HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 24-25 JANUARY
2025 | JANUARY FISCAL YEAR 24-25
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
HAWAI’I FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501 HILO, HAWAI’I 96720 FIRE@HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV
Admin Div: Fiscal Branch Report .............................................................................................................. 3
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................................................... 3
Budget ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Grants ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Admin Div: HR Branch Report .................................................................................................................. 4
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................................................... 4
Internal Recruitment within Department ..................................................................................... 4
Open-Competitive Recruitment ..................................................................................................... 4
Operations ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Emergency Operations ........................................................................................................................... 5
Emergency Operations Highlights ..................................................................................................... 6
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi ..................................................................................................................... 6
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi .................................................................................................................. 6
Special Operations ................................................................................................................................... 6
Support Services ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Emergency Medical Services Branch ................................................................................................. 8
Training Services Branch ........................................................................................................................ 9
Volunteer Training Section ................................................................................................................. 10
Fire Prevention Branch .......................................................................................................................... 12
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ..................... 13
Emergency Communications ......................................................................................................... 14
Information Technology Highlights ............................................................................................ 14
Safety Specialist Report ............................................................................................................................ 14
Facilities Updates ........................................................................................................................................ 15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2025 | JANUARY PAGE 3
ADMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals January YTD Goal
Invoice Settlement within 30 days 93% 94% 90%
Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 92% 98% 95%
Dollar value of grants applied for $0.00 $22,477,500 $5,000,000
Dollar value of grants received $ 0.00 $ 488,722.63 $5,000,000
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire S&W 40,078,922.00 24,255,116.45 60.52 62.50
6221-6225 OCE 6,143,148.96 3,771,050.99 61.39 58.33
Equipment 3,820,919.61 2,673,838.19 69.98 58.33
Grants & Misc S&W 661,520.09 257,161.00 38.87 62.50
6226 OCE 1,327,882.56 132,967.95 10.01 58.33
Equipment 697,875.20 429,083.86 61.48 58.33
EMS S&W 15,630,607.00 8,785,079.43 56.20 62.50
6227 OCE 2,889,425.33 1,200,685.69 41.55 58.33
Equipment 3,220,637.02 3,113,843.53 96.68 58.33
Ocean Safety S&W 5,483,856.34 2,647,564.29 48.28 62.50
6228 OCE 328,845.49 270,643.15 82.30 58.33
Equipment 522,905.32 313,780.65 60.01 58.33
Total Budget 80,806,544.92 47,850,815.18 59.22
Grants Update
2023 CDBG (3) Brush Trucks $625,693 furnished by Orchid Isle Ford. Delivery pending.
2024 CDBG
Purchase orders issued for a UTV, trailer and fire pump skid for Pahala Fire Station. Office of Housing tasked with acquiring a brush truck for the Puna Volunteer Fire Station.
CDBG- MIT Wildfire Mitigation (1) Mobile Command Vehicle, (3) Brush Trucks, and (1) Mobile Service Trailer open for bid.
FY 2021 AFG We are procuring items for the Fire Base Station Refresh Project. The grant is 100% obligated as of 1/31/25.
FY 2023 AFG Grant awarded establishing a Hazard Zone (IDLH) Incident Command and a Control Training Program to provide safe, effective, and efficient HFD emergency response Operations.
FY 22 USDA Volunteer Fire Capacity Project
The bid was awarded to Orchid Isle Ford for two (2) Brush Trucks $411,097. Delivery pending
FY 23 USDA Volunteer Fire Capacity Project In the process of procuring supplies and equipment for the Volunteer Operations section.
Kohanaiki Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share funds)
I.D.R. Surveyor Apex lifeguard tower furnished by Newport Laminates. Delivery expected in the second quarter of 2025.
Leleiwi Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share Funds)
Surveyor Junior lifeguard tower furnished by Newport Laminates. Delivery expected in early 2026.
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ADMIN DIV: HR BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals January YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 27 27 100%
Recruitment Actions < 30 days 8 8 100% Promotion Actions < 30 days 1 1 100%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 18 18 100%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Battalion Chief (Emergency Operations)
Assessment scheduled for February 5, 2025 (6 applicants). Awaiting E&E from DHR.
Battalion Chief (Special Operations)
Recruitment opened 01/12/25 and closed on 01/21/25; Pending list and E&E with DHR.
Fire Equipment Operator Recruitment opened 01/05/25 and closed 01/14/25. Written examination scheduled for 02/25/25.
Supervising Fire Communications Officer Promotion effective 01/01/25.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Position Status Report
Program Support Technician Submitted request to fill to DHR for open recruitment.
Clerk III (Auxiliary Service Branch) Applicant selected. Start date is 02/10/25.
Automotive Storekeeper Referred list received from DHR. Interviews (3 applicants) scheduled for 02/11/25
Professional Development Trainee (Info and Education Specialist)
Recruitment closed 01/24/25. Pending referral list from DHR.
Professional Development Trainee (Grant Specialist)
Assessment scheduled for 02/21/25
Professional Development Trainee (Info and Education Specialist) Submitted request to fill to DHR for open recruitment.
2025 | JANUARY PAGE 5
OPERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2024 January % YTD %
Fire 106 4% 106 4%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 0 0%
Rescue and EMS 1896 68% 1896 68%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 30 1% 30 1%
Service Call 231 8% 231 8%
Good Intent calls 498 18% 498 18%
False Alarm / False calls 32 1% 32 1%
Severe Weather 0 0% 0 0%
Special Incident Type 5 0% 5 0%
Other (not completed yet) 8 0% 8 0%
Totals 2806 100% 2806 100%
Response Times CY 2025
Statistic Jan. % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:19 (80 sec.) 23.58% 2:19 (80 sec.) 23.58%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:04 (60 sec.) 18.14% 2:04 (60 sec.) 18.14%
Statistic Jan. % that meet 6 min. YTD % that meet 6 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 10:14 13.21% 10:14 13.21%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 8:54 20.07% 8:54 20.07%
Fire Impacts CY 2025
Call Type January YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 22 22
Acres burned 149 149
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 10 10
Property and Contents - Loss $911,000.00 $911,000.00
Property and Contents - Save $455,600.00 $455,600.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 74 74
Property and Contents - Loss $500.00 $500.00
Property and Contents - Save $0.00 $0.00
Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (est.)
Total Calls 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 33,672
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Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
• 1/1, Inc# 00026; Structure Fire: Reeds Island, Hilo/Dist. 1, no injuries or fatalities.
• 1/2, Inc# 00122, Structure Fire: Mapuana Ave, Pahoa/Dist. 10, no injuries or
fatalities.
• 1/2, Inc #00236, Structure Fire: 22nd Ave/District 18, occupants on scene. Fire
extinguished and overhauled. No injuries.
• 1/8, Inc #00710, Fire: Shipman Industrial Park, Keaau/Dist. 5, Scrap metal fire. Fire
extinguished and overhauled. No injuries.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
• 1/8, Inc# 00745; Rescue: Missing Kayaker Keauhou. 60’s male located by C2, party
was guided to and picked up by boat in the area. No injuries.
• 1/21-22, Inc# 001749; Assist HPD: Check on car in water at south point, check for
missing person. Prevention Bureau with Drones on 1/21, Rescue Co.7 did scuba
dive with negative findings on 1/22.
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
• Haz-Tech class completed on Jan 6-17. 24 personnel trained.
• 2025 Hazmat Captain’s meeting held on January 13, review of FY26 budget, and
equipment replacement needs
• Confined Space Rescue Training scheduled for Feb 3-7
Ocean Safety
• WSO promotional recruitment E&E update: Met with DHR and made additional
amendments.
• Met with HGEA on Hilo tower staffing proposal, tentative approval reached, and
awaiting formal response to proceed.
• Received numerous donations for services and PPE for Ocean Safety Personnel in
S. Kohala (Jackets and shorts) and Kahaluʻu (office trailer remodel).
Rescue
• Confined Space Rescue Training scheduled for Feb. 3-7
• Started receiving Sayre funded equipment purchases
• Rescue Boat 2 at Force Marine for fuel tank replacement
• Reimplementation of all aspects of off-duty Rescue training effective January
2025, adding on Wilderness and High-Angle.
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Incident heat map and YTD stats for January 2025 Link for Station Call Volume Breakdown
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SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch Community Event Support EMS Branch personnel assisted at the 28th Annual KWXX Ho’olaule’a in Downtown Hilo. This event was held on Saturday, January 18th, and approximately 19,000 people were in attendance. During this event, we had seven incidents with two patient transports to the hospital. EMS Branch personnel also assisted with the Mitsubishi Golf Tournament standby at the Hualalai Golf Course. Ambulance Fabrication and Deployment The ambulance fabrication team went to the Braun Northwest ambulance factory in Chehalis, Washington, for a pre-delivery ambulance inspection. These four new medics are expected to be on island at the end of February and will be assigned to the following stations: Station 1 Central, Station 12 Keauhou, Station 16 Waikoloa, and Station 20 Ocean View Estates.
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Training and Education The 53rd firefighter recruit class has started their EMT training with Kapiʻolani Community College. The Fall 2024 paramedic class spent two weeks in Honolulu for clinical training. During this time, students rotated through Kapiʻolani Women’s and Children’s Hospital and the Queen’s Medical Center. They also had the opportunity to ride along with the City and County of Honolulu EMS ambulance units. Overdose Initiative and Partnerships EMS Branch personnel attended the Overdose Initiative Conference on Oahu, hosted by the State Department of Health. During this event, personnel received numerous inquiries from various organizations about the possibility of forming partnerships with our department to monitor overdoses in the community and potentially assist with follow-up treatment programs. This initiative is similar to the point-of-care Suboxone treatment programs that are being utilized across the country. Equipment and Safety Updates The FERNO Pro28Z gurney recall repairs have all been completed. Statewide EMS Coordination EMS Branch personnel participated in the quarterly state Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee meeting held on Wednesday, January 22nd.
Training Services Branch
EMR Training Completed The 53rd recruit class completed EMR training in preparation for EMT class. Mahalo to guest instructors FMS II Key, FMS II Shintani, FMS II Chun Fat Jr., and FMS II Carriero. Farewell to Jean Viernes Hawaii Fire Department bid a fond aloha to Human Resources Specialist II Jean Viernes January 5th, 2025. Jean dedicated 35 years of service to the County of Hawaiʻi. Jean will be remembered as a kind, gentle soul who touched our lives, assisting us through phases of our careers.
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Hazmat Technician Training Completed Hazmat Technician Training has been completed for 20 firefighters. This 80-hour class is based on the IFSTA Hazardous Materials Technician (2nd edition) curriculum, including chemistry and tactical operations. Successful completion of the Hazardous Materials Technician course is a requirement to work at a Hazmat station as part of the Hazardous Materials Response Team.
EMT Training Begins The 53rd Recruit Class started Emergency Medical Technician Training on January 15. EMT training is a four-month accelerated course to prepare Firefighter Recruits to obtain a State of Hawaii EMT license. The course’s expected completion date is April 18, 2025. Jeff Fiala Last Alarm Members of the Hawaii Fire Department under the leadership of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd supported Honolulu Fire Department in the final alarm for Firefighter Jeffery Fiala on January 25, 2025. Jeff Fiala Last Alarm
Volunteer Training Section
1-A (Pepeʻekeo) Volunteer Company 1A performed vehicle maintenance on their type 1 engine. Co. 1A continues to donate their time and materials to construct a brush truck.
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5-C (Fern Forest) Volunteer Company 5C responded to 2 structure fires and assisted career personnel with extinguishment operations and rehab. Co. 5C also responded to one brush fire and one MVA to provide traffic control for career personnel. 5-D (Fern Acres) Volunteer Company 5D responded to 1 car fire, 1 brush fire and attended a "first on scene" training held at Company 19A. Retired Deputy Fire Chief Eric Moller was the instructor. 6-B (Kona Paradise) Volunteer Company 6B added one new member to their ranks. 7-B (Kalaoa) Volunteer Company 7B was dispatched to a total of 8 calls and focused their training on the wildland-urban interface, PPE, hose deployment, and hydrant training. 8-A (Paʻauilo) Volunteer Company 8A performed driver training and vehicle maintenance during the month of January. 9-B (Kanehoa) Volunteer Company 9B did a thorough station cleanup along with the outside storage container; restocked the “Beast” (T-9B) that returned from the shop (Big Mahalo to our HFD Mechanics for all that you do!), and integrated our new hose pack into our Wildland fast water drills. Company 9B also posted up on standby during the storm on January 30th. 10-D (Ainaloa) Volunteer Company 10D welcomed one more volunteer firefighter to their company and has been outfitting and training on their former USFS Type 3 Engine, previously from Klamath National Forest. 10D wishes to convey their gratitude towards the Mechanic Shop and Chief Mechanic Buyuan for their work support.
16-B (Puʻuanahulu) Volunteer Company 16B performed 27 hours of volunteering. During this time, vehicle maintenance and wet drills were accomplished.
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19-A (Volcano) Volunteer Company 19A was dispatched to one fire alarm and one vehicle fire. Co. 19A conducted training on defensive firefighting with an emphasis on exterior initial attack and performed fire hose maintenance. 20-A (HOVE) Volunteer Company 20A was dispatched to 4 brush fires, 2 unauthorized controlled burns, and 2 structure fires. Co. 20A assisted career personnel with fire suppression operations and mop-up. Various personnel from Co. 20A also performed numerous hours of required online training on Vector Solutions.
Fire Prevention Branch
Fire Inspections Our current fire inspectors are conducting business re-inspections in District 1 and District 7, utilizing EPR Fireworks and adding properties as inspections are completed. Community Outreach, Events & Social Media Jan. 8: BC R. Henderson and T. Goo met with Mayor Alameda and staff along with all county divisions in a meeting discussing media, programs and activities for 2025. Jan. 14: Captain T. Goo and Inspector J. Requelman assisted HWMO and DOFAW in a Firewise Community Assessment in Dist.7 Jan. 18: Prevention East attended Ho’olaulea in Dist.1 for fire inspections, extinguisher check and safety inspections of the stages and tent areas as well as maintain regulated occupancy within the Palace Theatre for the event. Plan Review / Active Construction All plans in both digital and paper construction plans have been reviewed and completed within the allotted 14-day turnaround period for the month of January. Active construction currently: East: Dist. 3 Waiakea Uka renovations of underground firelines, HFS FCU Bank Dist.1 Nearing completion
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Fire Investigations/UAS Program Fire Investigations: Jan. 1: Dist. 1 131 Kaiulani Street BC R. Henderson Jan. 1: Dist. 4 18 Hoku Street BC R. Henderson Jan. 15: Dist. 5 Ohia Ave Inspector J. Requelman and T/A Inspector A. Moniz UAS Program: Jan. 21: Responded to assist in a shoreline search for a possible vehicle in Dist.11. Vehicle located with Drone #2-1 offshore approx.50 yards off the shoreline with assistance of off-duty FF’s Matsuura and Mateo.
Jan. 24: Captain T. Goo attended a zoom meeting with NOVA app director to overview UAS program management with several other Fire Departments to include Cal Fire, LAFD and forestry divisions. Jan. 27: Captain T. Goo attended UAS Tethered Public Safety Operational Efficiency: Zoom with Phoenix Fire Department & Texas Department of Public Safety
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
• Support services has filled the clerk III position. Carey-Dawn Shimizu will start on 2/10 • Fire ordering for Shopify
o 377 customers
o 59 orders for the month of December
o Approximate gross order sales, 12.9 of products
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• Canopy tent for station 15 has been completed • The equipment for engine 14 has been completed • Apparatus and equipment repair
o Two hundred and forty one (241) total repairs/service.
o Thirty five (35) service calls or trouble calls.
o Twenty one (21) contracted out and tows Emergency Communications • Our FCO I Ciera Pacheco was recognized by a community member, expressing gratitude and thanks for her exceptional customer service. • As we are getting closer to the completion of the HCECC, the project team is now meeting weekly. • BC Domingo, Captain Kaneshiro and FEO Makaimoku participated in Records Management training to understand the state requirements for accepting, responding to and filling records requests. • HPD IT and Hawaiian Tel have been supporting multiple upgrades and maintenance for our equipment and software. • HFD IT, AC 2 and FCCC Management have been meeting with Spillman rep to work on a refresh for MDT training and support, as well as functionality for operations personnel. Information Technology Highlights Please welcome Professional Development Trainee Information Systems Analyst I Malia Jardine to the Technical Services Section. Malia transferred to the Fire Department from Parks and Recreation, she brings experience and skills with data analytics to HFD. If you get an opportunity, stop by administration, and welcome her to HFD. • Continued meetings for Joint Communication Center.
o County INET fiber optic installation completed.
o Microwave connection completed.
o Dispatch console CAD computer, monitors and wiring completed.
o Targeted go live date in late April. • Updates to GPS settings for units with CradlePoints installed. • Continued work on FireWorks Inventory and Item Check modules. • Created incident filters in FireWorks for Battalion/Shift unapproved incidents. These filters will make it easy to find any incidents that need to be completed and approved. • Site surveys at 1382 Kilauea Avenue with Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom for County INET fiber and telephone lines for Central Fire Station relocation.
SAFETY SPECIALIST REPORT
January was a productive month for the Hawaii Fire Department's safety initiatives, focusing on compliance, policy updates, and training enhancements. Respiratory Protection Program Significant progress was made in the Respiratory Protection Program, with ongoing fit testing for C-shift and the upcoming calibration of PortaCount machines.
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Flight Safety & Survival Training With help from Aviation, Safety completed filming for the Flight Safety & Survival training, with pilots currently reviewing the content for accuracy. Policy Development Updates Policy development saw advancements, particularly with the draft Return-To-Work procedure nearing finalization and clarification of the Reasonable Suspicion Drug/Alcohol Testing process. The Hazardous Communications Program has been updated and is scheduled for distribution. Incident Reporting Incident reporting remained active, with seven incidents and five vehicle/property damage reports from December, underscoring the need for rigorous safety measures. Upcoming Safety Initiatives Upcoming developments include drafts of an Emergency Contact and Last Wishes form and ongoing environmental assessments at Station 18 due to suspected mold. Safety Committee and Planning The Safety Committee convened, and preparations for the March Continuity of Operations Plan exercise are well underway.
FACILITIES UPDATES
Updates and photos provided by Assistant Fire Chief Ian Chadwick. Expanding and Maintaining Plymovent Systems Last fiscal year, efforts focused on repairing original Plymovent drops that had fallen into disrepair. This year, improvements continue with the installation of new drops in locations not included in the initial system.
• A new drop for HR07 has been completed.
• Work is currently underway at Waiakea Fire Station to install a drop for HR02 (pictured).
• Upcoming installations include drops for HM04 and BR18.
• Next fiscal year, repairs and additional drops are planned for Pahala Fire Station. In addition to these installations, preventative maintenance is being performed at all stations to ensure Plymovent systems remain in good condition and do not deteriorate over time. Pahala Fire Station Upgrades Recent improvements at Pahala Fire Station include:
• Installation of new garage doors, completed the week of January 26, 2025.
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• A new apparatus bay roof, with a view of the underside shown in the included photo.
Temporary Central Fire Station Construction Progress As of January 30, 2025, all framing is complete. Plumbers and electricians are currently working on the rough-in. Electrical trenching and generator pad installation are scheduled to begin next week.
Further updates will be provided as facility and equipment enhancements progress.
END REPORT