Lemoore Fire Department reports 2,022 responses in 2024, majority medical

Lemoore Fire Chief David Jones told the City Council on Feb. 18 that the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department responded to 2,022 incidents in 2024 and that only about 2% of calls were structure fires.

The annual report presented Thursday said the department’s call profile shifted toward medical responses: "This year has had an increase in response to medical calls," Jones said, noting LVFD adapted to the change with training and updated protocols. The department listed 66 trainings and participation in community events including National Night Out, two parades, a blood drive and Trick or Treat at the Fire Station.

Why it matters: Council members praised the volunteers and emphasized the operational impact of high medical-call volumes. Council member Tom Reed noted the small share of fire calls and the heavy load of medical responses, saying many citizens may not realize how much of the department’s work is medical aid.

Details: Jones reported the department is 33 volunteers strong; 10 are certified EMTs, 24 hold Firefighter I and 19 hold Firefighter II certificates. He said the department traveled to Louisiana for a final walkthrough of a new Type 1 engine expected in spring 2025; funding for that vehicle came from state legislators mentioned during the presentation.

Council and public questions focused on dispatch and call triage. Jones and other speakers explained the new dispatch center should better distinguish life‑threatening calls from nonurgent requests, reducing unnecessary fire-department responses. "They should be EMT somewhat certified ... ask certain questions to determine life threatening or non life threatening, which should help us tremendously in bringing our call volume down," Jones said.

The presentation closed with council and public recognition of the volunteers and the department’s outreach work.

The department’s written report will be posted on the city website, according to staff.