Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Alpine volunteer fire chief reports hazmat spill, solar-farm fires and new hydrant GIS mapping
Summary
Chief James Etcheson updated the Alpine City Council on a hazmat response at Sul Ross University, repeated solar-farm fires (saying the department will start billing the operator), junior firefighter activities, grant-funded equipment, and a completed GIS map of county hydrants.
Chief James Etcheson told the council the Alpine Volunteer Fire Department has handled several significant incidents in recent months, including "a hazmat spill of muric acid at the Sul Ross University," a vehicle rollover response and an interior restaurant fire. He said El Paso's hazmat team assisted on the university incident and commended local responders for their work.
Etcheson described several fires at a nearby solar farm and identified the operator as "NG," saying the department will begin charging the company for responses because the calls have become frequent. He also reviewed operational improvements: a grant-funded skid unit for an attack truck, conversion of a hazmat trailer into a rehab trailer with a new generator and air conditioner, junior firefighter training and public fundraising, and what he called a milestone for the county's emergency response capability — mapping all hydrants in a GIS system so crews can view hydrant locations and color-coded pressure designations.
