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Torrance County to split fire protection into north and south regions; officials discuss staffing and rescue vehicles
Summary
The county's fire chief said the State Fire Marshal approved proposed mapping to consolidate local fire districts into two regions. Commissioners discussed staffing, Willard station habitability, mutual-aid MOUs and a $209,000 EMS grant for a new rescue vehicle; a loaner rescue was expected while repairs continue.
Fire Chief Gary Smith told the board that the resolution and district mapping for consolidation had been submitted to and approved by the State Fire Marshal. Smith described a two-region model: a North region covering Districts 5, 3 and 2 (Indian Hills, McIntosh, Moriarty) and a South region covering Districts 4, 6 and 1 (Duran, Willard, Tajique/Torreon).
Commissioners asked about station readiness and volunteer staffing. Smith said the Willard building is habitable and can house bunks for now while capital outlay or remodeling is negotiated; he advised that any larger remodeling or funding for a building not owned by the county would require a formal agreement. Smith also discussed rescue-vehicle availability: he said two rescues are in service, the department secured a $209,000 EMS grant for an additional rescue, and the manufacturer has agreed to deliver a loaner rescue while repairs continue.
The commission did not take a formal vote on consolidation at the Sept. 24 meeting; Smith said the Marshal had advised the two-region approach as the cleanest route and recommended more focused staffing in the south.
