HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 24-25 JULY
2024 | JULY FISCAL YEAR 24-25
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
HAWAI’I FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501 HILO, HAWAI’I 96720 FIRE@HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV
52nd Recruit Class Graduation ................................................................................................................... 3
Admin Div: Fiscal Branch Report .............................................................................................................. 4
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................................................... 4
Budget ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Grants ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Admin Div: HR Branch Report .................................................................................................................. 5
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................................................... 5
Internal Recruitment within Department ..................................................................................... 5
Open-Competitive Recruitment ..................................................................................................... 5
Classification .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Operations ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Emergency Operations ........................................................................................................................... 6
Emergency Operations Highlights ..................................................................................................... 7
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi .................................................................................................................... 7
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi .................................................................................................................. 7
Special Events ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Special Operations ................................................................................................................................... 7
Support Services ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Emergency Medical Services Branch ................................................................................................. 9
Training Services Branch ...................................................................................................................... 11
Volunteer Training Section ................................................................................................................. 12
Fire Prevention Branch .......................................................................................................................... 14
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ..................... 15
Logistics ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Emergency Communications ......................................................................................................... 15
Information Technology Highlights ............................................................................................ 15
Safety Specialist Report ............................................................................................................................ 16
Other Updates .............................................................................................................................................. 17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2024 | JULY PAGE 3
52ND RECRUIT CLASS GRADUATION
Graduation of the 52nd Recruit Class: A Milestone for Hawaii's First Responders On July 12, 2024, a significant event marked the culmination of a rigorous year-long journey for a group of dedicated individuals. The 52nd Recruit Class Graduation brought together the newest members of the Hawaii Fire Department, the Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division Fire Department, and the United States Army Garrison, Pōhakuloa Fire Department. This momentous occasion was not only a celebration of achievement but also a testament to the resilience, determination, and commitment required to serve as first responders in Hawaii.
A Year of Intensive Training The graduation ceremony marked the end of a comprehensive 12-month training program designed to prepare recruits for the demanding responsibilities of fire response and emergency services. The program, known for its intensity and high standards, tested recruits in various critical areas including fire response, rescue operations, aquatic tasks, emergency medical services, and wildland fire response.
A Unified Effort Across Agencies This graduation was particularly notable for bringing together recruits from three different fire departments, reflecting the collaborative spirit and shared mission among Hawaii’s emergency services. The Hawaii Fire Department, responsible for fire protection across the Big Island, the Airports Division Fire Department, ensuring safety in Hawaii’s vital transportation hubs, and the Pōhakuloa Fire Department, which protects the expansive military installation and its surrounding areas, all contributed to the training and development of this recruit class.
A Celebration of Achievement The graduation ceremony in Hilo was a proud moment for the recruits, their families, and their instructors. It was an opportunity to reflect on the challenges overcome and the skills acquired over the past year. The ceremony was attended by leaders from all three fire departments, who commended the recruits for their perseverance and dedication. In his address, the Hawaii Fire Department Chief emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the ever-evolving field of emergency services. He encouraged the graduates to carry forward the values of teamwork, integrity, and service that had been instilled in them during their training.
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ADMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals July YTD Goal
Invoice Settlement within 30 days 100% 100% 90%
Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 100% 100% 95%
Dollar value of grants applied for $22,433,000 $22,433,000 $5,000,000
Dollar value of grants received $ 0 $ 0 $5,000,000
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire S&W 40,078,922.00 4,899,413.55 12.22 12.5
6221-6225 OCE 6,493,060.96 1,153,656.21 17.77 8.33
Equipment 3,531,007.61 1,342,206.50 38.01 8.33
Grants & Misc S&W 257,161.00 81,832.56 31.82 12.5
6226 OCE 1,105,012.00 341.92 0.03 8.33
Equipment 659,560.45 417,324.74 63.27 8.33
EMS S&W 15,630,607.00 1,712,660.43 10.96 12.5
6227 OCE 2,889,425.33 196,667.61 6.81 8.33
Equipment 3,220,637.02 1,570,637.02 48.77 8.33
Ocean Safety S&W 5,437,913.00 528,974.77 9.73 12.5
6228 OCE 327,305.82 186,313.68 56.92 8.33
Equipment 462,905.32 165,736.95 35.80 8.33
Total Budget 80,093,517.51 12,255,765.94 15.30
Grants Update
2023 CDBG The bid was awarded to Orchid Isle Ford for three (3) Brush Trucks $625,693. Delivery pending.
CDBG- MIT Wildfire Mitigation The Planning Department is tasked with acquiring this equipment.
FY 2021 AFG We are procuring items for the Fire Base Station Refresh Project. The grant is 94% obligated as of 7/31/24 with 2 months remaining.
FY 22 USDA Volunteer Fire Capacity Project The bid for one brush truck for volunteer station 20A awarded, pending delivery by the end of the calendar year.
FY 23 USDA Volunteer Fire Capacity Project The bid was awarded to Orchid Isle Ford for two (2) Brush Trucks $411,097. Delivery pending
Kohanaiki Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share funds) Delivery expected at the end of the year.
Leleiwi Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share Funds) Requisition with specs submitted to Purchasing. Expected to go out to bid in August.
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
This grant funds three Fire Captain and six Fire Fighter positions. As of 7/31/2024, we have expended 98.81% of the grant funds with 6 months remaining. Funding expected to run out in August 2024.
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ADMIN DIV: HR BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals July YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 28 500 100%
Recruitment Actions < 30days 2 28 90% Promotion Actions < 30days 1 37 90%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 10 357 10%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Fire Captain Assessment Center letters were disseminated to the six candidates.
Fire Equipment Operator Assessment Center letters were disseminated to the 16 candidates.
Fire/Hazardous Materials Specialist Pending interview/Assessment Center schedule.
Water Safety Officer IV Request to Fill was cancelled.
Accountant I Internal recruitment opened on July 7, 2024, and closed on July 16, 2024. No candidates. Submitted request to temporary reallocate down to a Professional Trainee I.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Classification Submitted allocation packet for Battalion Chief (Special Ops).
Position Status Report
Fire Communications Officer I Seven candidates who were interviewed were not selected.
Water Safety Officer I Conditional offers were sent out to eight candidates. Three permanent and five temporary positions.
Fire Fighter Recruit (Temp) Hired 13 candidates effective August 1, 2024.
Fire/EMS Recruit (Temp) Hired one candidate effective August 1, 2024.
Professional Trainee I Submitted Request to Fill to DHR.
Account Clerk (Temp) Interviews held on July 25, 2024 for three candidates. Pending interview results.
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OPERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2024 July % YTD %
Fire 85 3% 529 3%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 1 0% 5 0%
Rescue and EMS 1905 72% 13437 74%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 14 1% 108 1%
Service Call 192 7% 1161 6%
Good Intent calls 402 15% 2645 15%
False Alarm / False calls 27 1% 246 1%
Severe Weather 0 0% 4 0%
Special Incident Type 3 0% 26 0%
Other (not completed yet) 11 0% 9 0%
Totals 2640 100% 18170 100%
Response Times CY 2024
Statistic July % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:47 (80 sec.) 18.07% 2:49 (80 sec.) 13.93%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:44 (60 sec.) 14.51% 2:20 (60 sec.) 15.65%
Statistic July % that meet 6 min. YTD % that meet 6 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 12:13 12.94% 10:47 12.62%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 9:28 20.17% 9:12 19.01%
Fire Impacts CY 2024
Call Type July YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 22 108
Acres burned 82 156
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 8 38
Property and Contents - Loss $235,000.00 $3,393,816.00
Property and Contents - Save $457,400.00 $2,835,000.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 55 385
Property and Contents - Loss $57,000.00 $1,818,602.00
Property and Contents - Save $4,000.00 $40,100.00
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 (est.)
Total Calls 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,149
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Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
• 6/29, Inc #15432; Rescue: Kehena Beach/District 10, drowning, 1-
fatality.
• July 2, 2024, Inc#15774; Fire: HPP 29th Avenue/District 18, Structure
Fire, no injuries or fatalities.
• 7/7, Inc #16246; Rescue: Leleiwi Beach/District 2, drowning, 1-
fatality.
• 7/19, Inc #17223, Fire: HPP 29TH Avenue/District 18, 2-story
residential structure fire, 3-injured and no fatalities.
• 7/22, Inc #17488, Fire: Kamaili Road/District 10, brushfire
approximately 3-acres, no structures threatened, no injuries or
fatalities.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
• 7/5/2024 Inc# 16018 Brush Fire: started by fireworks at Kekumu in
Waikoloa village. Quarter acre scorched right behind and adjacent to
Kekumu low income housing. Company 16 extinguished.
• 7/21/2024 Inc# 17401 Rescue: Missing Swimmer – Mahaʽiula, located
by C2
• 7/28/2024 Inc# 17980 Brush Fire: Pua Melia Waikoloa. 7.5 acres
burned. Extinguished by companies 16, 14, 9, BC2, & C2.
• 7/28/2024 Inc# 17981 Rescue: Missing Hikers Mana Rd. Extricated by
C1
Special Events
• Co.14 participated in a Firewise community orientation and survey in
Puako
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
• 5 personnel selected to attend 2024 Hazmat Continuing Challenge in
Sacramento, Sept 3-6
• Hazmat Technician Refresher by end of Sept.
• Beginning planning for next Hazmat Technician class
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Ocean Safety
• WSO III grievance decision made, initial promotions will be cancelled
and recruitment will be redone. Demotions will take effect September
1.
• Working on adding Education and Experience point system to WSO
recruitments.
• WSO I hires delayed and amended due to grievance. Proceeding with
amended conditional offers.
• Jr Lifeguard Island Championships held on July 27, planning for State
Championships at Hapuna on Aug 10.
Rescue
• Working on Chopper pilot evaluation criteria for mission specific tasks.
2024 | JULY PAGE 9
Incident heat map and YTD stats for July 2024 Link for Station Call Volume Breakdown
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
Paramedic Class Progress The Fall 2023 paramedic class is in the process of completing all national and state testing requirements to acquire state licensure.
Quality Control and Future Products Meeting The EMS Branch met with the FERNO service team regarding quality control and future products.
Mass Casualty Incident Preparedness Conference Assistant Chief Chadwick and EMS Branch personnel attended a one-day Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Preparedness Conference in Honolulu. This conference was hosted by the City and County of Honolulu Emergency Services Department. Keynote speakers included Dr. Glenn Asaeda, medical director for FDNY and Dr. Sophia Dyer, medical director for Boston EMS.
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Active Attack Integrated Response Training EMS Branch personnel assisted with a week-long Active Attack Integrated Response (AAIR) train-the-trainer course for HPD and HFD personnel that was held at Hilo Union School. We have 18 newly certified AAIR instructors.
Hāweo Award Recipient We would like to congratulate Captain Michael Lam on being honored as this month’s Hāweo Award recipient. Thank you, Captain Lam for all your hard work and dedication.
Statewide Emergency Medical Advisory Committee Meeting EMS Branch personnel participated in the quarterly statewide Emergency Medical Advisory Committee meeting held on Wednesday, July 17th.
Firefighter Recruit Class Family Orientation EMS Branch personnel participated in the 53rd firefighter recruit class family orientation night held on Wednesday, July 31st at the Haihai Fire Station.
Medic 12 Repower Project Completion The Medic 12 repower project has been completed. This repower project entailed installing a new motor and transmission system into Medic 12. When Station 12 receives their new ambulance in January, this repowered ambulance will become their new spare unit.
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Training Services Branch
52nd Firefighter Recruit Class Final Training at Pōhakuloa The 52nd Firefighter Recruit Class rounded out their year-long training conducting coordinated fire attack at Pōhakuloa. A comprehensive skill review culminated in evolutions which incorporated fire suppression, forcible entry, search, ventilation, and MAYDAY/Rapid Intervention Operations.
52nd Firefighter Recruit Class Graduation Ceremony The 52nd Firefighter Recruit Class Graduation Ceremony took place on July 12, 2024 at Aunty Sally’s Lūʽau Hale. The event honored the achievements and accomplishments of the twenty recruits, eighteen of which will be assigned to County fire stations island-wide, with the new title of “Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician”. Recruit Performance Recognition was as follows: • Firefighter David Paopao was recognized as “Most Outstanding Recruit” • Firefighter Nicholas Tran as recognized for winning the Combat Firefighter Fitness Award. • Firefighter Michael Dudoit Junior was recognized for the “Highest Physical Training Score” • All graduates of the 52nd Firefighter Recruit Class, their families, a support networks put forth a monumental effort to rise to the challenges of the Recruit Training Program. We wish them the very best in the next chapter of their fire service journey!
53rd Firefighter Recruit Class Training Commencement The 53rd Fire Fighter Recruit Candidates began their training on August 1, 2024 with 13 HFD Firefighter Recruits, one HFD Fire/EMS Recruit, and one HI-DOT ARFF Firefighter Recruit.
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Volunteer Training Section
Company 1A – Pepeʽekeo Responded to one unauthorized controlled burn, performed driver training, and conducted ladder training.
Company 5D – Fern Acres Volunteers responded to 3 fire calls and participated in their community association’s annual picnic. A booth was set up, and they spoke with people about the importance of having a volunteer department and how to join. Some local politicians dropped by to talk story, and lots of keiki colored pictures to win prizes.
Company 6B – Kona Paradise Volunteer Company 6B had a meeting with Civil Defense Staff Officer J. Sceppe regarding various topics, including strategically placed shipping containers with CERT supplies, the status of Volunteer Company 6B, and the history of significant events in the district.
Company 7B – Kalaoa Volunteer Company 7B had four callouts during the month of July: one brush fire, one structure fire, and two smoke sightings. Their training for July consisted of Wildland Urban Interface training, water supply, exposure protection, ICS, LCES, fire shelters, and preplanning for Wildland fires. Company 7B also participated in the 4th of July Kona parade and held their annual 4th of July pancake breakfast fundraiser with the Sayre Foundation.
Company 9B – Kanehoa Volunteer Company 9B assisted Retired Battalion Chief Ralph Yawata in training members of the Hapuna Prince Hotel Security staff in the use of 1 3/4" fire hoses operated from a fire apparatus and a pressurized water source. They also received
2024 | JULY PAGE 13
training in setting up a ground monitor with 2 1/2" hoses. Volunteer Company 9B stood by on Firewatch for the evening of July 4th while also holding a "Meet and Greet" for the neighbors.
Company 10D – ʽAinaloa Volunteers responded to a 2-acre brush fire in Opihikao and assisted by providing water shuttle operations, moving 500 gallons of water and helping with mop-up. Volunteers also responded to a fully engulfed car fire on an empty lot in their community. Additionally, 10D participated in a family community event, “Lā ‘Ohana O Pohoiki” held at Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki) and was available for first aid response. Classroom instruction in the use and deployment of fire shelters was also completed. Efforts are continuously being made to improve the station and apparatus.
Company 11C – Discovery Harbour Former Captain Kenneth Shisler (and wife Dina), who recently relocated to the mainland, were celebrated for his years of service as an active member of both the Volunteer Fire Department (13 years) and the Discovery Harbour Board of Directors. His dedication and mechanical/general building expertise will be dearly missed by both entities. Dina served as 11C's unofficial "Den Mother," selflessly supporting the Company in many ways. Her absence will be obvious. After four months on medical leave, Acting Captain TJ James has been cleared to return to duty without restrictions and continues to conduct company training and administrative duties. Captain James is currently the only authorized driver for 11C (one of 3 in the Ka'u district) and has resumed training personnel on their assigned apparatus to remedy that situation.
Company 16B – Puʽuanahulu Volunteer Company 16B had a total of 17 volunteer hours conducting vehicle maintenance, ensuring readiness of PPE, and wet drills.
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Fire Prevention Branch
Fire Investigations The Fire Prevention Branch investigated two structure fires during the Month of July. • Fire #1 was in a residential occupancy, in District 10. No injuries or fatalities were reported at the incident. The Home was inhabited by squatters. • The second Fire resulted in a criminal investigation by HPD. A Fire Investigation led by Lt. Tyson Goo resulted in a determination after a male in the home stated he was attempting to set himself on Fire in the residence. Injuries were documented.
Public Education Our Social Media efforts continue to highlight the department. This month we were led by Lt. Goo, who had the privilege of working with the Training Branch on numerous recruit training videos and Graduation!
Project Updates
• Plan review continues to be conducted at 100% within the 14-day review window as dictated by our Key Performance Indicators. • The buildout of the EPR Property list is ongoing. We are hitting our target of 30 EPR Inputs a month. We expect to begin assisting the Company level officers with their Preplans by the end of the year. • No major injuries or fatalities of major Fires were reported for the Fourth of July holiday. • Chief Kurashige and Fireworks Auditor Moraes conducted numerous Fireworks inspections for the 4th of July shows. All shows were conducted safely and were monitored.
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Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Logistics • Annual inventory has been completed. • Fire ordering site:
o 323 customers
o 47 orders for the month of July
o Approximate gross order sales, 19.6k of product • Water stations have come in and will be working on the installs for stations • Work almost complete for the replacement and repair of the Pahoa AC • Apparatus and equipment repair
o One hundred and eighty five (185) total repairs/service.
o Twenty-five (25) service calls or trouble calls.
o Thirty-four (34) contracted out and tows
Emergency Communications • Emergency Fire Dispatch training was held in July, where 4 FCO I participated along with 3 Battalion Chiefs. We are slowly working through the implementation process of EFD for our department. • There is continued progress of the JCCC project. Several meetings have been held with the various vendors to coordinate installation of equipment. • FCO Is are progressing through their training. • Two personnel were able to attend the NENA conference in Orlando, FL Information Technology Highlights • Configuration of 2 new laptops for MSA testing, 1 laptop for Battalion 1 (East) and 1 laptop for Battalion 2 (West). • Change bunker gear ordering on HFD Warehouse Shopify website. A separate form is no longer needed, all bunker gear options can be done directly from website. • Meetings and site visits for Joint Communications Center. Dispatch operational date TBD. • CradlePoint change out on E03 due to MDT VPN not being able to connect. • Start new iPad setups for Ocean Safety. • ProQA Medical updated to version 5.1.1.50 logic 14 from version 5.1.1.48 logic 14.
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SAFETY SPECIALIST REPORT
July saw continued progress across multiple safety initiatives. The Mold Awareness Training/Procedure underwent revisions and is now in the final stages of approval before being uploaded to Target Solutions for department-wide implementation. The draft In-station Gear Decontamination Policy has also been updated and reconciled with previous versions, and it is currently awaiting formal approval. The Water Rescue GAP Analysis was successfully completed and submitted to Administration for review. Our Respiratory Protection Program has achieved 95% compliance with fit testing on the west side, while efforts continue on the east side to train additional personnel to alleviate the burden on current staff. In other developments, we successfully submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for field testing the C-THRU technology, with a decision expected by August 31st. Planning for the October 17th Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise is well underway, focusing on a hypothetical hurricane scenario, though the status of the new Fire Communications & Control Center may affect final plans. The Safety Committee meeting in July highlighted the need for additional personal flotation devices (PFDs) and discussed the adequacy of the current orientation program for new rescue pilots, emphasizing the importance of ensuring thorough preparedness. We are also reviewing our personal protective equipment (PPE) policies in response to a request from County Finance. Importantly, only one new Incident/Accident Reports and Vehicle/Equipment/Property Damage Reports were received this month, respectively, which is a positive indicator of our ongoing safety efforts. Thank you for your continued dedication to maintaining a safe and effective working environment.
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OTHER UPDATES
AI Fire Detection Cameras Launched to Enhance Emergency Response A significant advancement in fire detection and situational awareness capabilities is underway on the island, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) fire detection cameras are being installed to enhance emergency response. Efforts to deploy these cameras, which began in January 2023, gained momentum following discussions with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) after the August fires in Lahaina. HECO has now taken decisive action by purchasing and deploying the first set of AI-equipped, high-resolution cameras that will monitor high-risk fire areas around the clock, providing real-time video feeds to dispatchers, responders, and emergency managers. The public can also access live camera feeds, with the initial installation starting in Lahaina and plans to expand to 78 stations across the five islands HECO serves. Each station will feature two cameras for full 360-degree coverage, and additional initiatives are in place to install cameras at hotels, beaches, and other key locations. This project represents a growing trend in utilizing AI technology to enhance community safety and emergency response efforts.
Friends of First Responders Family Fun Day- July 27, 2024 Friends of First Responders hosted a Family Fun Day at New Hope Church, providing free popcorn, hot dogs, and shave ice, as well as a waterslide, jumping castle, and live entertainment to attendees. Mahalo to Friends of First Responders for the good fun and great memories!
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Update on HFD Pumper Assembly of HFD Pumper continues at the 41 Plant. Photo as of July 19, 2024.
Ka Io Featured in Vertical Magazine Ka 'Io, our H125 helicopter, appeared in the latest Vertical Magazine H125 Special Edition, pages 44-45. Link to article is here.
END REPORT