2020 Annual Report

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2020 Annual Report

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Welcome ...... 3 Services Provided ...... 4 Fire Injuries, Deaths & Property Loss ...... 4 Mutual Aid...... 4 Calls for Service ...... 5 Response by Apparatus ...... 5 Bemidji Fire Quick Facts ...... 6 Cold Water Rescue ...... 6 Oregon Task Force ...... 6 Alternative Funding ...... 7 Covid-19 ...... 7 Firefighting Training ...... 8 Hands on Training ...... 9 Hazardous Materials ...... 10 Fire Safety & Education ...... 11 Fire Department Chaplain ...... 11 Fire Station 4 ...... 12 2021 Equipment ...... 13-16 Service Area Map ...... 17

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Welcome 2020 Annual Report

To say 2020 was a challenging year would be an understatement! Due to the presence of the pandemic, Bemidji Fire faced many hurdles to overcome in regards to keeping its firefighters and civilians safe. Thanks to a tremendous Chief Hoefer retired after 30 leadership team and group of dedicated firefighters, we as an organization, were able to overcome those hurdles. plus years of fire service on Although many of our activities and goals had to be put on hold we still accomplished a lot. A few of those were: December 31, 2020!  Receiving an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from FEMA for the purchase of new Self Contained Breathing He spent 11 of those years as Apparatus worth over $320,000 Chief of the Bemidji Fire  Deployment of nine Bemidji Firefighters as part of MN Task Force 2 to assist with the wildfires in Oregon Department.  Moved into the new Fire Station 4 on the north end of Bemidji We appreciate his leadership  Hired two new paid on call firefighters and many accomplishments  Began installing video conferencing equipment at all four stations to allow our firefighters to train at individual as Chief! stations to prevent the spread of Covid-19 Chief Hoefer we wish you  The purchase of 800MHZ radios through a grant received by Solway Fire Department and distributed to the well in retirement! Beltrami County Fire Departments  The purchase of new Cold water Rescue equipment As we move forward in 2021 we are looking at:  Transitioning to new leadership with the hiring of Fire Chief Justin Sherwood  The purchase of a new fire engine to replace an engine from 1996  Implementing a training program for staff to become certified in fire inspection  Hiring of a full time Deputy Chief  Filling vacancies in the Full Time and Paid On Call staff While we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, Bemidji Fire continues to discover ways to safely provide services to our citizens while keeping our firefighters safe. Those services include, but are not limited to, fire suppression, public education, installation of smoke detectors and fire inspections. We look forward to the day we can further our interaction with the community through various activities. I would like to end by saying how proud I am of the members of this organization and their families with their patience and perseverance while living through this pandemic.

MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to provide the best fire, rescue, and emergency medical services possible to our community and fire protection area.

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SERVICES PROVIDED 2020 Annual Report

Fire Injuries, Deaths and Property Loss The Bemidji Fire Department provides fire protection, fire prevention, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and emergency services to the following:  The Bemidji area had no deaths due to fire in 2020  The Bemidji area had five civilian injuries due to fire. Beltrami County Cities and Townships:  The estimated dollar loss to property from fire in 2020 was $1,558,575  Cities of Bemidji, Turtle River, and Wilton  The estimated dollar value saved from fires in 2020 was $7,870,400  Townships of Durand, Liberty, Turtle Lake, Port Hope, Eckles, Northern, Turtle River, Grant Valley, Bemidji and Frohn May 31, 2020

Hubbard County Townships: Wildfire– Grant Valley Township  Townships of Fern, Rockwood, Helga, Lake Hattie, and Schoolcraft

Bemidji Firefighters also provide:  Non-transport emergency medical services to the City of Bemidji  Dedicated and non-dedicated Fire, Rescue and/or EMS stand-by at numerous community events throughout the year

Mutual aid

Mutual Aid is a term used to describe when our services and/or equipment is requested by, or rendered to, another fire department or agency. Most fire departments throughout the country rely on these relationships when extenuating circumstances arise, or when resources are out of position. The Bemidji Fire Department rendered mutual aid seven times in 2020. POTUS SUPPORT Fire Department/Agency Given Cass Lake Fire Department 4 Grand Rapids 1 Minnesota DNR Forestry 1 Solway Fire Department 1 Totals 7

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Calls for Service 2020 Annual Report

Fires 87 Building fires, cooking fires, chimney fires (34 Building fires) Wildland/Grass Fires (22 Wildland fires)

Fires

Severe Severe

Special Special

Rupture

Rescues Weather Dumpster/Trash Fires (17 Rubbish fires)

Conditions

Hazardous Hazardous Calls False

Total Calls Total

Good Intent Good

Service Calls Overpressure Overpressure Type Incident Vehicle Fires (14 Vehicle fires) Bemidji, Twp 2 8 2 3 3 1 19 Rescue & Emergency Medical Services 510 Bemidji, City 50 2 477 45 64 21 159 2 820 Motor vehicle accident with injuries, (403 Medicals) Durand 2 2 confined space rescues, high angle Eckles 5 8 6 1 6 26 rescues, water or ice rescues, medical assist Fern 3 1 1 1 6 Hazardous Conditions (No Fire) 59 Frohn 3 2 2 1 4 1 13 Carbon Monoxide incidents, gas/fuel spills, gas leaks/ruptures, downed power lines Grant Valley 5 1 2 6 3 17 Service Calls 73 Helga 1 1 1 3 Water problem, assist police, animal rescue, Lake Hattie 0 assist public, unauthorized burning Liberty 3 1 1 1 2 8 Good Intent Calls 42 Northern 6 4 2 1 3 6 22 Prescribed fire, smoke/steam scare, Port Hope 1 2 3 wrong location, investigations Rockwood 2 1 1 4 False Alarm & False Calls 191 Schoolcraft 1 1 Malicious/non-malicious false calls, Turtle Lake 1 1 1 1 2 6 system malfunction, smoke/CO detectors, Turtle River, City 0 sprinkler activation, unintentional notifications Turtle River, Twp 3 2 1 1 7 Severe Weather (No Fire) 1 Wilton 1 1 2 4 Special Incident Type 2 Out of Area 2 1 3 1 7 Overpressure Rupture/Explosion, Overheat (No Fire) 3 Grand Total for 2020 87 3 510 59 73 42 191 1 2 968 Total Calls for 2019 968 Calls Historically: response by apparatus

Fires Total Calls Save Sprinkler Chief 1 32 Squad 2 10 InBemidji 2019: 95 1025 Engine 1 17 Squad 3 92 2018: 125 986 2017: 105 1985 Engine 2 64 Squad 4 10 2016: 107 2195 Engine 3 622 Squad 5 10 2015: 97 2152 2014: 93 2010 Engine 8 13 Squad 6 44 2013: 102 2108

Marine 1 3 Tender 10 21 2012: 136 2213 2011: 84 2308 Ladder 7 12 Tender 11 16 2010: 98 2656 Ranger 6 Tender 12 10 2009: 77 2600 Rescue 1 166 Tender 14 4

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Cold Water Rescue 2020 Annual Report Chris Loebs, Assistant Chief Oregon task force

In 2020 the Fire Department CIP allowed for $25,000 in Cold Water Rescue In September, nine Bemidji Firefighters were part of a two Task Force team equipment upgrades. Here is a list of some of the items purchased with the from Minnesota to Oregon to assist with wild fires. money.

 New cold water rescue suits replacing four older suits  Gear bags to allow for rapid deployment bags  Miscellaneous equipment for the bags to help facilitate “GO” rescues  Water rescue helmets for added safety on the ice  New Rapid Deployment Craft replacing the older RDC  Rescue Skid Unit for the rear of the Polaris Ranger allowing victim transport  Tracks for the Polaris Ranger allowing greater mobility to gain access to remote bodies of water  Brighter LED lighting for the hovercraft The Bemidji Fire Department was the #BemidjiNice recipient This equipment replaced several items that were at the end of their in for October in honor of their service life expectancy. The rest of the equipment was added to help us committment and selfless act in overcome challenges we have with cold water rescue. going to Oregon to assist with the wildfires and the Slater Due to Covid-19, training for the team was limited and we hope to be able Fire! Their integrity and to resume some of the hands on training in the spring. Calls for rescue were dedication shows that they are also limited which is a good thing. BEMIDJI FIRE QUICK FACTS Heroes, and are more than #BemidjiNice!

 522 Square Mile Coverage Area  Three Cities and 15 Townships Served  35,000 Permanent Residents  Operate from four Fire Stations  Station 1: 318 5th ST NW  Station 2: 312 Lake Ave SE  Station 3: 3810 Moberg DR NW  Station 4: 920 Winter Sumac RD NE  56 Firefighters and Fire Officers  968 Calls for Service in 2020  87 Fire Calls in 2020  34 Building Fires in 2020

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Alternative Funding 2020 Annual Report

The primary revenue source for the fire department is property taxes; however, the department is always looking for alternative funding options such as grants and donations. In 2020 the department secured nearly $27,000 in alternative funding, including:

 Radio PSAs—Holiday Fire Safety (PM Broadcasting)  Wayne Burger—Contribution for Equipment  Radio PSAs—Winter Fire Safety (PB Broadcasting  Eagles Auxiliary—Contribution for Equipment  Radio PSAs—Spring Fire Safety (PB Broadcasting)  Bruce Burger—Contribution for Equipment  Radio PSAs—Summer Fire Safety (PB Broadcasting)

COVID RELATED Assistant Chief Bruce packaging up some COVID-19 personal While restrictions prevent us from meeting in protective equipment for distribution to other fire person, the Bemidji Fire Department departments in NW Minnesota, Leadership Team continues to meet on a in cooperation with the MN monthly basis. Our Leadership Team Fire Chiefs Association, State discusses current and upcoming projects, Fire Marshals Office and State training, public education, membership, Emergency Operation Center to strategies/tactics, equipment and ensure each fire department maintenance needs. We are proud to serve has some of these essential the Bemidji Area. basic supplies.

On May 6, hundreds of homemade cloth masks were delivered to 12 congregate care facilities, thanks to generous donations from the community.

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firefighter Training 2020 Annual Report Mike Mischke, Training Officer

2021 Training Goals 2020 Annual Training Report Our training mission is to provide our members with the knowledge and skills  Continue to expand use of our training grounds, adding a necessary to safely and effectively meet the needs and expectations of our Confined Space training prop, as well as other mobile props. community and region, providing the highest level of service possible.  Include window and wall openings on the third (middle) level of our elevated training platform to enhance and expand 2020 Highlights ground ladder training.  Continue to formalize Specialty Team training formats, 2020 brought the universal challenge of Covid-19, which required the limiting of platforms, and continuing education. group and company-level practical training exercises. The Fire Rescue 1  Expand leadership training and MNFire Initiatives training Academy on-line training platform expanded our training delivery options and (Cardiac, Cancer, and Mental Health) capabilities, allowing us to continue to provide important training during  Reinforce basic skills in response to 2020’s limited practical quarantine; as conditions allowed at different points in the year, we were able training opportunities, as able. to conduct some limited company-level group practical training while maintaining social distancing and precautions. Further modifications and Training Hours improvements to our Live Burn Containers at our training grounds provided for BFD personnel completed 2,222 staff-hours of training in 2020. new variables and increased realism in our Live Burn training, which we were fortunate to complete during a window where small-group training was Paid-on-call firefighters averaged 34 hours of training, and allowed, and the third (middle) platform was added to our Training platform, career firefighters averaged 105 hours of training for the year, in providing access for expanded ground ladder training. a wide range of topics. Training goals and objectives are achieved through a combination of -in house training, online training, outside instruction, and conferences and workshops.

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2020 Annual Report Hands on training

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Hazardous materials 2020 Annual Report Jacob Wettschreck, Firefighter

Despite the challenges of 2020, it was still a productive year for the Fire A Special Response unit trailer was put into service on June 16. Department as it made efforts to increase the safety of its firefighters. We were The trailer provides support needs for Trench Rescue, Structural able to accomplish two major projects to increase our safety, both on the fire Collapse response, complex vehicle stabilization and post fire ground and at the station. With the increase in dangers that firefighters face with board-up operations. The trailer and most of the equipment modern fires and their by-products, as well as hazardous materials, it was critical were obtained through the MN-DNR's Rural Fire Program. to address these areas.

Station 1, located in downtown Bemidji, serves as our main station and handles the majority of our emergency responses. As a result, there is a lot of vehicle traffic coming in and out of the station. This traffic produces dangerous exhaust inside the station and exposes our firefighters to dangerous levels of exhaust by- products. In 2009, a vehicle exhaust capture system was installed in the station and greatly reduced the amount of exhaust that we are exposed to. However, due to limited funding at the time, we could only do a partial install of this equipment. In 2020, we were able to complete this project by installing the additional equipment necessary to bring 100% exhaust capture coverage to Station 1.

Another critical safety area that needed to be addressed is the Fire Department’s outdated SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) units. These are the backpack-like units with an air tank and face mask that firefighters use to breathe in dangerous environments. Our current SCBA units were acquired and put in to service in 2007. Due to the age of the units, repairs have become frequent, costly, and rendered the units to be unreliable. They are also considered to be outdated by OSHA standards and NFPA guidelines. It has been clear that this has been an important area to address. In 2020, the BFD applied for an AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) through FEMA to obtain funding to replace our SCBA’s. We were awarded this grant with a total project budget of $353,680. That includes a federal share of $321,527.27 and a 10% local match of $32,152.73. This funding has allowed us to replace every SCBA, as well as extra bottles and facepieces, in our inventory. Not only that, but we will also be able to purchase additional SCBA units to increase our inventory. These new SCBA units have been ordered and the Fire Department expects to take delivery of them in late January 2021.

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Fire safety & education 2020 Annual Report

Smoke alarms save lives - but only if they work. Spring is usually a busy time around the firehouse with tours and school visits. With COVID-19 Know the sound of your smoke detector and what to do if it sounds. restrictions, many kids didn’t get an opportunity to visit. So we partnered with Bemidji Early Have an escape plan. Practice the plan. Follow the plan. Childhood Education to produce a video of a Fire Station Field Trip and the Fire Safety House. Maintenance: We also did a Boat Safety video!  Test the alarms once a month by pressing the test button  Change the batteries once a year or when it chirps Did you know the Bemidji Fire Department has a Chaplain?  Replace the alarms every ten years Below are some of the services he provides:

Placement:  Provide Spiritual guidance to the fire department and its  In every bedroom members  Outside the sleeping areas  Work with and comfort fire victims while fire department  On every level of the home works the scene  Away from the kitchen and bathrooms  Provide counseling to department members and their  In campers, ice houses and cabins families  Attend fire department meetings Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms save lives - but only if they work. https://youtu.be/wDBTm-Nv5AI  Head of memorial Committee CO is a colorless, odorless and deadly gas and is a byproduct of  Death notifications combustion.  Perform CISDs, Critical Incident Stress Debriefings after If the alarm sounds and someone is feeling sick, get outside and call bad/emotional incidents 9-1-1. If no one has symptoms of illness, contact your gas provider. Maintenance: Chaplain Derek Claypool after  Test the battery once a month a fire call (see photo to right):  Change the battery once a year or when it chirps  Replace alarms every 5 years or according to manufacturer “I believe the dog's name was instructions Dusty. It was amazing to watch Placement: the dog running through the  Place alarms within 10 feet of sleeping areas https://youtu.be/Gop214tGglk yard after it had been rescued  Place an alarm on every level of your home and given back to the owner. There were approximately 8- 10 firefighters in the yard, myself included, reaching out to the dog. When he saw Assistant Chief Loebs kneeling on the ground, having just taken off his head gear, the dog immediately ran to him and literally jumped into his https://youtu.be/uMG-cqUWsfQ arms.”

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Fire station 4 2020 Annual Report

Work started on the new Fire Station 4 on June 3, 2020. The three bay station will be located on the north end of Bemidji at 920 Winter Sumac Road NE. Move in was completed on December 29 and currently houses Engine 8, Tender 14, and Squad 4. There are 8 firefighters and two captains assigned to Station 4. This new building replaced a short term lease agreement in the same area.

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Bemidji Fire Department—2021 Equipment 2020 Annual Report

Engine 1—2005 Pierce, Type 1 Engine 1500 GPM Pump w/1000 Gallon Tank 20 Gallon Class A Foam Tank, 600’ of 2½” Hose, 600’ of 5” Hose, 20’ Hard Suction, 200’ 1¾” Pre-Connects (2), Extrication Tools, PPV Fan (gas), Roof Saw, Attic Ladder, Roof Ladder and 35’ Ladder, Thermal Imager Assigned to Station 2

Engine 2—2008 Pierce, Type 1 Engine 1500 GPM Pump w/1000 Gallon Tank 20 Gallon Class A Foam Tank, 600’ of 2½” Hose, 600’ of 5” Hose, 20’ Hard Suction, 200’ 1¾” Pre-Connects (2), Extrication Tools, PPV Fan (gas), Roof Saw, Attic Ladder, Roof Ladder and 35’ Ladder, Thermal Imager Assigned to Station 3

Engine 3—2014 Pierce, Type 1 Engine 1250 GPM Pump w/1000 Gallon Tank 20 Gallon Class A Foam Tank, 600’ of 2½” Hose, 600’ of 5” Hose, 20’ Hard Suction, 200’ 1¾” Pre-Connects (2), Extrication Tools, PPV Fan (gas), Roof Saw, Attic Ladder, Roof Ladder and 35’ Ladder, Thermal Imager Assigned to Station 1

Engine 8—1995 General, Type 1 Engine 1250 GPM Pump w/1000 Gallon Tank Rear Intake, 200’ of 1” Booster Line, 600’ of 2½” Hose, 600’ of 5” Hose, 20’ Hard Suction, 200’ 1¾” Pre-Connects (2), Portable Pumps, Ice Auger Assigned to Station 4

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Bemidji Fire Department—2021 Equipment 2020 Annual Report

Tender 10—2018 Pierce Type 1 Tactical Tender 500 GPM Pump w/2100 Gallon Tank 20’ of Hard Suction, 2000 Gallon Drop Tank, 200’ 1½” Pre-Connects “Pump and Roll” capable Assigned to Station 1

Tender 11—2005 Pierce, Type 1 Tactical Tender 500 GPM Pump w/2100 Gallon Tank 2500 Drop Tank, 20’ of Hard Suction, 150’ 1½” Pre-Connects (2) “Pump and Roll” Capable Assigned to Station 3

Tender 12—2009 Pierce, Type 1 Tactical Tender 500 GPM Pump w/2100 Gallon Tank, 2500 Drop Tank, 20’ of Hard Suc- tion, 150’ 1½” Pre-Connects (2) “Pump and Roll” Capable Assigned to Station 2

Tender 14—1980 IHC Type 3 Support Tender 100 GPM Pump w/1500 Gallon Tank, 1500 Drop Tank Assigned to Station 4

Ranger 1—2010 Polaris Crew

Wildfire/Rescue UTV. 85 Gallon water tank, 50 pump, 100’ of ¾” boosterline. Can transport a basket stretcher with long board.

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Bemidji Fire Department—2021 Equipment 2020 Annual Report

Squad 3 – 2017 Ford F-350 Utility Vehicle, Type 6 Engine Used daily to conduct routine fire department business. Tow vehicle for trailers. Type 7 Engine during wildfire season, 250 GPM pump with 150 gallon tank, 200’ of ¾” booster line. Wildland equipment. “Wildland Fire Rig/People Mover” Assigned to Station 1

Squad 4—1999 Ford F-450 Utility Vehicle, Type 6 Engine Type 6 Engine, 250 GPM Pump w/270 Gallon Tank and Five Gallon Class A Foam Tank, 200’ of 1” Booster Line, Wildland Fire Equipment

“Wildland Fire Rig/People Mover”

Assigned to Station 4

Squad 5—2008 Chevy Crew Utility Vehicle, Type 6 Engine

Type 7 Engine, 100 GPM Pump w/100 Gallon Water Tank, 200’ of ¾” Hose, Wildland Fire Equipment

“Wildland Fire Rig/People Mover”

Assigned to Station 2

Squad 6—2005 Ford F-450 Utility Vehicle, Type 6 Engine Type 6 Engine, 250 GPM Pump w/270 Gallon Tank and Five Gallon Class A Foam Tank, 200’ of 1” Booster Line, Wildland Fire Equipment “Wildland Fire Rig/People Mover” Assigned to Station 1

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Bemidji Fire Department—2021 Equipment 2020 Annual Report

Ladder 7—2019 Pierce Ascendant 1500 GPM Pump w/500 Gallon Tank 110’ Aerial Ladder w/Pre-Piped Master Stream, 600’ of 3” Hose, 600’ of 5” Hose, 200’ 1½” Pre-Connects (2), 200’ of 2½” Pre-Connect Assigned to Station 1

Rescue 1—1996 Pierce Arrow Heavy Rescue

Four Wheel Drive. PTO Generator with Light Tower. Carries specialized rescue equipment, such as rope, water/ice rescue, confined space, vehicle extrication. Carried Hazardous Materials response equipment. Assigned to Station 1

Chief 1—2016 Chevy Tahoe

Four wheel drive. Used daily to conduct routine fire department business and as a command vehicle on emergency incidents. Has four mobile radios (2-VHF, 800 MHz, Aircraft) and command center in rear of vehicle.

Assigned to Fire Chief

Hover 1—2003 Hovertechnics Hovercraft

Used as a platform for ice rescue and open water rescue operations.

Assigned to Station 1

Marine 1

Used as a platform for water rescue.

Assigned to Station 1

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service area map 2020 Annual Report

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