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Fire chief details two December structure fires, outlines telecare pilot and shelter plans
Summary
Fire Chief Greg Brett said the department responded to two residential structure fires in December (Jones Ferry Road — structure saved; Tatum Road in Palmetto — total loss), described a planned February launch of 'RightSite' telecare for low‑acuity patients, and outlined warming‑shelter arrangements ahead of an icy storm.
Fire Chief Greg Brett presented December call statistics and a five‑year comparison, reporting two residential fires: one on Jones Ferry Road where the structure was saved, and one on Tatum Road in Palmetto that was a complete loss. He said the department also provided mutual aid and handled multiple woods-and-grass responses amid storm damage and downed lines.
"During December we have had two (2) residential fires, one on Jones Ferry Road, the structure was saved and have been renovated; the other one was in Palmetto on Tatum Road, it was a complete loss," Brett said. He asked the council to note the uptick in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID, affecting call types.
Brett outlined plans to launch RightSite in February, a program that would allow certain low‑acuity patients to receive telecare at home instead of ambulance transport to a hospital. He also described the city’s layered warming‑shelter plan for the anticipated ice event: the fire station can host one family or up to five persons, city hall will be used if demand grows, and Sardis Baptist Church has agreed to expand capacity to about 30 people.
Councilmembers thanked the department for rapid response on recent incidents and took no formal action; the report served as situational awareness for public safety planning.
