The Kern County grand jury Thursday released a report saying that the Kern County Fire Department must make some changes to address safety. The Grand Jury addresses, among other things:

• Age of stations

• Back-up power

• Automatic (Alarm) fire system

• Fire sprinkler (suppression) system

• Seismic design/construction

“A significant number of KCFD facilities are well past their serviceable life,” the report says. “There are 15 stations in Kern County over 50 years old. Nine of those are over 60 years old with the oldest being 71 years of age. Typically, fire stations have an anticipated service life of approximately 50 years.

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“39 stations have a diesel exhaust removal system, seven stations do not. Only one of these seven stations is under 50 years old. In the County, 18 stations have back-up power generators, 28 do not. 28 stations do not have fire sprinkler suppression systems.”

The report goes on to make some recommendations, such as KCFD should, “within the next 12 months, develop a comprehensive strategic plan to repair or replace all stations, 50 years and older, over the next 5-10 years; install smoke detectors and Fire Ready Range Hoods in all kitchens within 12-24 months; replace Station 11’s Air Operation generator with new auto start back-up generator; within the next 3-5 years, Helicopter 407 should be replaced, followed by Helicopter 408; and apply for funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill immediately for Air Operations and Fire Stations in need of repair or replacement.”

“In May 2017, the Kern County Board of Supervisors (BOS) allotted $150,000 to CPSM located in Washington D.C. for a 241-plus page independent report (Operational and Administrative Analysis),” the report says. “Project staff conducted on site visits between the 15th and 19th of August in 2017. CPSM completed their analysis in December 2017, which detailed $12.75 million in savings. By changing the way KCFD implements pay, purchases, and training, as well as promoting employees, improving facilities, and providing service to city and county airports, these savings can be achieved. The report contained 62 recommendations. Of the 62 recommendations, 55 have either been completed or are currently in progress.”

See the entire report here:

See footage of Central Kitsap (WA) Fire and Rescue breaking ground on its new Station 52.

“Due to Covid, we’re unable to make this a community event, but our hope is that you will all be able to join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony when construction is complete,” the company writes on Facebook.

The Hampden Fire Department recently took delivery of a $998,000, state-of-the-art 100-foot ladder truck, reports bangordailynews.com.

The apparatus, which is expected to be in service by the end of the month following training, is the town’s first ladder since the 1990s, which then replaced a 1941 model. Hampden last bought a new engine in 2009 for $300,000.

The town also added a $253,000 ambulance last November that’s also a first for the area, as it has a hydraulic lift for stretchers and ultraviolet light to sanitize the interior, according to the report.

Hampden ordered both apparatus at the same time (fall 2020) from the same company at the same time, allowing for a discount.

In addition to the 100-foot ladder, the tanks on the new apparatus hold 500 gallons of water and 300 gallons of foam. It can carry six firefighters and nearly all the imperative equipment, the report says.

The Pleasant City Volunteer Fire Department has ordered a new light rescue apparatus after receiving a $79,500 USDA loan, reports Yahoo.

The department applied for the loan about a year and a half ago, and received the news that it was awarded a couple of months back. That’s when the apparatus was ordered.

There’s no timetable for the department to take delivery of the apparatus, but officials hope that will be sometime this summer.

The total cost of the new truck will be approximately $140,000, the report says. The department will be responsible for paying the remainder.

The department plans to equip the truck with rescue tools and first responder medical supplies for responses to non-fire incidents, according to the report.

The loan is part of $602,500 awarded through the USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program to nine communities in southeast Ohio. Other recipients include:

• Franklin Township (Columbiana Co.), $53,000 grant and a $100,000 loan.
• Village of Syracuse (Meigs Co.), $21,000 loan.
• Green Township (Hocking Co.), $76,000 loan.
• Deerfield Township (Morgan Co.), $51,000 loan.
• Morgan Township (Morgan Co.), $74,500 loan.
• Penn Township (Morgan Co.), $19,500 loan.
• Malta Township (Morgan Co.), $56,500 loan.
• Grandview Township (Washington Co.), $71,500 loan.