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Fire chief reports nearly 20% year-over-year spike in call volume; projected 10–15% increase for year
Summary
The Westfield Fire Department reported an almost 20% increase in calls for service comparing September year over year and projects to finish the year 10–15% above last year.
Rob Gaylor of the Westfield Fire Department reported an almost 20% increase in calls for service when comparing September of this year to September of the prior year and said the department is projected to finish the year about 10–15% higher than last year.
"We compared September 24 to September 25. Seen an almost 20% increase in our calls for service," Gaylor said, noting the figure is a snapshot but reflects a rising trend in demand for fire and emergency services. He said calls to emergency care facilities (ECFs) are lower compared with last year for the second month in a row.
Gaylor said the department has already taken nearly as many calls so far in the current year as it did in the prior full year and flagged the increased workload as a staffing and operational consideration. The board discussed timelines for union contracts tied to compensation and the need for the city and unions to move quickly on collective bargaining documents.
