The Grand Rapids Fire Department responded to a total of 23,240 incidents last year -- 3,900 of which were incidents on streets, roadways and highways. The department averaged 10 incidents per day with personnel spending nearly 3,500 hours working at these sites. Based upon current data, incident responses on streets, roadways and highways are estimated to increase to over 4,100 this year. The new equipment is expected to be used several times a day.

The Tacoma Asbestos Company began the asbestos abatement process about two weeks ago. The CFD evacuated its building on Aug. 1 after the once ubiquitous carcinogenic material was found during the process of removing floor tiles.

 

Chehalis fire engines once sequestered at the station have been put back into service, as have a couple of support vehicles. Chehalis Fire Chief Ken Cardinale expects all units to be back on the road by the end of the week. Fire District 6 had given the Chehalis crew access to a reserve engine during the past few weeks.

Chehalis fire personnel are also using their own personal protective gear again now that it’s been cleaned according to standards set by the state Department of Labor and Industries. Backup sets of gear and uniforms are in the process of being cleaned. Riverside Fire Authority loaned extra PPG and equipment to Chehalis in early August.