Fire Marshal reports 292 May inspections; city coordinates fireworks and summer-safety planning

The Fire Marshal told the commission the office completed 292 inspections in May covering 4,029 units and handled 13 fee-based inspections ($625), 11 fire watches ($6,473.82) and 27 plan reviews ($1,675) for total May income of $8,773.82. The Marshal said the office conducted nine investigations during the month (five fires, three code/hazard investigations and one public-service alarm review).

Emergency management staff reported that planning for Independence Day fireworks included police, fire, EMS, parks and recreation, public works and the mayor's office; planners are expecting heavy crowds and traffic and will coordinate on-site resources. The office also said summer cooling-center plans and heat-safety messaging will be coordinated with community services, the health department, the library and the senior center. The department is arranging outreach at the weekly summer concert series at Cap Pasture and will provide heat-safety materials.

Training staff said marine training is expanding with new-operator and refresher courses planned; the department underscored the need for on-water readiness after a recent sailboat fire off Bell Island that the marine unit extinguished. The commission discussed a pilot to have staff aboard vessels during peak hours so boats can respond immediately instead of being cross-staffed from Engine 3 and launched from Vets Park.

The commission thanked crews for recent responses. Personnel announcements included the retirement of long-time front-desk administrative assistant Paulette Sadler (last day June 18) and an ongoing hiring process to fill a full-time replacement by early July.