Wayne Township Fire Chief reports 2024 call volume up 6.8% and shorter response 'chute time'

Chief Jason Beckett of the Wayne Township Fire Department presented the department's 2024 year-end report to the Village of Waynesville Council, saying 2024 had 91 more runs than 2023, a 6.8% increase, and that the department was awarded $109,252.08 in grants last year. He highlighted efforts to shorten 'chute time'—the interval between a call being received and the department's departure—and noted the average moved from 4 minutes and two seconds in 2023 to two minutes and seventeen seconds after adding two part-time employees to support 24-hour coverage.

Council members asked about future levies, wildfire risk, downtown inspections and inspection authority over rental properties. Chief Beckett said the township plans a fall ballot continuation levy that would not increase taxes, and he invited council members to join a community strategic planning committee. On wildfire risk he said he "would never say never but believes it is doubtful" that the area would face wildfires similar to those in North Carolina. He confirmed that the department plans to perform downtown business inspections and that inspection authority extends to common areas (shared hallways) but not to private areas within rental units.