Fire department reports sharp drop in fires and higher EMS workload; staff redeployments and education outreach continue

Chief Hansen and Captain Winston reported that the fire bureau and engine companies have seen a substantial decline in structural fires and overall emergency responses during the pandemic, while medical responses have remained a central workload.

Chief Hansen said runs were down in March and April, with 17 and 19 structural fires reported in those months in the community board area; firefighters reported many members with symptoms earlier in the pandemic but said reported symptomatic personnel had decreased to lower levels by mid‑month and that there had been no deaths in the firefighting ranks.

Captain Winston provided month‑over‑month figures for Community Board 2 showing a roughly 35% drop in fires for April and year‑to‑date declines compared with the prior year; he said engines and EMS have carried a large portion of medical‑response activity and that the bureau received federal support including FEMA ambulances and staffing assistance earlier in the surge.

The fire department said it repurposed some vehicles as rapid‑response medical units and increased staffing on ambulances; it also highlighted community‑affairs work producing remote fire‑prevention videos for school audiences and asked for help connecting content to teachers for remote learning.

Ending: Fire officials said they are stepping down surge operations as call volumes fall, that community outreach and school‑focused materials remain available, and that they will continue to coordinate with community boards on inspection schedules and education efforts.