dates of meetings.
2. EMS Downgrade/Paramedic Shortage:
a. Pro-pay being reviewed by DHR, working on a formal routing through Diane
Noda.
3. Fire Prevention:
a. 2018 Code first draft is complete, starting meetings with County Council and
Deana Sako in Finance.
b. Currently starting the fiscal needs departmental analysis in preparation for the start
of FY 22-23 planning.
5. Central Fire Station:
a. Property management looking for alternate location.
b. Looking at bringing in Forensic Engineer to determine long term stability of
building.
6. MDT units, data on scene, GIS, and ICS.
7. Retired fire fighters’ association.
8. Radio meeting for interoperability.
9. Bigwigs ICS.
10. COVID19 updates.
11. Station Visitations round two (2).
12. IT Position being submitted to County Council.
13. Dispatch looking at alternative schedules to manage staffing issues.
14. Volunteer firefighter burn injury update.
End of Report