Agenda - 10-07-2008 - Information 2 Mutual Aid Report

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Page 2 October 2008 Mutual Aid Report The Response Rating Survey is used by the Department of Insurance, Office of the State Fire Marshal to grade fire departments for insurance purposes. This mutual provision of the addendum is specific in the response capabilities of mutual aid engines and tankers to fire scenes. Responding fire engines must have pumping capabilities of one thousand gallons per minute. Tankers must carry a minimum of one thousand gallons of water and two responders to operate the tanker during water shuttle operations. The addendum was signed by all departments, except Chapel Hill Fire Department and Mebane Fire Department. Although these two departments have adequate engines and/or tankers to provide fire protection within their response areas, they respond to and send equipment to mutual aid calls for other departments and are covered by the 1994 mutual aid agreement. Chapel Hill Fire Department declined to sign the addendum because it related to tanker use, which Chapel Hill Fire Department does not operate. Their suppression water system is adequately served by the established hydrant grid within the boundaries of Chapel Hill. The 2005 addendum requires a three department response to all structure fires in the county, which has enhanced fire suppression capabilities. Orange County departments respond mutual aid to fires and emergencies in Chatham, Durham, Alamance, Caswell and Person Counties. Departments whose district adjoin a district in another county or respond to other counties have signed mutual aid agreements with departments in adjoining counties. These agreements must be in place to meet the grading requirements of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Office of the State Fire Marshal has reviewed and approved these documents. When fire departments respond to other counties or have a major fire in their respective district, other fire departments "move-up" equipment and personnel to those stations to assist and provide coverage. Allocation of resources and equipment are coordinated by the fire chief, senior fire officer on the scene or staff from Emergency Services. The Department of Emergency Services will begin a review of all mutual aid agreements in 2009 to ensure currency and recommend adjustments where necessary to address any deficiencies in coverage,. operations, safety or compliance with state, local or federal regulations. Care • Serve • Survive