Background:

Redmond Fire & Rescue (RF&R) was formed in July 2011 combining the City of Redmond Fire Department and Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection #1. This annexation resulted from a successful venture of both organizations to present the voters with two ballot measures creating one fire district to provide fire and EMS services to both the City of Redmond and the surrounding rural area.

A five member board that was in-place prior to the annexation assumed responsibility for the newly formed fire department now known as Redmond Fire & Rescue.

Redmond Fire & Rescue Facts:

• Population Served: 45,000

• Fire District area: 278.8 square miles

• Ambulance Service Area 322.5 square mile

• Career employees
• Fire Chief
• Deputy Chief
• Division Chief of EMS/Training
• Division Chief of Fire & Life Safety
• (3) Battalion Chiefs
• Deputy Fire Marshal
• (9) Captain/ Paramedics
• (27) Firefighter/ Paramedics

• Volunteer Firefighters
• (9) Student Firefighters
• (9) Volunteer Firefighters

Financial Facts:

• 2011-2012 Budget: 6.9 million dollars
• 2011 total assessed property value:   $2,759,855,061
• Current tax rate: $1.75 per thousand dollars of assessed value

Risk Assessment:

Redmond Fire & Rescue provides fire, EMS, and rescue services to the City of Redmond and the surrounding rural area. The region known as Central Oregon is high desert with four distinct seasons. The topography consists of rolling hills with Juniper and sage brush as the dominant vegetation. There are few response challenges related to topography but response crews can be challenged by rocky areas with limited roads when suppressing brush fires.

The Central Oregon region is a popular tourist destination because of the vast recreational opportunities. The City of Redmond is located in the center of this Central Oregon region surrounded by the following cities: Bend, Sisters, Prineville, and Madras.

Three State Parks are served by Redmond Fire & Rescue: 1) Peter Ogden Scenic Wayside: a scenic wayside and rest stop, 2) Cline Falls State Park: a picnicking, fishing, family gatherings and recreation area and, 3) Smith Rock State Park: a world-class rock climbing area with over 1,400 climbing routes situated on 651 acres, running along Crooked River. Smith Rock hosts over 400,000 visitors annually.  The natural surroundings draw climbers, hikers, bikers, boaters, hunters, fishing enthusiasts from all over the world throughout the year.  RF&R provides ice, rock, rope, water rescue services to these areas, much of which is not accessible by motorized vehicle, which is physically demanding and time-consuming.  Mutual Aid is often received or given for these calls, due to the difficulty of terrain, time and personnel dedicated to each rescue response.

The Deschutes County Fairgrounds hosts events which draw over 1.2 million visitors annually.  Two major resort/communities are served by RF&R: Eagle Crest and Pronghorn.  Eagle Crest includes 5,000 permanent residents, 15,000 seasonal visitors, 280 (or fewer) hydrants, 1,600 dwellings, 350 overnight lodging accommodations, two horse barns, three restaurants, an event center, one administrative building, three indoor recreation buildings and numerous outdoor recreation facilities.  The closest fire station is over 2.2 miles from the entrance.  Pronghorn is 16 miles from our closest station and remotely located at the southeast tip of our response area.  When fully operational, these two mini-towns could have anywhere from 15,000 to 60,000 occupants at any given time.

Transportation Summary:

Major Thoroughfares:

Hwy 97 dissects the City of Redmond, this state highway runs north and south through the entire State of Oregon. The second busiest highway next to Interstate 5 challenges the District with transportation risks 24/7. Access to the highway is difficult as it was rerouted from the center of the City in 2009.

Hwy 126 dissects the City and response area east to west and runs through the entire State from the Oregon Coast to the Idaho border.

Airport:

Roberts Field-Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is owned and operated by the City of Redmond for the tri-county area.  It is the fourth largest commercial service airport in Oregon serving all of Central Oregon.  Commercial service is provided by Alaska Air, United, United Express, Delta Connection (provided by SkyWest Airlines); and Allegiant.  These carriers offer approximately 46 arriving and departing flights daily with direct flights to Denver, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle, and flights twice weekly to Las Vegas. RDM also serves air cargo and general aviation traffic, including extensive corporate and business travel.  RDM is also home to Butler Air, and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service.  

Redmond Fire & Rescue under contract with a the City of Redmond provides Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services 24/7 365 days per year. The ARFF fire station is staffed with one ARFF (Firefighter/Paramedic) that responds to aircraft emergencies. The airport is a tower controlled airport 14 hours per day; after hours flights are controlled through Seattle Center.

The airport terminal sees 400,000 travelers per year and is one of many risk hazards for the District.

Waterways:

Two significant waterways are located within the Districts response area and both have presented rescue challenges to the District.

The Crooked River runs on the northern border of the fire district and cuts through the north part of the ambulance service area.

The Deschutes River coming from the south travels near the western boundary of the fire district.

Both rivers are accessible to the public and flow through areas that are very difficult to access.


Rail:  

 
The Burlington Northern/ Union Pacific rail runs along Hwy 97 through the middle of the response area. This railroad is a significant target hazard due to the product traveling through the District on the rail and the fact that there is not a fire station on the east side of the tracks. Responding from the west crews can be delayed by train travel.

Types of calls by situation type:

Redmond Fire and Rescue was requested for service 4192 times in 2011. Those calls for service are broken down into the following specific categories:

• 71% Emergency Medical Services and Rescue
• 11% Service Related
• 8% Good Intent
• 5% Fire (33/210 were building fires)
• 3% False Alarms
• 2% Special Incidents

The above statistics are recorded in detail through the Oregon State Fire Marshal Fire Bridge Data Management System.
 

Risk Hazard Assessment:

Urban Risk Areas:

The City of Redmond proper is approximately 12 square miles. Not really considered an urban area but the downtown core and newer commercial area present limited risk factors to the organization.

 
Redmond is home to a titanium casting plant; PCC Schlosser. This manufacturing company has challenged the organization over the past ten years with three significant fires. These fires have involved titanium that presents the organization with a fuel sources that burn extremely hot and is not extinguished with traditional methods.

Suburban Risk Areas:

Mainly composed of homes that are new and present a lesser fire hazard; the organization faces a higher threat from multiple EMS related calls than structure fires.

Rural Risk Areas:

Redmond Fire and Rescue and its rural response area poses the greatest fire risk for the organization. With longer response times fires have the chance to increase in size prior to arrival. The most significant risk factor faced is wildland fires in the urban interface. With a significant population in this area the importance of wildland fire suppressions is critical. As noted above the challenges in the rural area are compounded with the large recreation area and use.

Significant Building Risk:

• Deschutes County Fair Grounds
• PCC Schlosser
• Redmond Hotel and surrounding downtown core buildings.
• Airplane hangers and related aircraft busineses
• Multiple nursing and assisted living facilities
• Old public school buildings
• Historical downtown buildings

Risk Mitigation Services:

Multiple programs are in-place at Redmond Fire & Rescue.

Child Safety Seat Program:

Each month two clinics are held at our main fire station. During these clinics child safety seats are inspected and education regarding proper installation and use of the seat is provided by certified technicians. Families in need can obtain a low cost or free car seat based on need. This program has resulted in child and infant lives saved from death or injury in multiple vehicles accidents.

Bike/Skate Helmet Program:

This program is designed to provide bike or skate helmets for individuals who cannot afford one. Each helmet is checked for proper fit and the new owner is educated regarding its use.

Residential Key Box Program:

This program provides a Redmond Fire and Rescue locking key box to residents who have mobility or medical needs. These key boxes can only be accessed by Redmond Fire and Rescue personnel and are designed to allow entry into a  residence in a medical emergency when the individual inside cannot unlock the door. 

 
The above programs are partially funded by grant funds.

Juvenile Fire setter Intervention Program:

This program is designed for youth who misuse fire. When a referral is made the youth and family are screened to determine the resources needed for intervention.
If education is needed the youth and family can be educated through our local program or referred to the Deschutes County ALERT program.

 
School programs:

Hot Not Hot (Preschool): This program helps small children identify things that are hot and to stay three big steps back from them.  The program goal is to prevent burn injuries.

Firefighters are our Friends (Preschool – Kindergarten): This program is designed to introduce a firefighter in their firefighting gear in a friendly manner.  This age has a high risk of dying in a fire. In the eyes of a small child, firefighters in their firefighting gear are scary. This decreases the chance that the child will hide from a firefighter in a fire situation.

Matches and Lighters are Tools Not Toys (First Grade): This program teaches children the difference between a toy that is safe for them to play with and a tool that they should not touch as it could hurt them. Matches and lighters are tools that small children should not touch.  Through this education program children learn that if they find matches and lighters they do not touch them, instead they go tell a safe grownup to move the item to a safe place.  

Fire and Life Safety Inspections:

Under this program commercial properties are inspected to reduce the risk of injuries and fires. The Oregon Fire Code that is adopted by the State, County and City is used by Redmond Fire and Rescue when conducting these inspections.

Residential Smoke Alarm Program:

 
This program provides working smoke alarm(s) and assistance to those in need. Our smoke alarms are provided by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.  When a request is received we install the alarms at no cost.  We also assist individuals who are experiencing alarm issues with existing smoke alarms.

Available Resources:

Redmond Fire & Rescue has an annual budget of 6.9 million dollars. 44 full-time career firefighters and staff are supplemented by 18 volunteers and students firefighters.

Following is the staffing/ deployment capabilities by 48 hour tour:

Fire Station 401 (Main Station)

(1) Battalion Chief
(1) Captain/ Paramedic
(3) Firefighter/ Paramedics: One assigned to drive the fire engine and two assigned to the medic unit
(1) Student firefighter if available

40 hour administrative staff includes:

Fire Chief
Deputy Chief
Division Chief: EMS/ Training
Fire Marshal
Deputy Fire Marshal
Part-time Finances Manager
(2) Office Staff

Fire Station 402 (Terrebonne Station)

(1) Captain/ Paramedic
(1) Firefighter/ Paramedic
(1) Student firefighter if available

Fire Station 403 (Airport Station)

(1) ARFF Firefighter

Fire Station (404) Cline Falls Station

(1) Captain/ Paramedic
(1-3) Firefighter/ Paramedic (Number based on available staffing as a result of vacation or sick leave. The station will be staffed with a minimum of 1 Firefighter/ Paramedic. Staffing above that level occurs approximately 30 days per year.
(1) Student firefighter if available

Total Daily Minimum Staffing: 9

RF& R Response Apparatus:         

Service Level Objectives:

Oregon Administrative Rule (437-002-182 Oregon Rules for firefighters requires that fire departments maintain a written policy describing their organizational structure, functions, and training. In addition, OAR 437. Division 2, Subdivision L: Fire Protection describes specific parameters for firefighting, and in particular limits interior firefighting to those departments that can maintain a specified level of response, provide regularly defined training, maintain and regular test respiratory equipment, and sustain other critical requirements.

Organizational Priorities:

• Respond to calls safely and efficiently
• Train to a high level of proficiency
• Maintain apparatus and equipment in a state of readiness
• Maintain a high level of physical fitness
• Communicate effectively

Risk Management Statement:

• We respond to emergencies believing we can make a bad situation better.
• We will not make a bad situation worse by risking our lives to protect lives and/or property that are manifestly lost.
• If necessary, we will risk our lives to protect the life of a fellow human being
• With calculated consideration, we will jeopardize our safety to protect savable property.

Deployment Goal:

Utilize the available resources in the most efficient manner to make bad situations better by stopping the escalation of fire and control all fires as close to the area of involvement upon arrival as resources allow.

Structure Fire Risk Analysis:

Redmond Fire & Rescue will respond to all structure fires with the available duty crew not committed on other emergency calls. Based on that level of response and operating under the Risk Management Statement Redmond Fire & Rescue personnel will perform the following if required:

Enter an IDLH environment and provide 2-in and 2-out minimums prior to entry. Redmond Fire & Rescue personnel are trained and equipped to perform the above. The necessary staff cannot be guaranteed to perform entry into IDLH environments at all times. The necessary level of staff can be provided via emergency call-back and mutual aid request. This muster of personnel can take up to one hour.

Redmond Fire & Rescue will fight fires from the exterior, contain the fire to the building of origin, and protect nearby structures. This may require entry into the “hot zone” with appropriate protective clothing and SCBA.

The department meets the level of training set forth by the State of Oregon and Oregon-OSHA to do the above as noted based on staffing/ personnel response levels.

Emergency Medical Response Analysis:

71% of request for service sent to Redmond Fire & Rescue are medical calls. The organization will strive to provide Advanced Life Support personnel on 100% of those  request for service. Personnel are provided the necessary equipment and training as required by the State of Oregon to achieve the above standard.

Rescue Response Analysis:

Redmond Fire & Rescue responds to various rescue related request for service. These request may be related to ice caused emergencies, water related emergencies, and a rescue need requiring the use of ropes to access patients in unsafe or difficult to access areas.

Redmond Fire & Rescue members are trained to the Operations Level to mitigate based on our Risk Management statement ice and water related emergencies. In the event of a request requiring the use of ropes and related equipment to access a patient members are trained to safely access the patient and stabilize at that location. Deschutes County Search and Rescue is utilized to move the patient from the stabilization point to an area that can be accessed by our vehicles or air medic unit.

Hazardous Materials Response Analysis:

Redmond Fire & Rescue will respond to all hazardous material incidents in the District. Members are trained to the Operations Level and are able to manage incidents at that level and within the guidelines of our Risk Management Statement.

If a hazardous materials incident requires a response above the Operations level, Redmond Fire & Rescue will request a State of Oregon Hazardous Materials Response.

Response Plan:

Standard response levels for specific incident types are outlined in the Redmond Fire & Rescue Response Plan. The response levels are based on available staff and can change significantly in the event of multiple calls.

All 9-1-1 services are provided by Deschutes County 9-1-1 and specific details are outlined in the Response Plan and 9-1-1 Dispatch Run Cards.

Response Times:

Response time goals are related to statistics gathered in 2011.

Response times include turnout time (call received by RF & R from 9-1-1) and response time (responding to arrival on scene).

Redmond Fire & Rescue will strive to respond to emergency request for service within 8 minutes on 90% of request within our response area. This time is considered the response time.

Redmond Fire & Rescue will maintain a turnout time of less than 2 minutes on 95% of emergency request for service.

Summary:

This standard of cover document outlines the response capabilities of Redmond Fire & Rescue. This tool communicates staffing and capabilities as they exist at the time of document completion.

Redmond Fire & Rescue is able to deal with the above identified risk in a reliable and effective manner within the constraints of the Risk Management Statement and available resources. Recognizing that 71% of calls for service are EMS related the organization is well suited to provide excellent customer service that meets all State requirements.

For the majority of structure fires if the entire on-duty crew is available these incidents can be mitigated in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. If RF&R is managing multiple calls the ability to perform interior structure firefighting and saving savable life in a safe manner may not be possible.

If structure or wildland fires escalate, emergency personnel call-back, auto-aid agreements, and mutual aid resources are utilized to ensure adequate resources are summoned to manage the emergency. This muster of resources can take time depending on the availability of neighboring resources.