HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 FIRE CHIEFS REPORT February 20230
E
TABLE OF
CONTENTS:
To The Fire Commission............................................................................................2
Highlights........................................................................................................... 2
Firefighters in Dispatch.........................................................................................2
Budget.................................................................................................................. 3
FiscalYear 2022-2023.........................................................................................3
Alternative Funding and Grants..............................................................................3
PersonnelReport.....................................................................................................4
Open -Competitive Recruitment........................................................................... 4
Classification................................................................................................... 5
LaborRelations................................................................................................ 5
Operations............................................................................................................6
Statistics and Analytics.........................................................................................6
Emergency Operations Highlights............................................................................ 7
Battalion 1, East Hawai`i.....................................................................................7
Battalion 2, West Hawai`i...................................................................................8
SpecialOperations............................................................................................... 8
SupportServices....................................................................................................10
Emergency Medical Services Branch........................................................................10
Training Services Branch......................................................................................10
Fire Prevention Branch.........................................................................................12
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section .......................13
Emergency Communications..............................................................................13
Vehicle Maintenance Shop.................................................................................14
Information Technology.....................................................................................14
2023 1 FEBRUARY
TO THE FIRE COMMISSION
Highlights
The following are the top three issues for the last month:
Hawai'i Fire Chiefs Association Meeting
The Hawaii Fire Chiefs Association held a meeting on February 14 to discuss the current state of
firefighting in Hawai'i. One of the main topics of discussion was the Hawaii Fire Chiefs
Conference that was held in December. The fire chiefs discussed the successes, challenges, and
the future of the conference. There was also considerable comment on the future of the HFCA
and its direction.
f
Emergency Responder Resiliency Training
On February 22, the Friends of First Responders hosted an
Emergency Responder Resiliency training at the Aupuni Center.
This training was geared toward first responders from the County,
State and Federal agencies. The training presented ways to cope
with the stresses of the job and brought awareness to the
numerous resources available for helping with responder mental
and physical health. Also discussed was the utilization of Critical
Incident Stress Management teams following difficult situations.
The training will have a positive impact on first responder health.
Volunteer Captain Meeting
The quarterly Volunteer Captain's meeting was held on February 25 at Station 913. The
meeting focused on Executive Leadership and Management of the Division. A new portion of
the meeting is a veneration of membership. This includes service awards, promotions, and
recognition. It was a great opportunity to honor and recognize individuals that have gone
above and beyond expectations. There were four Captains that received their official shirts
and were pinned. One of the takeaways from the meeting is that there is a big void of
equipment that is required for the volunteer companies. We will be addressing this issue this
quarter.
Firefighters in Dispatch
Over the course of the past 10-12 years, there has been a steady decline in the retention of Fire
Communication Officers (FCO) within HFD. Along with the decline in retention, there has been
a significant decrease in the success rate of trainees completing the 12-month training.
Currently, we are at a 19% success rate for completion of the training program.
To alleviate the burnout and issues related to the shortage in staffing, the utilization of
firefighters in dispatch is recommended to serve as a stopgap measure until additional FCOs
can be hired and trained. The use of fire fighters within the FCCC will help ease call taking
responsibilities which will greatly increase the ability of the FCO's to concentrate on more in-
depth call handling while providing decompression time between successive calls. These fire
fighters would be utilized to supplement the current vacancies.
We are in the process of consulting with the unions for their input prior to the implementation
of the plan. We anticipate being able to start the training for these firefighters by the end of
the month.
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BUDGET
Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Statistics
Percentage
9
EOY
Projected
Percent expended OCE
65.33%
98%
Salaries
71.53%
107.3%
Equipment
67.43%
101.15%
Total
70.70%
106.05%
State Funded Budget Items
The State has been billed through June 2022. The FY 2022 contract will remain open until we
receive all the equipment ordered with FY 2022 funding. The two ambulances arrived on the
island Feb. 17. The final billing will be going to the State in March.
The FY 2023 budget for the State EMS grant is $23,184,337. We have five ambulances on
order and are expected to be delivered in March 2023. There are ten gurneys and one cargo
truck still on order. We received five mobile radios, three laptops, and the Sapphire medication
pumps.
Alternative Funding and Grants
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
Federal Grant of $3,511,641 for six (6) Captain positions and three (3) Fire Fighter positions for
36 months. As of 2/28/2023, we have expended 41.22% of the grant funds with 23 months
remaining.
USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, State & Private Forestry
Federal grant award of $197,637 (with County match of $197,637) for FY 2022, with extension
to February 28, 2023. The grant funds have been 100% expended. The December 2022
quarterly report and payment request were submitted. We have received $0 reimbursement.
USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, State & Private Forestry
Federal grant award of $156,120 (with County match of $156,120) for FY 2023. This grant
includes funds for personal protective equipment, hoses and fittings, firefighting foam, a brush
truck for Volunteer Station 20A and training. There are no current expenditures as of
2/28/23, but there is $50,915 in encumbrances. There is 84% of the grant award remaining.
FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)
Federal grant award of $494,900 (with County match of $49,490) for the period August 29,
2022, through August 28, 2024. This grant will be used to purchase and install
Washer/Extractors and Dryers. Reso 594-22 passed Council approval 11/16/2022. We
requested $1 million from the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) in the FY 2023-2024 budget
year for improvements to our facilities to accommodate 21 extractors.
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Hapuna Beach State Park
State grant award of $895,505 for lifeguard services for FY 2023. Personnel Costs at 71%
expended as of 2/28/23. An additional appropriation of $100,000 for equipment from DLNR
is pending.
Kua Bay, Kekaha Kai State Park
State grant award of $480,000 for lifeguard services for FY 2023. Personnel Costs at 57%
expended as of 2/28/23. An additional appropriation of $100,000 for equipment from DLNR
is pending.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Internal Recruitment within Department
Fire Captain
Jason Robello and Jared Spencer promoted to Fire Captain effective February 16, 2023.
Fire Equipment Operator
Bran Keopuhiwa and Kyle Vares promoted to Fire Equipment Operator effective February 16,
2023.
Fire/EMS Specialist II
Talmadge Magno II promoted to Fire/EMS Specialist II effective April 1, 2023.
Fire Rescue Specialist
Assessment Center has not yet been scheduled.
Open -Competitive Recruitment
Fire Fighter Recruit
Orientation session and medical exams to be scheduled for Fire Fighter Recruit in May 2023.
Fire Communications Officer I
Seventy-seven names were referred by DHR for Fire Communications Officer I. Third interviews
were held on March 3, 2023. One conditional offer was made. Medical exams scheduled for
March 15-21, 2023. Targeted hire date is April 3, 2023 for six vacant positions.
Professional Trainee I
Recruitment opened on February 26, 2023 and closed on March 7, 2023. One referred
candidate. Pending interview.
Senior Account Clerk
Recruitment opened on February 26, 2023 and closed on March 7, 2023. One referred
candidate. Pending interview.
Clerk III (Administration)
Interviews held on February 21, 2023 for three candidates and one on February 28, 2023.
Formal offer was sent out to candidate. Targeted hire date is April 3, 2023.
Water Safety Officer I
Three conditional offers were sent out to candidates for two temporary summer hires and one
permanent position. Targeted hire date is May 16, 2023.
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Classification
• Sixteen Fire Fighter (Temp) positions reinstated to Fire Fighter Recruit (Temp) effective
March 1, 2023.
• One Fire/EMS Specialist I reinstated to Fire Fighter effective April 1, 2023.
• One Fire Fighter position reallocated to Fire/EMS Specialist I effective April 1, 2023.
Labor Relations
Notice of Internal Investigation regarding employee who came to work while infected with
COVID-19. Certified mail to retired employee. Hand delivered mail to Deputy Fire Chief,
Assistant Chiefs (2), and Account Clerk.
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OPERATIONS
Statistics and Analytics
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2023
Type
February
%
YTD
%
Fire
56
2%
199
4%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire
0
0%
0
0%
Rescue and EMS
1,769
73%
3,782
72%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire)
37
2%
55
1%
Service Call
147
6%
338
6%
Good Intent calls
391
16%
808
15%
False Alarm / False calls
31
1%
62
1%
Severe Weather
1
0%
1
0%
Special Incident Type
2
0%
4
0%
Other (not completed yet)
0
0%
0
0%
Totals
2,434
100%
5,249
100%
Incidents by Month and Classification
3200
2800
2400
N 2000
1600
1200
800
400
0
Jan Feb
Not Entered? 9-Special incident type L7 8-Severe Weather & 7-False Alarm &False Natural Disaster Call 6-Good Intent Call 5-Service Call
4-Hazardous Conditions 3-Rescue & Emergency
(No fire) Medical Service 1-Fire
Incidents
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Year
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Total Calls
25,331
26,869
25,015
27,398
26,595
31,494
(projected)
Res onse Times CY 2023
Statistic
Febuary
% that meet....
YTD
% that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire)
1:34
(80 sec.)
1:33
(80 sec.)
28.33 /0
28.90 /o
Avg. Turn out time (EMS)
1:57
(60 sec.)
1:57
(60 sec.)
19.08%
19.33%
Statistic
Febuary
% that meet 4
YTD
% that meet 4 min
min.
Avg. Response Time (Fire)
10:25
7.14%
10:49
Avg. Response Time (EMS)
9:07
13.19%
9:05
12.36%
Fire Impacts CY 2023
Call Type
Febuary
YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143)
10
40
Acres burned
2,001
2,006
Structure Fires (110 & 111)
7
16
Property and Contents - Loss
$1,125,780.00
$1,281,780.00
Property and Contents - Save
$80,000.00
$307,440.00
Other fires (all other 100 series)
39
143
Property and Contents - Loss
$2,000.00
$32,500.00
Property and Contents - Save
$500.00
$500.00
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaii
2/6/2023, Fire
Inc. #003350, Structure Fire, Stainback Hwy/District 3, structure fire, no injuries or fatalities.
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2023IFEBRUARY
2/19/2023, Fire
Inc. #004448 Structure Fire, Moho Road/District 5, structure fire at the Community Center, no
injuries or fatalities.
2/23/2023, Rescue
Inc. #004820, Rescue, Bayfront/District 1, body recovery, one (1) deceased.
Battalion 2, West Hawaii
2/11/2023, Fire
Inc. #003846, Brush Fire, Mauna Lani, Ho'ohana St. 10,000 sf extinguished by Co.14.
2/12/2023, Fire
Inc. #003880, Brush Fire, Keamuku Maneuver Area (KMA)-PTA. Two separate fires approx.
1500 acres each started by lightning. Three dozers brought in to assist with establishing fire
breaks. Scene turned over to PTA next morning.
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
• Risk Based Response to Battery Emergencies class completed Feb. 14-16.
• Requested funding increase from LEPC for Mini -radiation monitors. Request approved,
proceeded with purchase of 15 units. Awaiting delivery.
• Various training opportunities being planned: CST, Li -Ion, and Radiation.
Ocean Safety
• WSO I Recruitment: Interviews completed on Mar 2. Conditional offers sent out on
March 3.
• Newly acquired equipment funding for State contracts, $100k per beach (Kua and
Hapuna), Working on making equipment purchases.
Rescue
• Rescue Boat 2 engine replacements scheduled for March 10.
• Rescue Boat 7 repairs scheduled for April 10.
• Working on PPE and Equipment replacement schedules and purchases.
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2023 1 FEBRUARY
Incident heat map for February 2023
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SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
Community Outreach
The EMS Branch assisted with four Hands -Only CPR classes at Waiakea High School. We
teamed up with the Health Pathway students and trained approximately 200 students.
AHA CPR Recertification Process
We have started our department -wide American Heart Association CPR recertification process.
Our goal is to complete this hybrid recertification process before the end of April.
New Ambulances
Our first two of seven new ambulance units have arrived on island. After our radio installation
and detail is complete, these vehicles will be put into service at our Keaau and North Kohala
Fire Stations.
Pre -Delivery Vehicle Inspection
Our ambulance fabrication committee went up to Braun Northwest for a pre -delivery vehicle
inspection of five new ambulance units. These vehicles are scheduled to arrive on island in mid -
March.
Fire Medical Specialist II
A Fire Medical Specialist II assessment center was held on Thursday, February 16, 2023.
Sapphire Medication Pumps
Our new Sapphire Medication pumps have arrived and we are in the process of uploading
them with our medication library. Once this is complete, we will move forward with our
distribution and in-service plan. We would like to thank our hard-working equipment and
training committee for spearheading this project.
Internship Rotations
Our five personnel in paramedic school have started their first of four internship rotations.
They are assigned to Medics 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10.
Device Inspections
Our annual Lifepak 15 EKG and LUCAS compression device preventative maintenance
inspections have started. These inspections should be completed by the beginning of March.
Training Services Branch
Attach Package Evaluation
Conducted attack package evaluation for flow and friction loss on Engine. This evaluation
revealed 20 psi of friction loss in the plumbing of the apparatus on the preconnected attack
lines. This key information will help pump operators ensure they are providing proper flow for
fire suppression.
Ladder 14 Training
A Pierce Manufacturing technician provided Ladder 14 training for all shifts at shift South
Kohala Fire Station. Other attendees included the Training Branch, Fire Mechanics, and
Palamanui Fire Science Instructor Dan Colbath. The class covered general set-up, use,
inspection, and maintenance of the aerial apparatus.
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2023 1 FEBRUARY
Joint Training Evolution
Central, Waiakea, and the Training Services Branch attended a joint training evolution with
Hilo ARFF at the Hilo Airport Aircraft Control Tower on February 7. This evolution was for a
potential structure fire at the control tower, and included fire attack, water supply, and how to
use the ARFF apparatus to set up an elevated standpipe.
New Team Member
The Training Services Branch welcomes newly promoted Fire Equipment Operator Bran "Liko"
Keopuhiwa to our team. He is a seasoned firefighter with a wealth of experience who has
already been highly engaged with various projects.
Battery Emergency Training
Battery Emergency Training was offered in person to on
duty companies and via Zoom to maximize information
delivery in the face of budget constraints, February 14-16.
The training was delivered by Dr. Christina Baxter through
Hazard 3 made possible through grant funding. The
training covered battery types, response considerations,
and tactics to address this growing threat. The class
spurred further discussions on how to improve HFD battery
response as well as what agencies we need to partner with
to navigate this new challenge. Lynn Kawano from Hawaii
News Now also filmed a short segment on what the training
was about, along with a public safety message which
should be airing shortly.
Wildland Urban Interface Training
Hosted a National Fire Academy two-day, off -campus training class "Wildland Urban Interface
for the Structural Company Officer" held on February 22-23 at the Haihai Training Room. 24
personnel attended, including personnel from DOFW, ARFF and Hawaii Fire Department.
Hilo High Career Fair
Participated in the Hilo High School Career Fair on February 24t". Companies 1, and 4 "B"
platoon members and Training Services Branch manned a booth to provide employment
information and answer questions from students. The 515t Recruit Class video was played in
loop along with information about requirements needed to be eligible to apply for Firefighter
Recruit.
Volunteer Training Section
Quarterly Captain Meeting
The quarterly volunteer captains meeting was held at company 9-Bravo (Kanehoa Volunteers)
on February 25t". Various topics were covered and HFD Volunteer AUXCOM team leader
William Polhemus conducted an informational training on the inner workings of the Fire Radio
and Fire Dispatch system. Numerous individuals were recognized for passing their
probationary period, years of service in increments of five years, with several individuals
whose commitment to the department and their community surpasses 30 years. Captains Rick
Rego of 5-Charlie (Fern Forest), Brian Fields of 5-Delta (Fern Acres), Elizabeth Polido 11-Delta
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2023 1 FEBRUARY
(Pahala) were officially sworn in as Volunteer Captains, receiving a uniform shirt, badge, and
belt buckle.
Training Topic for February
The training topic for the month of February was Wildland fires with a wet drill utilizing the
wildland hose clamp.
Highway 190 Brush Fire
Volunteer Companies 7-Bravo, 9-Alpha, 9-Bravo, and 16-Bravo responded to and assisted
with the brush fire on Highway 190.
Company 20-Alpha Response
Volunteer Company 20-Alpha responded to multiple fires in the month of February to include a
structure fire, vehicle fires, and brush fires. One of the vehicle fires consisted of seven vehicles
on fire and another fire consisted of five vehicles on fire.
East Hawaii Volunteer Companies
East Hawaii Volunteer Companies continue to be an invaluable addition to fire suppression
activities and have responded to multiple brush, structure, and vehicle fires in their respective
districts.
Fire Prevention Branch
Structure Fires
The Fire Prevention Branch investigated three structure fires during the month of February.
The fires were located in districts 3, 5, and 20.
Plans
Fire Inspector II Plans Examiner Ed Kawasaki has reported reviewing a total of 42 plans with an
average time of 2.5 hours spent on each plan.
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2023 1 FEBRUARY
Public Education Presentations
The Fire Prevention Branch conducted 4 Public Education Presentations. One of the
presentations was a Firewise Home Assessment in Waikoloa to educate a homeowner in
creating a safe home in the Wildlife Urban Interface (WUI) area. Prevention personnel also
provided information at a career fair pertaining to Firefighter employment.
Complaints
Fire Prevention Branch investigated 12 complaints. This was a lot of complaints, as it takes time
to investigate, research, and write reports which redirects manpower from other tasks.
FEMA Grant
Fire Inspector Tyson Goo has taken the initiative and has been relentlessly working on a FEMA
grant to obtain a new Fire Prevention vehicle as the current vehicles are old and have high
mileage. Fire Inspector Goo has put in more than 30 hours of research and attended meetings
pertaining to this grant for the month of February.
Fire Prevention Inspections, Acceptances, & Certificates, February 2023
Inspection Type
February
Commercial Inspections
124
Commercial Reinspections
73
Certificate of Occupancy Kona Village
Resort
68
Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing
43
Educational Inspections
8
Tank Inspections
7
Site Inspections
7
Tent Inspections
1
Educational Reinspections
1
Total
332
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Emergency Communications
Fire Communications Officer I Position
FCO I interviews were held Feb. 1. Seven candidates were interviewed.
A job preview was held on Feb. 24 for three candidates.
Community Outreach
Captain Domingo attended a two-day Behavioral Health for Mass Violence class, as well as
spoke to Hilo High School students for a Career Day.
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2023 1 FEBRUARY
Records Management
Our Clerk L. Labrador completed 18 record requests. She is keeping us in Uniform Information
Practices Act (UIPA) compliance.
Vehicle Maintenance Shop
Apparatus and Equipment Repair Updates:
Type
February
Repairs/Service Completed
58
Service/Trouble Calls
23
Contracted Out and Tows
9
Final Medic Inspection
K. Roark, J. Rowland, and A. Buyuan traveled to Washington state Feb. 19-23 for the final
inspection of Medic 3, 6, 8, 10, and 11.
Information Technology
Interruption of Service
The County of Hawai'i's Department of Information Technology replaced equipment on
February 4th, causing an interruption of service on the network. In anticipation of the
interruption, Assistant Chief Chadwick and Systems Analyst Chris Cerrone were able to
connect HFD Dispatch to Hawai'i Police Department's VPN in order to maintain services during
the interruption, which lasted approximately eight hours.
Fire Reporting Software
RFP for fire reporting software submissions review. Three vendors were shortlisted and
demonstrations are scheduled beginning in March.
Mobile Data Terminal Installation
Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) were installed for 130, X01, and X04. MDTs allow units access to
Spillman. Since June 2022, MDTs have been installed in 21 HFD vehicles. The goal is to have all
42 MDTs installed and deployed by the end of April 2023.
Tier II Report Update
Tier II report year 2021 data from State of Hawaii Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response
Office was installed in Cameo Chemical Manager for HazMat 4 unit. HazMat 21's update is
pending.
HazMat 4 Connected to Spillman
HazMat 4 MDT SIM card was installed and activated for cellular data which allows connection
to Spillman.
Project Life Saver
Meeting with Spillman vendor to discuss implementation of Project Life Saver. This technology
would allow critical and lifesaving location and patient information to drop into Spillman.
END REPORT
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