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Moultonborough fire chief reports higher call volume and flags aging public safety building
Summary
Fire Chief David Bengtson told selectmen the department has answered 510 calls through June (an 8.5% increase), met response-time goals, and is fully staffed, but said the Public Safety Building shows HVAC, window and siding deterioration that will require capital attention.
Fire Chief David Bengtson told the Moultonborough Board of Selectmen on July 7 that the Fire Department had responded to 510 calls through the end of June, an 8.5% increase over the prior year, with an average response time of approximately 14.5 minutes against the department goal of 15 minutes. He said staffing is fully filled with eight full‑time firefighters on four shifts and that firefighter Caleb Beede recently completed AEMT training, bringing all full‑time members to the AEMT level. Fire prevention activity totaled 153 inspections.
Bengtson described the Public Safety Building as showing age‑related needs, including intermittent or non‑functioning HVAC units, drafty and leaking windows and exterior siding damage, and said those issues are creating maintenance concerns. On capital projects, he reported Engine 4 is now expected to arrive in November while Engine 1 remains delayed pending chassis delivery; Boat 2 layout work is being finalized through municipal purchasing. He also flagged longer‑term staffing pressure in the call force and the need for succession planning.
Chairman Kevin D. Quinlan and other selectmen asked questions about potential service impacts and whether an updated ISO evaluation could identify service improvements that might support better insurance classifications for portions of town. Bengtson answered board questions and the selectmen thanked him for the update.
Next steps: the Board discussed requesting an updated ISO evaluation and will consider capital planning items related to apparatus delivery timing and facility maintenance in upcoming budget and CIP discussions.
