The overcrowded hospitals we've been telling you about for weeks are having ripple effects out into the community -- some you could predict and some which are a little more startling. Take for example a fire that gutted a house in Ocean Shores or expensive airlifts from Leavenworth, Washington. There is no private ambulance service in coastal Grays Harbor County.
- PUB DATE: 9/21/2021 6:41:37 PM - SOURCE: KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle

The Lorain Fire Department is planning to order a new, $1.4 million tower truck, reports Morning Journal.

The Sutphen SPH 100 Aerial Platform will be customized for specifications of the fire Department. The truck could take 14 to 16 months to arrive. Issues in the supply chain and worker issues are impacting timing of delivery of fire trucks.

Tower 1 will remain in use until the arrival of the new truck, then serve as a backup aerial. The current truck is 18 years old.

The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) announced yesterday that Oceanside has been invited to apply for Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) funding for the Fire Station No. 1 relocation project. Only 13 projects nationwide and among US Territories received this invitation.  

The DCIP grant will provide up to $3.5 million to help offset the costs of constructing the new Fire Station, to be located at 602 Civic Center Drive. Total construction costs, including 20% contingency are estimated at $18.6 million. The project is partially funded by proceeds from Measure X, which was approved by Oceanside voters in November 2018 and implements a ½ cent sales tax for seven years to fund public safety programs, infrastructure improvements, road repairs and aid for homelessness. The project is expected to go to bid later this year.

“The approved Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) grant funding to update Fire Station 1 is excellent news,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “The existing fire station constructed in 1929 lacks the ability to house apparatuses adequate enough to serve the growing downtown area of Oceanside and the adjacent area of Camp Pendleton. I’m proud of the efforts taken, including my letters of support pushing for DCIP to secure this funding, that is critical to both the safety of the firefighters and the surrounding communities they protect.”   

Oceanside’s close proximity to and excellent working relationship with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, specifically the Fire Department, played a key role in achieving the grant funding. The grant will enhance public safety and resilience for both Oceanside and MCB Camp Pendleton. As noted in the City’s pre-application, “This project will enhance the installation’s resiliency, as measured by the sustained capability to utilize available resources to respond to, withstand, and recover from adverse situations. Resilience is the ability to prepare for hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and withstand or recover rapidly from disruptions. The development and maintenance of robust fire and life safety functions are key parts of building and maintaining resilience.”  

Oceanside’s existing Fire Station 1, located at 714 Pier View Way, was constructed in 1929, making it one of the nation’s oldest working firehouses. The existing facilities do not meet current essential facility building code requirements and cannot accommodate additional staff or equipment. 

The new Fire Station will be a state-of-the-art facility with sufficient space to house an engine company, an ambulance and a truck company, as well as the flexibility to house a Battalion Chief. This is the City’s closest fire station to the Main Gate at Camp Pendleton, located only 2.3 miles away. In the event of a major fire or emergency, resources from Oceanside Fire Station 1 will quickly respond and assist. Having a ladder truck and Battalion Chief available to respond from this station would be integral in the event of a structure fire or major emergency. In addition, the new station will house a training room that will allow both Oceanside and Camp Pendleton fire and public safety staff to update their skills.

Greenfield firefighters have moved into a temporary fire station and an 85-year-old fire station will be sealed for abatement, reports Greenfield Recorder.

The City Council previously approved $17.3 million for both the temporary and permanent stations, with roughly $2 million being designated for the temporary fire station.

The temporary fire station is expected to be in use for two years. That complex has two dorm buildings, which include a kitchen and meeting area and two apparatus bays. During that time, a new fire station will be built.

Deka Lake & District Volunteer Fire Department held a push-in ceremony to welcome a new fire truck, reports 100 Mile Free Press.

The fire department posted to Facebook, “This truck is a huge step forward from what is in our present fleet of emergency vehicles. State of the art technology is “built in” to this beauty of a truck. We can now carry 4 additional firefighters for a total of 6 in one vehicle, including the driver/operator. Climate control throughout for the comfort of operator & firefighters while at a scene, in all seasons. All of the technology allows for quicker operational times and ease of use .Thank-you Deka Lake & Sulphurous Lake and district residents for all your support in allowing for this new addition to YOUR fire hall, to happen. A video is being edited and will be posted soon. This video shows the members of the DLVFD continuing the tradition of “pushing” the new engine into its docking bay for the first time. With the help of Chief Al Boyce behind the wheel for some much needed help. This tradition was started as a salute to the early firefighters who had horse drawn fire wagons, and where after the teams of horses were unhitched and put into their stalls, the fire wagons were then pushed back into their bays to be ready for the next time they were needed. And so the tradition is continued and honored.”