11-17-11 Planning and Zoning - Laserfiche WebLink

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Firefighter I and must have two years' experience. The Fire Department operates a total of four, 24/7 manned stations. Their headquarters facility is located on 124 South 2nd Street and is due for replacement in 2011. In addition, the Fire Department operates three other stations that are manned 24 hours per day by a full-time firefighter. The station locations are: • Station 1— 124 South 2nd Street; • Station 2 — 9710 Spencer Highway; • Station 3 — 2400 Sens Road; and • Station 4 — 2900 South Broadway. The Fire Department also has a fire training facility, located at 12201 N. C. Street, which is used to provide hands-on training to firefighters so that they become more confident and competent in dealing with fire control and extinguish ments. The training facility includes a concrete multi -story burn facility with a roof simulator, drafting pit, railroad car simulator, and an 80 person classroom. For fire suppression response, the City utilizes two ladder trucks, eight engines, two rescues, two command vehicles, two grass/brush rigs, a foam trailer, and a fire rescue boat. In addition to fire suppression capabilities, the Department is capable of responding to emergencies dealing with heavy rescue extrication; hazardous materials incidents; as well as high and low angle rope, water, and confined space rescue. The Fire Department budget is supplemented by a % of 1 percent sales tax, which generates approximately $700,000 to $750,000 annually. Subsequent to the adoption of the last comprehensive plan, the City has been working to reduce its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating.17 As part of this effort, the City has added equipment and updated water systems, which has reduced the ISO rating both within and outside the City from a "S /7" IQ ,a,;*"', the Gity @Rd 7 eHtsidn'`°tV44'* 'W to a "2" for both inside and outside City limits. In 2010, the Department was dispatched 1,582 times. ISO Fire Rating Factors As the community grows, the Department sees its biggest challenge is keeping the volunteers active and generally doing more with less due to the economy. As volunteer firefighter numbers and availability continue to decline, primarily during the daytime hours, it may be necessary to add additional paid personnel during those times to provide adequate staffing for response. Another potential concern that may have to be addressed in the future is the fuel source of the fire training facility. While the facility is 17 Insurance Services Office (ISO), Items Considered in the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). Retrieved 10-10-11. A COM UNITY VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE