DISCUSSION
In 2017, SCFD dispatched 13,585 total incidents. Because SCFD is an all risk department these calls for service include vegetation fires, structure fires, medical aid calls, hazardous material calls, public assists, and requests from law enforcement.
Training for any type of emergency is a large part of the time committed by volunteer firefighters. The SCFD volunteers spent over 72 hours each on training during the year. This is a total of over 10,000 hours in 2017 alone. SCFD has been working to streamline the training program. The time to fully train a new volunteer has been significantly reduced by holding semi-annual volunteer firefighter recruit academies. SCFD has also joined with other fire agencies in Shasta County to consolidate training resources to improve and expand training opportunities for SCFD volunteers as well as other volunteers and firefighters in Shasta County.
The SCFD recently signed a use agreement for the Shasta College Public Safety Center training facilities. This agreement is part of a long term, multi-agency plan to develop cooperative training resources throughout northern California.
An important part of every fire department is fire prevention and investigation. The Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for fire safety inspections, fire sprinkler acceptance tests, property line adjustment reviews, and plan reviews. The 2016 reorganization of the Fire Marshal's Office has provided better service to the public in 2017 for the 1,045 activities that occurred during the year. The Fire Prevention Bureau issued 172 citations and made 97 arrests. The Fire Prevention Bureau made determinations on 36 arson-caused fires. There was one fire related death in 2017, and incidents in the Shasta County response area totaled over 9 million dollars in lost property during 2017.
The Fire Prevention Bureau also directs Volunteers in Prevention (VIPs). In 2017, VIPs spent over 851 hours participating in school assemblies, civic group presentations, Red Flag Fire patrols, defensible space inspections, and other activities. Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog work with the VIPs to share fire prevention information and materials to the public at fairs, exhibits, parades, and other events. SCFD strives to maintain an integrated, cooperative, regional fire protection system through the cooperative relationship with CAL FIRE, and with the continued support of Shasta County’s elected and appointed officials.
A copy of the 2017 SCFD Annual Report is available for review at the Clerk of the Board office.
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