City of Paris expands fire services with new staff and equipment

The City Council of Perris convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss the annual report for 2024, presented by Fire Chief Mark Scovell. The meeting highlighted significant advancements in fire services, staffing increases, and rising call volumes.

Chief Scovell reported a successful year for the city's fire department, noting an increase in daily staffing from seven to eleven personnel. This enhancement included the addition of a rescue squad at the downtown station, which became operational in October 2024. The rescue squad is staffed daily with one engineer and one firefighter paramedic, contributing to improved emergency response capabilities.

The North Perris Station also received a new Quint 90 apparatus in May 2024, equipped with advanced firefighting tools and staffed with a captain, engineer, and two firefighters. Overall, the department's staffing changes have resulted in a total of eleven personnel available throughout the city.

The report indicated a notable increase in emergency calls, with approximately 9,394 calls recorded in 2024, marking a 9.74% rise from the previous year. This surge included 6,932 medical aids and 755 traffic collisions. Chief Scovell emphasized the importance of monitoring these trends to ensure the department can meet community needs effectively.

The meeting also addressed ongoing projects, including the securing of land for a new South Perris Fire Station, which is currently in the design phase with STK Architecture. Chief Scovell expressed a commitment to maintaining high standards of service and protecting the lives and property of Perris residents.

In conclusion, the City Council meeting underscored the fire department's growth and responsiveness to increasing demands, setting a positive tone for the future of emergency services in Perris.