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Susanville Fire Department reports rising call volume, near-benchmark turnout times and staffing gaps
Summary
The fire department reported over 500 calls in the first quarter (more than 600 as of the meeting), an average turnout time of about 1 minute 32 seconds (slower than the national benchmark of 1:20), two open career vacancies and ongoing volunteer/cadet recruitment; staff outlined fleet condition and training efforts.
The Susanville Fire Department presented quarterly operational metrics and staffing information to council.
Captain (acting assistant chief) (speaker 6) reported that the department ran 511 calls in the first quarter and was over 600 calls as of the meeting, with 13 of those calls fire-related. The presenter said turnout time averaged about 1 minute, 32 seconds (national benchmark cited at 1 minute, 20 seconds) while travel and total response times were generally within acceptable ranges. The department identified factors that affect response times, including inspections, maintenance and daytime traffic patterns.
Staff reported 11 budgeted positions in the department (assistant chief, three captains, three engineers and three firefighters) with nine positions currently filled and two vacancies (assistant fire chief and a firefighter). The department said it continues recruitment through Lassen College fire-technology classes and noted a recent internal promotion to engineer.
Volunteer staffing was described as seven active volunteers and seven active cadets; volunteers contributed substantial training and incident hours. Fleet updates covered a recently placed frontline engine with roughly 13,100 miles and nearly 1,100 hours on it, a reserve engine retired after transmission failure, and other apparatus in service with aging or maintenance issues. Staff said replacement planning and grant seeking are underway to address equipment needs.
Training and outreach highlights included 840 total training hours in the quarter across volunteers and career staff, state-certified instructor capacity in-house, EMS and regional trainings, and community fire-safety education. The captain noted planned public safety messaging to improve driver responses to emergency vehicles.
Council members thanked the department for the report and recognized retirements and internal promotions; no policy action or budget appropriations were taken at the meeting.
