2017 Annual Report

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2017 Annual Report

Description Page No Welcome ...... 3 Services Provided...... 4 Fire Injuries, Deaths & Property Loss ...... 4 Calls for Service by Type ...... 5 Water Supply ...... 5 Calls for Service by Local Government Units ...... 6 Response Numbers by Apparatus ...... 6 Mutual Aid ...... 7 Cold Water Rescue ...... 7 Alternative Funding ...... 8 New Firefighters ...... 9 Recruitment ...... 9 Firefighting Training ...... 10 Training Hours ...... 11 Hands on Training ...... 12 Public Education/Youth Fire Prevention & Intervention (YFPI) ...... 13 Fire Inspections ...... 14 Wildfire Suppression...... 14 Technical Rescue ...... 15 Fire Department Fleet ...... 16 Hazardous Materials ...... 17 Firefighter Fitness ...... 18 Community Planning Assistance for Wildfires ...... 19 ISO Information/Classification and Impact on Insurance ...... 20 2017 Equipment ...... 21-25 Service Area Map ...... 26

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Welcome 2017 Annual Report

IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER EXCITING AND BUSY YEAR AT BEMIDJI FIRE

Here are some of the highlights for 2017:

 We responded to 1,985 calls for service, including 105 fires, which continues to make us one of the busiest fire departments in the state.  Updating of old equipment, new vehicles: Tender 10 (Rural purchase), Rescue 1 (Donation by Bemidji Firefighters Relief Association), Marine 1 (Joint City/Rural purchase) and Squad 3 (Rural purchase).  ISO evaluation completed. Retained 4/7/10 public protection classification.  Completed the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfires (CPAW) assessment.  Expanded our local mutual aid partnerships by adding the Chippewa National Forest and Red Lake Fire Department. (now have 12 local mutual aid partners along with being a member of the Statewide Mutual Aid plan).  Secured over $113,000 in alternative funding.  Our fire prevention efforts continue to be a major focus for us with numerous fire prevention education events, fire safety inspections and smoke alarm installations supported by The American Red Cross. These ongoing efforts will no doubt have huge dividends in the future for our community.  Our training program continued to provide numerous high-quality training opportunities to our firefighters and regional partners.  Our technical rescue teams provided the Bemidji area with high quality, timely responses to emergencies needing specialized rescues such as: motor vehicle crashes, water, ice, rope, structural collapse, confine space and trench cave-ins.  We recruited nine new paid-on-call firefighters. We continue to face challenges in regards to staffing a combination department.

CHALLENGES AHEAD

 Beltrami County has one of the highest death rates due to fire in the state (Average per 100,000 people: State: 1.03, Beltrami County 2.737)  North end Fire Station – site placement, staffing and equipment  Staffing shortages – addressing staffing challenges  Implementation of CPAW recommendations, need for Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Hope you have a safe 2018! David A. Hoefer Fire Chief

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SERVICES PROVIDED 2017 Annual Report

The Bemidji Fire Department provides fire protection, fire prevention, technical rescue and emergency services to the following:

Beltrami County Cities and Townships:  Cities of Bemidji, Turtle River and Wilton  Townships of Durand, Liberty, Turtle Lake, Port Hope, Eckles, Northern, Turtle River, Grant Valley, Bemidji and Frohn

Hubbard County Townships:  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

Fire Injuries, Deaths and Property Loss Sprinkler Saves

 The Bemidji area had no deaths or injuries due to fire in 2017 In 2016 there were 73 sprinkler saves in  The estimated dollar loss to property from fire in 2017 was $979,690 Minnesota. This means that every  The estimated dollar value saved from fires in 2017 was $3,227,686 month there were almost seven fires extinguished by automatic fire sprinkler systems. These sprinkler activations saved 73 buildings from devastation by fire, minimized property loss, greatly reduced business interruption and potentially saved lives.

Minnesota State Fire Marshal 2016 Report

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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Calls for Service by TYPE 2017 Annual Report

Fires 105 Water Supply Building fires, chimney fires, dumpster/trash fires, (43 Building fires) Trent Eineichner, Firefighter vehicle fires, wildland/grass (22 Wildland fires) fires (27 Vehicle fires) Bemidji Fire Department uses several means to sup- Rescue & Emergency Medical Services 598 ply water for firefighting operations. Our four engines each have a 1000 gallon capacity for initial Motor vehicle accident with injuries, (401 Medicals) attacks. Our fleet of three tenders each carry over confined space rescues, high angle (26 Sanford EMS) 2000 gallons of water to the fire scenes. The ten- rescues, water or ice rescues, medical assist ders relay water by shuttling from various water sources to the rural fires where the water is stored Hazardous Conditions (No Fire) 53 in drop tanks so we can keep the tenders on the Carbon Monoxide incidents, gas/fuel spills, move. gas leaks/ruptures, downed power lines Our engines then draft the water into their pumps Service Calls 973 for fire ground operations. When fires are within a reasonable distance of a pressurized fire hydrant, a Water problem, assist police, animal rescue, (926 ARFF) large diameter hose is used instead of the tenders assist public, unauthorized burning, ARFF coverage to supply the engines. Good Intent Calls 37 Our water can come from various sources. We Prescribed fire, smoke/steam scare, have 11 dry hydrants strategically located through- wrong location, investigations out our rural fire protection area. These dry hydrants provide water in our areas that are not ser- False Alarm & False Calls 212 viced by the Bemidji municipal water system. Our Malicious/non-malicious false calls, municipal water system has nearly 900 pressurized system malfunction, smoke/CO detectors, fire hydrants, over 100 miles of water mains with about 2 million gallons of water in them, and 1.75 sprinkler activation, unintentional notifications million gallons in the three water towers. The mu- Severe Weather & Natural Disaster 1 nicipal water system is maintained and supplied by Severe weather or natural disasters, wind the city water department and their wells.

storm, flood assistance, lightning strikes The Bemidji Fire Department also has some identi- Overpressure Rupture/Explosion, Overheat (No Fire) 5 fied water points where we can access water sea- Special Incident Type/Citizen Complaint 1 sonally. These multiple sources and relaying have allowed us to achieve a more favorable ISO rating. Total Calls for 2017 1,985

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Calls for Service by Local Government Units (LGUS) 2017 Annual Report

Past Years:

Fires Total Calls 2016: 107 2195

2015: 97 2152 Fires

Severe Severe

Special Special

Rupture

Rescues Weather

Conditions

2014: 93 2010 Hazardous

False Calls False

Total Calls Total

Good Intent Good

Service Calls

Overpressure Overpressure 2013: 102 2108 Type Incident 2012: 136 2213 2011: 84 2308 Bemidji, Twp 18 12 3 5 4 6 48 2010: 98 2656 2009: 77 2600 Bemidji, City 41 4 525 35 957 23 178 1 1 1765 2008: 100 2836 Durand 1 1 2007: 102 2770 2006: 112 2961 Eckles 7 10 1 3 3 1 25 Fern 0 response by apparatus Frohn 5 6 1 1 2 3 18 Grant Valley 4 7 3 1 3 18 Chief 1 83 Helga 3 2 1 6 Engine 1 8 Lake Hattie 1 1 Engine 2 36 Engine 3 727 Liberty 1 4 5 Engine 8 51 Northern 12 1 17 6 5 4 12 57 Tender 10 2 Port Hope 1 1 Tender 11 14 Tender 12 29 Rockwood 2 1 3 Squad 2 629 Schoolcraft 0 Squad 3 2 Squad 4 13 Turtle Lake 2 2 1 4 9 Squad 5 15 Turtle River, City 1 1 2 Squad 6 92 Turtle River, Twp 3 1 1 3 8 Rescue 1 129 Hover 1 6 Wilton 2 2 Marine 1 3 Out of Area 6 8 1 1 16 Ladder 4 4 Grand Total for 2017 105 5 598 53 973 37 212 1 1 1985

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Mutual aid 2017 Annual Report

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 department expanded its local mutual aid partnerships by adding the Chippewa National Forest and the Red Lake Fire Department for a total of twelve local mutual aid agreements as well as being a member of the intrastate mutual aid plan. The Bemidji Fire Department received mutual aid four times and rendered mutual aid 30 times in 2017.

Fire Department/Agency Received Given Cold Water Rescue Alaska Fire Department - 1 Chris Loebs, Assistant Chief Bagley Fire Department - - Blackduck Fire Department 1 2 The end of 2017 was the beginning of our fall ice water season and it has Cass Lake Fire Department - 6 been an unfortunate one. All of our responses have been for mutual aid to Chippewa National Forest - - assist other agencies. Several young individuals have lost their lives and all instances have happened as a result of unsafe ice conditions and delay in Kelliher Fire Department - 2 calling emergency services. Lake George Fire Department - - On a positive note, in late spring of 2017 we were again asked to assist in a Lakeport Fire Department - 2 rescue of a fisherman trapped on the ice and were able to successfully use Minnesota DNR Forestry 2 13 the hovercraft to rescue him. Another positive note is that several ofour Red Lake Fire Department 1 mutual aid departments that we trained in ice rescue techniques were able to use their equipment and skills to make successful rescues without our as- Shevlin Fire Department - - sistance. Solway Fire Department 1 3 Totals 9 22 2017 also saw the arrival of our new (to us) boat. The boat was purchased by the Rural Fire Program from the DNR for $500. This provided the department with our own boat instead of using a Beltrami County Sheriff boat stored at Station 1. The boat sits lower to the water and has a wide flat bottom making rescue and transport of individuals easier. We continue to train and maintain a high standard so that when we are called upon we can perform.

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Alternative Funding 2017 Annual Report

The primary revenue source for the fire department is property taxes; however, the department is al- ways looking for alternative funding options such as grants and donations. In 2017 the department secured over $113,000 in alternative funding. Those sources include:

 EMS Supplies (NWEMS)  Class A Firefighting Foam (DNR)  Radio PSAs—Wildfire (PB Broadcasting)  Pulse Oximeters (DNR)  Radio PSAs—Fire Prevention (PB Broadcasting)  LED Lighting Upgrade (Ottertail Power)  Radio PSAs—Holiday Fire Safety (PB Broadcasting)  Equipment Grant (DNR)  Class B Firefighting Foam (Enbridge)  Live Burn Reimbursement (MBFTE)  Training Reimbursement (Training Board)  Station 2 Flag Pole (Various)  Safety Glasses, Haligan, Ice Maker, Cold Weather PPE (DNR)  Rescue 1 (Firefighters Relief Association)  Public Education (Multiple private donors )  Type 6 wildland Fire Engine Subsidize (DNR)

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New firefighters 2017 Annual Report

Recruitment Chris Loebs, Assistant Chief

The Bemidji Fire Department had nine vacancies going into the 2017 recruitment process which matched our all-time high. Recruitment and retention is an ongoing issue not only for us but for the entire nation. Out of the four recruits from the 2016 process we retained two, with the other two leaving due to various rea- sons. We had a few seasoned firefighters retire and some relatively new fire fighters move on, with one accepting a full time position with another department creating the nine total vacancies. Steve Behrens Kirby Borgen Dana Demaris Our application process brought in thirteen applications to fill the vacancies and after application scoring, written test and interviewing we were left with ten. The final results of the agility test, back ground checks and medical screening gave us nine finalists which were all hired. Two of the vacancies were dorm firefighter positons and out of the nine recruits, two have expressed interest in living in the dorm.

The recruit class of nine firefighters gives us our largest ever and is moving along smoothly. In years past the new recruits would be kept from fire ground operations for up to four months while their initial training was completed. This year we implemented a tiered approach, letting them get on the fire ground after Ben Eckstein Jeremy Hoemberg Paxton Kriske some basics were covered (about a month) and then increasing their involvement as they progressed through their training. This allows us to utilize them more; while at the same time, using hands on experience to enhance their training. There are some anticipated departures coming in 2018 but for now we are fully staffed.

Clayton Landa Andrew Roller Taylor Smith

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firefighter Training 2017 Annual Report Mike Mischke, Training Officer

Our training mission is to provide our members with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively meet the needs and expectations of our community and region and to provide the highest level of service possible.

2017 saw continued training and cooperation with area agencies in the form of multi-agency table top exercises in prepa- ration for our spring wildland season; as well as, continued focus on strengthening company cohesion through multiple company-driven exercises. Task Books were introduced for Specialty Teams and Fire Equipment Operators to define training goals and standardize operational proficiencies in keeping with our training mission. We also completed the first stage of our elevated training platform with the first platform being attached at ten feet in height.

2018 Goals

 Continue to expand use of our training grounds and add a Confined Space training prop.  Expand Hazardous Materials training and response capabilities in conjunction with the formation of a formal Haz- ardous Materials Response Specialty Team.  Acquire more specialty rescue training and equipment to be used in conjunction with the new rescue truck.  Conduct more live burn evolutions.  Continue to host regional training opportunities.

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Training hours 2017 Annual Report

BFD personnel completed 2,600 hours of training in 2017. Paid-on-call firefighters averaged 51 hours of training and career firefighters averaged 118 hours of training for the year, in a wide range of topics. Training goals and objectives are achieved through a combination of in-house training, outside instruction, conferences and workshops.

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Hands on training 2017 Annual Report

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Public education & Youth Fire prevention and intervention 2017 Annual Report Justin Sherwood, Captain

Public Education Bemidji Fire Department strongly believes that we can impact and protect the largest number of citizens in our area through public education. Public education is one of many proactive tools that we use to educate our citizens. In 2017, Bemidji Fire Department continued to make improvements in this area. Some of which include the following:

 Updated age appropriate fire safety curriculum was delivered at the preschool/elementary school level.  Our ongoing program titled, “The Fire Safety House Program” was again a huge success. This fire safety program was positively received by all 3rd grade students in our protection area. Each stu- dent went through a 30 minute program designed to teach them about fire escape plans, meeting places and dialing 911. Our data shows that firefighters spend almost 70 hours educating 2200 students in the Fire Safety House. This program will continue in 2018.  Bemidji Fire Department partnered with the American Red Cross for the third year to continue our smoke alarm initiative. Bemidji Fire Department installed over 500 working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in homes throughout our fire protection area. This program will continue in 2018.  Bemidji Fire Department, in conjunction with Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, was able to provide over $38,000 worth of fire prevention and education messages (total of 1,486 spots) without any cost to the department. This was a $23,000 increase from 2016. As we look forward to 2018, we will continue to pro-  Bemidji Fire Department members had 14,141 public education contact hours. vide age appropriate public education and informa-  Bemidji Fire Department members participated in over 300 public education events. tional resources to our citizens. Our education pro- Youth Fire Prevention and Intervention (YFPI) grams will continue to develop and improve as we strive to meet the safety needs in our community. Our Youth Fire Setting Prevention and Intervention (YFPI) program continued to move forward with members of the Bemidji Fire Department taking an active role in the State of MN. Captain Justin Sherwood continued his role as a YFPI Manager position with the Minnesota State Fire Marshall’s Office. This position coordinates the YFPI Specialists in 14 counties in the North- west corner of the State of Minnesota. Twelve individuals were enrolled in Bemidji Fire Department’s YFPI Program in 2017.

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Fire inspections 2017 Annual Report Mike Yavarow, Firefighter

Our inspectors help to educate residents and business owners in overall fire safety practices to help mitigate the potential of a fire occurring from the onset. This is accomplished by utilizing the Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC) and local ordinances to enforce code violations identified during site visits.

Fire inspectors continue to maintain a routine inspection program on existing structures including, but not limited to: apartments with eight or more units, assembly occupancies that serve alcohol (bars, taverns and/or nightclubs), motor fuel dispensing facilities (gas stations), daycare & foster home facilities and assisted living facilities.

The Bemidji Fire Chief works with the City of Bemidji Building Department to assist with all new commercial construction within the Bemidji City limits. This proactive collaborative approach before/during construction ensures building life safety systems are installed properly and tested prior to occupancy.

Wildfire suppression Trent Eineichner, Firefighter

Bemidji Fire Department (BFD) operates as the primary response agency for all wildfires within the Bemidji City limits. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) operates as the primary response agency for all wildfires outside the city limits. The BFD is tasked with structure protection during all wildfires within our fire protection area. We train to provide water for ground fire suppression as well as providing water for helicopter operations. We are also trained to work in the proximi- ty of DNR aircraft both fixed wing and helicopters while on the fire ground.

To accompany our structural firefighting equipment we have three wildfire squads. Two of these were previous DNR rigs and one was a squad we had and modified to meet our needs for wildfire applications. One squad is assigned to each of the three stations during wildland season. This allows for quicker responses to different areas if needed. On Red Flag days with Extreme fire danger, we bring in additional staffing to staff a squad and tender to accompany the engine crew. Each BFD firefighter is issued a set of wildland fire gear so that they don’t get overheated in extended firefighting operations like they would in structure gear.

In recent years we have developed a great working relationship with our mutual aid fire departments and as well as the DNR. We have assisted other departments with many fires including a statewide mutual aid call all the way to Menahga.

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Technical rescue 2017 Annual Report

In 2017, Bemidji Fire Department continued its technical rescue service agreement with Cass Lake Fire Department and the surrounding area. Two training sessions as well as a scenario based session were conducted to familiarize the team members with new equipment, basic rigging and rescue situations. High angle rescue, low angle rescue and confined space rescue topics were also covered.

In 2018, we look to expand our knowledge and training in the many rescue situations we may be exposed to. Training sessions are scheduled quarterly in 2018 to help better prepare our team members for common rescue scenarios in our area. This session will include a high angle type rescue. New and returning members have been assigned a skills task book to assist with their training. We also plan to purchase additional equipment to place at Station 2 and Station 3.

BFD Quick Facts Did you know that:

 There were 6,020 structure fires in  522 Square Mile Coverage Area Minnesota in 2016.  3 Cities and 15 Townships Served  43 fire deaths statewide in 2016,  35,000 Permanent Residents including 31 dwelling deaths.  Operate from three Fire Stations  48 Firefighters and Fire Officers  Unattended cooking is the leading cause of structure fires in  ISO Class 4/7 Minnesota.  1985 Calls for Service in 2017  105 Fire Calls in 2017  Careless smoking is the most common cause of fatal fire.  43 Building Fires in 2017 Alcohol and drugs were a factor in 29% of the careless smoking deaths and in 35% of all fire deaths.

Source: 2016 State Fire Marshal Report

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Fire department fleet 2017 Annual Report Chad Hokuf, Captain

2017 was another busy year for the Bemidji Fire Department with two new vehicles. These two trucks were a tender and a squad which were completed at the end of 2017.

Tender 10 Tender 10 was built by Pierce Manufacturing in Bradenton, Florida. The truck was built on a Kenworth cab and chassis with a 500 gallon per minute Waterous pump and a 2000 gallon tank. Many new fea- tures to the fire truck industry were installed on our chassis like a fireman’s friend valve that prevents freezing, a pneumatic vacuum system for drafting water and full LED lighting that are brighter than previous and also requires much less attention by maintenance personnel. The complete price of this build was $234,000. This vehicle is replacing the BFD’s old Tender 10 that was 27 years old, which was sold to a mutual aid department that they will make use for a few more years.

Squad 3 Squad 3 is the new pickup truck or (Squad) built for the department. The Chassis is a Ford F-350 Super duty one ton. It was purchased from the state contract dealer for Ford, Midway Ford of Rose- ville, MN. After the chassis arrived in Roseville, the truck was moved to Aspen Equipment in Bloom- ington, MN to swap the pickup box for a utility body and painted to match. The truck was then driven to the department where graphics were installed. Lastly, Roger’s Two-Way Radio installed all the emergency lighting, radios, and chargers. All items for the vehicles purchased must be purchased off the state contract or we must obtain three quotes to keep purchasing competitive. The build budget for Squad 3 was $65,000.

Vehicle maintenance is an ongoing project throughout the year at the BFD. Every fall/winter, at a minimum, the fleet manager performs an annual inspection which includes oil and filter changes, brake checks and pump inspections. All are performed to ensure the vehicles stay response ready.

There are no new vehicle purchases in 2018, but the start of the build of the new aerial ladder has begun. An aerial or ladder truck is the most complex vehicle built by fire departments across the nation, they are also the most expensive. It will take the remainder of 2018 to finish the re- quirements needed for the truck. Around or near January of 2019 we will be signing a contract for the build with an approximate arrival of Janu- ary of 2020. The full budget of the ladder truck is one million dollars which includes installing new loose goods, tools and hose to completely outfit the truck.

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2017 Annual Report Hazardous materials Jacob Wettschreck, Firefighter

From a small fuel spill at a fuel pump, to a rail car derailment, our community is faced with many potential hazards to life, property and the environment. Bemidji serves as a transportation hub and is home to major highways, railways, a regional airport, oil and gas pipelines, as well as manufacturing and industrial facilities. The Bemidji Fire Department is the primary responder to incidents involving hazardous materials within our service area and is availa- ble by request to assist neighboring communities.

In recent years, there has been an increase in potentially dangerous products passing through our area from other regions. The nature and characteristics of those products has changed as well. Often, modern products are more dangerous than what the Fire Service has encountered in the past. To be better prepared to face these new and existing hazards, Bemidji Fire is expanding its hazardous materials training for every member. In addition, a new hazardous materials response team will be formed. Members of this team will receive more extensive and specialized training to serve as the primary respond- ers to emergencies involving hazardous materials.

The acquisition of a heavy rescue vehicle has increased our initial response capabilities for miti- gating minor emergencies and the initial response of larger incidents. Bemidji Fire also hosts and maintains a hazardous materials response trailer in partnership with other agencies and organiza- tions that also play a role in emergency response. Haz-Mat 1 provides us with the equipment necessary to perform spill containment and mitigation on land, as well as lakes and rivers, and decon- tamination.

The Bemidji Fire Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community and environment in the event of any hazardous materials emergency that we may face.

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Firefighter fitness 2017 Annual Report

As of January 2018, Station 1, Station 2 and Station 3 had functional fitness areas for its assigned Minnesota Fire Departments with 90 members. These areas have provided the opportunity for strength training and cardiovascular or more fire responses in 2016 training in a safe and suitable environment.

1 St. Paul 1386 BFD members were also given yearly medical exams. These tests consisted of heart monitoring and lung capacity tests. 2 Minneapolis 1219 3 Brooklyn Park 286 In 2017: 4 Duluth 211  15 Fire Fighters actively utilized provided fitness equipment.  On average, the physical fitness equipment was used 1 hour each day. 5 Plymouth 203  While strength training is very important, Cardiovascular training was the activity of choice. 6 Rochester 193 7 St. Cloud 191 2018 Goals: 8 Bloomington 185  In an effort to reduce strains and sprains, firefighters will be given resources to improve core strength. 9 Coon Rapids 137  With heart disease being one of the leading causes of firefighter death, we will place a 10 St. Louis Park 135 greater emphasis on cardiovascular training. 11 Fridley 123  Bemidji Fire Department will begin integrating new strategies and tactics to improve fire- 12 SBM 122 fighter health. Using resources from the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative, we will focus on the following areas: 13 Mankato 112  Cancer prevention 14 Brooklyn Center 111  Cardiac health 15 Burnsville 111  Mental Health 16 Roseville 111 17 South Metro 110 18 West Metro 110 19 Bemidji 107 20 Maple Grove 103 21 Lakeville 102 22 Eagan 96 23 Shakopee 92 24 Anoka-Champlin 90

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2017 Annual Report Community planning assistance for wildfires

Bemidji was one of 14 communities selected in 2016 to partici- pate in the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire (CPAW) program. Wildfires are burning bigger, longer and more fre- quently in the U.S.; destroying homes, threatening lives, and costing billions of taxpayer dollars.

To help communities become better fire-adapted, the CPAW program helps reduce wildfire risk through improved land use planning. The program is funded through the U.S. Forest Service and private foundations.

In 2017, the CPAW team worked directly with agencies, organi- zations, and local experts involved in planning, fire, emergency management, and land management in the Bemidji area to develop local planning recommendations. These services were at no cost and the Bemidji community retains full authority to implement any recommendations provided by CPAW.

CPAW recommendations for the Bemidji Area are:

 Adopt a Wildfire Risk Assessment (completed in fall 2017).  Adopt a Wildand –Urban Interface Code.  Expand Capacity to Educate, Prevent, and Implement Wild- fire Mitigation Activities.  Develop and Update existing Greater Bemidji Area Plans to Account for Wildfire.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Bemidji Fire Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - For- estry and Greater Bemidji Joint Planning Board.

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iso information 2017 Annual Report

The Bemidji Fire Department completed an ISO assessment in 2017 and retained the following ISO Public Protection Classification:

 Class 4 for properties within 5 road miles of a recognized fire station and within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant.  Class 7 for properties beyond 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant but within 5road miles of a recognized fire station.  Class 10 applies to properties over 5 road miles of a recognized fire station.

Bemidji Fire Department operates from three ISO recognized fire stations strategically located within the Bemidji area. The locations of our fire stations are:

 Fire Station #1: 318 5th St NW  Fire Station #2: 312 Lake Ave SE  Fire Station #3: 3810 Moberg Dr NW iso classification and impact on insurance

ISO uses a 1 to 10 number system for it’s classifications with “1” representing the best. ISO’s Public Protection Classification Program (PPC) plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. In fact, most U. S. insurers use PPC information as part of their decision making when deciding what coverages to offer or prices to charge for personal or commercial property insurance.

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Bemidji Fire Department—2017 Equipment 2017 Annual Report

Engine 1—2004 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, Owned by City

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, Owned by City

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, Owned by Rural

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 1, Joint Ownership

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Bemidji Fire Department—2017 Equipment 2017 Annual Report

Ladder 4—1992 General, Tele-Squirt 1500 GPM Pump w/500 Gallon Tank 65’ 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, Confined Space and Rope Rescue Equipment, Acetylene Cutting Torch Assigned to Station 1, Owned by City

Tender 10—2017 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, Owned by Rural

Tender 11—2006 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 2, Owned by Rural

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 1, Owned by Rural

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Bemidji Fire Department—2017 Equipment 2017 Annual Report

Squad 3—2017 Ford F-350 Utility Vehicle

Four Wheel Drive. Used daily to conduct routine fire department business. Tow vehicle for trailers.

Assigned to Station 1, Owned by Rural

Squad 4—1999 Ford F-450 Utility Vehicle, Type 6 Engine 100 GPM Pump w/200 Gallon Tank Five Gallon Class A Foam Tank, 200’ of ¾” Booster Line, Wildland Fire Equipment “Wildland Fire Rig/People Mover” Assigned to Station 3, Owned by City

Squad 5—2007 Chevy Crew Utility Vehicle, Type 6 Engine

50 GPM Pump w/100 Gallon Water Tank, 200’ of ¾” Hose, Small Amount of Wildland Equipment

“Wildland Fire Rig/People Mover”

Assigned to Station 2, Owned by City

Squad 6—2005 Ford F-450 Utility Vehicle 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, Owned by City

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Bemidji Fire Department—2017 Equipment 2017 Annual Report

Hover 1—2003 Hovertechnics Hovercraft

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

Assigned to Station 1, Joint Ownership

Marine 1

Used as a platform for water rescue.

Assigned to Station 1, Owned by City

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, Owned by Rural

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, Owned by City

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Bemidji Fire Department—2017 Equipment 2017 Annual Report

Squad 2—2004 Chevy Tahoe

Four wheel drive. Used daily to conduct routine fire department business and as a command vehicle on emergency incidents.

Assigned to Station 1, Owned by City

Large Portable Pump

500 GPM Self-Contained, Diesel Power, 25’ of 5” Suction Hose, Floating Strainer, 5” Storz & 2½” NST Discharge

Assigned to Station 1, Owned by City

Additional Vehicles:

1932 Pumper—Parade Vehicle

1935 Pumper—Parade Vehicle

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service area map 2017 Annual Report

Page 26