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Fire Chief: North Mankato responded to 170 calls in 2024; replacement of radios and HVAC planned for 2025
Summary
Fire Chief Zwaschka told the council the department answered 170 calls in 2024 (including 39 fires and 76 false alarms), has 31 members plus four probationary members, and plans equipment maintenance and replacements in 2025 including radios, SCBA testing and rooftop HVAC replacement.
Fire Chief Zwaschka presented the North Mankato Fire Department’s 2024 annual report at the Feb. 18 council work session, saying the department responded to 170 calls in 2024, including 39 fire calls, five rescues and emergency medical calls, 25 hazardous conditions, seven service calls, 19 good intent calls and 76 false alarms. Zwaschka said the department provided mutual-aid support to other departments 11 times and averaged 19.43 firefighters responding per incident, with an average response time to scene of 6.77 minutes.
Zwaschka described the department’s staffing—31 members and four probationary members—and said the department is emphasizing public education to reduce community risk, including smoke detector and carbon monoxide outreach and rental dwelling education tied to code enforcement and inspections.
On equipment, Zwaschka reviewed the age profile and replacement schedule for the seven vehicles in the fleet and noted the department continues to use available state funding for training. Planned 2025 projects include replacing radios, testing all SCBA cylinders, replacing an overhead door and seals, and replacing a rooftop heating and air-conditioning unit.
Council Member Whitlock asked if adding solar had been discussed during the 2024 rooftop replacement; Zwaschka said it was not discussed but the opportunity exists. Council Member Peterson asked whether the department expected retirements; Zwaschka said there were several possibilities. The report was received for information and no formal staffing or procurement actions were recorded in the work-session transcript.
