This section is another way for the Orcas Island community and membership to be informed on issues presented to the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue department. We would like to thank our Fire Commissioners Bedell, Coffin and Duke for spearheading this effort, and to our community and membership for staying informed on the progress of our department.
Why did the department purchase the small WASP engines?
As we all know who live on the island, we have a beautiful landscape. But this beautiful landscape comes with its own inherent risks to both lives and property. On numerous occasions, the steep and narrow driveways and roads have not allowed our current fleet of aid rigs or fire engines to come close to incident locations. This is exacerbated by the lack of an island-wide hydrant system, which means that Fire responders must truck their own water to a fire location, as has occurred at every single active fire incident this past year.
The new W.A.S.P. (Wildland Attack Structure Protection) pumpers address a critical need in that they are small, carry CAFS (compressed air foam system), that allows them to produce the equivalent amount of fire suppression as our large engines, are 4-wheel drive, and can function as a remote patient care rig in addition to fire response. This need was recognized and enunciated in the community’s Long Range Planning Commision that justified the tax levy in 1999. The 2010 truck model chassis and engines have been downgraded on payload, and subject to stricter air emission rules. This would have made these new chassis unqualified for this type of fire service and more expensive to boot. And because these are manufactured to NFPA standards, they satisfy the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau requirements in allowing to keep our rating of 6, the lowest in the islands.
Why do we need a new Deer Harbor Fire Station?
In 1999, voters approved a tax levy designated to fund the San Juan Fire Protection District #2, what we know as Orcas Fire and Rescue. One major component of that levy was the creation of a Long Range Planning Commission, made up of Fire Commissioners, Fire Department personnel, and public citizens. This commission met for 8 months in 2004 and 2005, identifying and developing a comprehensive plan that addressed levels of service, apparatus, and facilities for Orcas Island. At that time, the LRPC recognized the need for a new Deer Harbor Fire Station. The existing station was over 30 years old, and was not owned by the district. Thus this laid the foundation for the new Deer Harbor station. The LRPC met again two years ago to assess progress towards it long term goals, and to reaffirm the critical needs that were still unmet, the Deer Harbor station being one of the most prominent. Thus, to fulfill its public-mandated plan and most importantly, to replace a sub-standard facility with one that provides appropriate service to one of island’s fastest growing areas, the Deer Harbor project is finally underway. To the Fire department, this station is needed to house both a water tender and a rescue ambulance, dramatically reducing response times.
Why did the department hire a Full-Time Mechanic?
One of the most important tools in a fire station are its vehicles (we call them “rigs” or “rolling stock”). They must be ready 24 hours a day, in absolute readiness. The Department did not hire a Full-time mechanic; we simply made our existing Mechanic a paid responder. This is not costing the taxpayer one penny more. The Apparatus Mechanic position is long-standing and critical need in every fire department in the nation. The complexity, in terms of age, engines, pumps, chassis, maintenance and performance of all of our response units requires an incredible body of knowledge with a certified education. Our Mechanic has that knowledge, as attested to by his Fire Industry certifications, his extensive years of experience with Fire apparatus, and his kindred knowledge of Orcas Island and the Fire Department. By his being made a responder, we gain a knowledgeable, dedicated Fire Fighter for no additional expense to the department, a win for everyone involved.
What is the status of “Fire Marshal Situation”?
It is great to live in an area that is deeply dedicated to the Fire Department providing the highest level of service for the best value. In the case of the Fire Marshal, Washington State Law requires that every county have a Fire Marshal. Historically, the Fire Marshal is one of the oldest offices in America, dating to the 1600’s in New England to enforce construction standards to ensure community safety. The position is very much the same today. The San Juan County Fire Marshal inspects all commercial structures to ensure compliance with county and state-mandated safety codes. Our county is one of 17 in Washington that assess a small fee for this service. Here on Orcas Island, we provide additional value with this service with thermal imaging mapping, fire planning and mitigation, and follow-up consulting. In the interest of providing Orcas Island citizens with the best possible service with a minimized impact to the tax payer, our Board of Fire Commissioners is exploring several options, one of which is the potential creation of an Orcas Island Fire Marshal to work in concert with the county Fire Marshal. This avenue as well as others will be explored for their merits and liabilities in the best interest of the public.
Can you explain the need for iPhones in Orcas Fire & Rescue?
In emergency response, communications represents one of the most critical tools a responder has. In every response scenario that is planned and trained for, redundant communications systems are mandated because of its critical nature. Here on Orcas, we have multiple obstacles to effective communications: terrain, lack of radio propagation, inaccessible accident sites, and dispersed response personnel. Couple this with the advanced amount of data that is collected and transmitted at a medical trauma incident, the situation becomes more precarious. The use of an iPhone, or otherwise known as a handheld communications computer allows for high quality photos of ECG charts, mechanism of injury and other important facets of an emergency call to be transmitted to our MPD Dr. Sullivan and even the hospital. This technology saves critical minutes while providing accuracy for diagnosis and rapid treatment. Furthermore, the computer functioning of the phone allows for access to patient medical history as well as applications to monitor and track time-critical EMS protocols. This device represents one of the most cost-effective assessment and communications tools that OIFR utilizes, and has already justified its acquisition in a recent EMS call.
What is the Memorial Garden in the back of the Headquarters Station?
The new garden is a combination effort made possible by private donations, Fire Association donations, and a three-year old budget allocation on part of the OIFR department. In a mostly volunteer department, it is absolutely critical to recognize and honour the volunteers who provide the high level of service our island enjoys. As with virtually every service group in the world, we are paying homage to members in a dignified and respectful manner, whom have passed away. Our hope is that this garden will continue to remind us and our community that we owe them a debt of gratitude and remembrance to them.
Jeff Patty 1-30-01
Daryl Marshall 4-12-01
Rich Cardinell 1-27-03
Denise Stanton 4-2-07