Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Urbana fire chief warns staffing strain after commercial fire; mayor urges emergency-management funding
Summary
Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb described a near worst-case commercial fire during which the department was minimally staffed, mutual aid response took as long as 18 minutes, and an aging ladder truck was used; Mayor Bill Bean urged Council to consider more EMA funding and increased personnel and equipment support.
Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb told the Urbana City Council on Nov. 4 that a recent commercial fire created nearly worst‑case conditions for the department, highlighting limits in current staffing and equipment.
Chief Ortlieb said the department was operating with a small on‑duty crew (five personnel) when multiple incidents occurred within minutes: an EMS run at 12:35 p.m. and a commercial fire at 12:38 p.m. He said that left very limited staffing on scene — one crew member took command, one operated the pump and one remained to fight the fire — and that the quickest mutual‑aid ladder response arrived after about 18 minutes. Ortlieb said he was thankful there was no entrapment and praised mutual aid companies, but he described the situation as close to a worst‑case and urged Council to consider a manpower sustainment plan.
Ortlieb also noted the city operated an older ladder truck “from the previous century,” and that the Division is seeing frequent two‑run days that strain available crews. Mayor Bill Bean said emergency‑management discussions have highlighted underfunding: “EMA is effectively staffed by one‑and‑a‑half people,” he said, and the city needs to consider funding for equipment and personnel. Chief Ortlieb said basic EMA funding is derived from a per‑capita tax of $1 per person; additional resources would be needed for critical infrastructure and communications.
Resident Steve Brune, who also addressed Council during public comment, thanked the fire and police divisions for their response over the previous 24 hours. Council members and the mayor expressed appreciation for first responders and discussed the need to explore funding and staffing options.
