YOUR SAFETY IS AT RISK

OVERVIEW

The safety of our community and emergency responders remain our most intimate concern.  Without the necessary equipment on scene within 8 minutes, interior fire suppression and rescue are hampered.  A few minutes of delay can significantly impact a life or death outcome.

 The reduction of a fire engine from the Naval Station comes upon the heals of a financial shortfall for FY05 and clearly demonstrates where the priorities rest.  The Navy did not complete a risk assessment, taking into consideration the previous recommendations by the Navy Safety Center, but rather capriciously decided to reduce the available fire engines by 50% as of 10 November 2004. 

 The Command's priorities balance on fiscal restraint, believing that a lack of fire incidents justifies carving your fire safety.  Compare a similar mindset; Why lock your house if you have never been robbed? Potential!  Because there is a potential for someone to enter your home and take something that doesn’t belong to them or hurt you and your family.  Remember, the fire department provide much more than just fire response.  Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Materials Response, Confined Space Response, Water Rescue, and Fire Prevention to name a few. 

 What price tag can you afford on your life? When you have an emergency, who do you call? 

 RISK

In 1996, 1998, and 2000, the Navy Safety Center identified the need for four (4) fire engines to properly protect the lives and property of the Naval Training Center.  The Naval Training Center is currently protected by two fire engines and one ladder truck, which operate out of two fire stations.  On the 10^th of November, one of those engines will cease to operate.  This severs a simultaneous deployment opportunity of necessary personnel and equipment to emergency incidents, which delays the services to you.

 The loss of a fire engine will reduce the available, on scene, personnel by four firefighters, which hinders rapid extinguishment of a fire and possibly your rescue.

 - Two Fire Engines and One Ladder Truck shall respond to all fires [(DODI6055.6)] & OPNAV 11320.23f

[Current response is only one engine and one ladder truck]

 - Each Fire Engine shall be staffed with a minimum of four (4) firefighters [(DODI6055.6)] & OPNAV 11320.23f &

[Current staffing levels are only three (3) firefighters]

 - Each Ladder Truck shall be staffed with four (4) firefighters [(DODI6055.6)] & OPNAV 11320.23f &

[Current staffing levels are only three (3) firefighters]

 Reference Documents

The Department of Defense Issued an Instruction (DODI6055.6) on the 10^th of October 2000, which addresses the management of the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Program. 

 The Department of the Navy operates under the belief auspice of the DODI6055.6, but also provides further guidance via OPNAV 11320.23f.

 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 provides an operational standard for Fire Departments.

Reference: Links

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) – The National Office

(http://www.iaff.org)

Click picture to see how minutes can mean the difference!