NLA-FIre Department 11/19/2009

Mike Ortiz, El Paso Fire Department

A lovely facility on Montana with a firefighter's museum in front.   

They respond to over 73,000 calls, 85% of which are medical emergencies.   There are 52 firetrucks and 20 Ambulances.   It includes a water rescue unit which often has to recover bodies from the Rio Grande.   Their accellerant-trained dog's name is Kim, she is a big, black dog like a shepherd.   They don't have any dalmations, dalmations are one dog that usually gets along well with horses and would guard them while the firemen were sleeping.   No horses=no dalmation.

He spoke highly of EPCC's fire-fighting program, but admits most of the faculty are El Paso FireFighters. 

No firetruck anywhere can go over 5 stories (104 feet).   Anything over that, they rely on fire doors and similar structural devices to keep the fire contained and people safe.   Opening those doors endanger everyone.

There is only one person to monitor all 5,000 fire hydrants.   That individual knows how much water each will pump and ensures they are inspected thoroughly every 5 years.

El Paso has an ISO Class 1 Fire Department, which is in the top 1% nationwide.   This helps all residents and businesses keep their fire insurance rates low.    They will come out and do free home inspections, and then provide a document that can be taken to some insurances for additional discounts.  They do not cite anyone for violations, they just inform the homeowner and it is up to the homeowner what will be done.  Most common concern is the lack of escape bars on windows, the ones that are bolted in are fire traps.  Call 771-1090 for the inspection.

One issue was the public schools who fail to keep accurate records of fire drills.  This was a tick mark on the ISO Class 1 renewal.   Schools are supposed to conduct one firedrill each month they are open.   This is only K-12.   EPCC, UTEP and proprietary schools  are considered businesses, not schools.   Any citizen visiting a local school can ask to see the fire drill record and ensure it is up to date.

They have approval to build a Regional Fire Training Center on Airport land.   They are just looking for the funds now.

The Fire Department (and the Extreme Weather Task Force) are both on Facebook and also are trying hard to redesign the website to make it more userfriendly.