Fire Chief Wallace told the Dallas City Council July 7 that the fire department is preparing for taller and denser development by expanding training and coordinating inspection partnerships, but that apparatus upgrades such as a new ladder truck would be costly and slow to procure.

“We have tried to stay on the forefront of this knowing that this development is impending our area,” Wallace said, adding that nine department members, including volunteers, trained in rope rescue to improve response for taller buildings and limited-access sites.

Wallace said the department contracts with Polk County Fire District 1 for fire-marshal services and coordinates with the Oregon State Fire Marshal for inspections or enforcement when necessary. He said the department is training staff to handle fires in taller buildings and to use sprinkler and internal systems to reduce reliance on exterior apparatus when possible.

When Councilor Schein asked about replacement cost and timeline for a modern ladder truck, Wallace estimated “probably about $3,000,000” and a two- to three-year build time. He noted the department’s current ladder is sufficient for existing needs but that accessibility on some downtown sites could force lane closures to deploy a ladder; he said one five-story project next to the bowling alley would present access constraints and that sprinkler systems and other code-required features are part of mitigating apparatus needs.

Wallace added that the department is a relatively new career-staff organization — volunteers served the area for the prior 150 years and career staffing has been in place for about five years — and that training and creative use of existing apparatus are being emphasized while the city grows.

Next steps: continue rope-rescue and tall-building training, coordinate plan-review and inspection work with Polk County Fire District 1 and Oregon State Fire Marshal, and monitor development permits for equipment and access implications.