ESTRELLA HOUSE FIRE RESPONSE TIMES
We asked the City of Goodyear for response times to the Estrella house fire which occurred on March 27, 2016. This is what we can tell from the data we received.
June 29, 2016
AN EXAMPLE
In the past two weeks, we've expressed concerns about fire response times to homes south of Calistoga Road in Montecito and CantaMia. Find the story here. 58% of the time, response times to these homes are MORE THAN 8 minutes.
On Easter morning, an Estrella home burned down and the home is within the acceptable boundaries of the fire station. It's much closer to Fire Station No. 182 than the homes in the southern portion of our community which are under consideration for a new fire station.
We filed a public records request with the City of Goodyear asking for response times to the home and we can share preliminary results with you.
On Easter morning, an Estrella home burned down and the home is within the acceptable boundaries of the fire station. It's much closer to Fire Station No. 182 than the homes in the southern portion of our community which are under consideration for a new fire station.
We filed a public records request with the City of Goodyear asking for response times to the home and we can share preliminary results with you.
NATIONAL STANDARDS
The National Fire Protection Association - or NFPA - is a nonprofit organization which develops fire, electrical and other life-safety standards. It was founded in 1896 and its codes and standards are respected worldwide.
NFPA 1710 is a standard concerning personnel deployment and response times to fires and medical emergencies. NFPA 1710 is NOT a law or federally mandated regulation. In fact, local officials make decisions about whether and how to implement 1710 standards.
You can compare 1710 to Goodyear standards here.
NFPA 1710 is a standard concerning personnel deployment and response times to fires and medical emergencies. NFPA 1710 is NOT a law or federally mandated regulation. In fact, local officials make decisions about whether and how to implement 1710 standards.
You can compare 1710 to Goodyear standards here.
90% OF THE TIME - this should happen
90% of the time, the 1710 standard requires:
4 people are to arrive at a fire scene within 5 minutes of the alarm. They can arrive in one vehicle or multiple vehicles. This time includes the amount of time it takes for fire fighters to into their gear.
4 people are to arrive at a fire scene within 5 minutes of the alarm. They can arrive in one vehicle or multiple vehicles. This time includes the amount of time it takes for fire fighters to into their gear.
NFPA 1710 standard then calls for 14-15 people to arrive at the “Full Alarm Assignment” within 9 minutes. That 9 minute window includes the amount of time it takes fire fighters to get into their gear.
WHAT HAPPENED ON MARCH 27, 2016
The Estrella house fire alarm was called at 2:10:21am on March 27, 2016.
At the 5 minute mark, no one was on scene.
In fact, the first personnel arrived at 8 minutes and 10 seconds after the alarm. According to the NFPA 1710 standard, that’s 3 minutes and 10 seconds late.
At the 5 minute mark, no one was on scene.
In fact, the first personnel arrived at 8 minutes and 10 seconds after the alarm. According to the NFPA 1710 standard, that’s 3 minutes and 10 seconds late.
IN 5 MINUTES - NO FIRE SERVICE AT THE SCENE
At the Estrella house fire on March 27, 2016 - 9 minutes into the alarm - just 5 fire people were at the scene. Goodyear was first to respond at 8 minutes and 10 seconds.
The national standard recommended 15 people weren’t on scene until 14 minutes and 58 seconds into the alarm. That’s 5 minutes and 58 seconds later than the NFPA 1710 standard.
The national standard recommended 15 people weren’t on scene until 14 minutes and 58 seconds into the alarm. That’s 5 minutes and 58 seconds later than the NFPA 1710 standard.
THE CALL TO 911 - WHEN MINUTES COUNT
NOTE: The Easter morning fire in Estrella was within Fire Station No. 182’s boundaries north of the debated Calistoga Road boundary line.
*Imagine what the response times would be to home south of Calistoga Road in Montecito and CantaMia where it takes longer for our first responders to arrive… by their own admission.*
Additionally, the alarm is considered to be the time when the fire department starts the clock and responds to the scene. This does NOT include the time when 911 picks up the phone. Neighbors claim they waited many more minutes prior to seeing the first fire trucks to arrive.
We are continuing to ask more questions and get more answers. We'll keep you posted.
We should also note state rules and laws take precedence over the NFPA 1710 standard. Goodyear has a reported 8 minute response time goal. Fire chiefs make recommendations to improve service. Our fire chief has gone to council 3 times since December 2015. But it's up to local leaders to decide the level of service the community can afford.
So. What can we afford? We hope it's not lives.
*Imagine what the response times would be to home south of Calistoga Road in Montecito and CantaMia where it takes longer for our first responders to arrive… by their own admission.*
Additionally, the alarm is considered to be the time when the fire department starts the clock and responds to the scene. This does NOT include the time when 911 picks up the phone. Neighbors claim they waited many more minutes prior to seeing the first fire trucks to arrive.
We are continuing to ask more questions and get more answers. We'll keep you posted.
We should also note state rules and laws take precedence over the NFPA 1710 standard. Goodyear has a reported 8 minute response time goal. Fire chiefs make recommendations to improve service. Our fire chief has gone to council 3 times since December 2015. But it's up to local leaders to decide the level of service the community can afford.
So. What can we afford? We hope it's not lives.
