Fire chief says new engine, county coordination are central to evacuation planning

Fire Chief Jenkins told the council that Mid Valley Fire District has purchased a new four-wheel-drive engine to replace an older pumper and that the truck will carry "over 1,000 gallons of water." He said the district received a partial SLIB grant toward the purchase and is steadily replacing worn equipment after decades of band-aid repairs.

Jenkins described recent operational needs as the community faced an early-dry season and extreme heat, noting county fire restrictions and the town's hydrant performance during a May incident. "Just so everybody here understands, there will be mass evacuations immediately," Jenkins said, urging residents to have a rapid exit plan and asking the council to coordinate a formal evacuation route strategy with county emergency operations and the Red Cross for larger or prolonged events.

The chief asked for joint training and better communication with town staff, including water-system training so responders understand hydrant capacity and system layout. He also announced an August 29 golf tournament fundraiser at Cedar Creek Golf Course and said the department still had two team slots remaining.

Council members thanked the chief and signaled willingness to coordinate. The mayor noted the town's emergency-operations plan exists and that a sited objective in the town's master plan calls for a specific evacuation plan to be developed; staff said they would continue tabletop exercises and further coordination with county agencies.