Fire Department Reports Training Progress and New Hotspots Around Indiana University

The Bloomington Board of Public Safety convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss various topics concerning fire safety and community engagement. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of the fire department in response times, fire inspections, and educational outreach.

The session began with a review of the fire department's response times, indicating that they are meeting their goal of arriving on scene within 240 seconds for emergencies. A heat response map for June was presented, showing increased activity in specific areas, particularly as the student population returns in August and September. Notable hotspots included West Third, Westplex, and Kinzer Flats, with a significant number of calls related to falls from independent living facilities like Red Bud Hills.

The fire inspection agenda item revealed that the department aims to complete 2,250 inspections for commercial entities within city limits, currently achieving 26% of this goal. Inspectors are not only conducting maintenance checks but also educating office workers about fire safety, including the proper use of space heaters.

The meeting also addressed upcoming educational initiatives, particularly targeting Indiana University students. The fire department plans to engage with resident assistants and Greek houses to conduct fire drills and install smoke detectors in the coming months.

Training efforts were discussed, with the department reaching 58% of its annual goal of 42,000 training hours. Recent training included participation in a chaplain's conference and specialized training for firefighters on venting and searching techniques during emergencies.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Bloomington Board of Public Safety's commitment to enhancing fire safety through timely responses, thorough inspections, and proactive community education. The department looks forward to increasing engagement as the university population returns for the new academic year.