2b. Fire Department Update
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CHANHASSEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 97 . 7610 Laredo Drive · Chanhassen, MN 55317
Bus. Phone 952-227-1200' Minnewashta Station NO.2' Phone 952-474-7094
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM:
Gregg Geske- Fire Chief
Roger Smallbeck - 15t Assistant Chief
Rick Rice - 2nd Assistant Chief At/;,. ~ .
Mark Littfin- Fire Marshal ~
DATE:
November 12,2009
SUBJ:
Monthly City Council Update
Fire Department Overview:
Staffing is at 39 active firefighters and five probationary firefighters as of November 12,2009,
allocation is 45 PTE' s.
As of November 12,2009 we had responded to 464 calls, down 10 calls from 474 at the same
time last year. We did have one structure fire since our last council update.
Training: This month's training consisted of helicopter and ambulance rescue training. We are
waiting for the ice to form so we can do some ice rescue training in the future.
Fire Marshal:
Fire Prevention: Fire prevention week activities and the annual open house were both very
successful. The Fire Dept. received many nice compliments from the schools and residents who
attended the open house on a beautiful fall day. As always the Fire Dept. is constantly looking
for new ideas to further enhance the displays, exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations that both
adults and kids enjoy. It has always been our plan to make the next year bigger and better with
new innovations and vendors. Weare also fortunate enough to have many of our retired
firefighters and their spouses join us for breakfast and help us out with many of the activities. We
couldn't do it without their help.
Fire Investigations: The only fire to report on at this time was on Sunday, Nov. 15t at 11 :35
P.M. at 7509 West nth Street. The call came in as an explosion and fire. First arriving fire units
observed the garage was fully involved and was attacked aggressively from the exterior with
multiple hand lines. The fire damage to the house was less, thanks to the fire door and fire wall
between the garage and house. The fire did spread to the attic and much of the house did have
smoke and water damage. The two adults and three kids were able to escape without injuries, and
are currently staying with friends. The fire appeared to have started in the garbage can on the
exterior of the garage and spread to the interior of the garage. The final investigation should be
completed in the next few days. Victoria and Excelsior Fire Departments were also called to
assist at the scene with Eden Prairie standing by at Station # 1.
Fire Inspections: New construction has slowed down considerably. Remaining projects include
the new public works facility and a few small remodeling projects around town. Plans are being
reviewed for the downtown parking ramp and additional storage units at Autobahn Motorplex.
With the slowing of new projects we will be wrapping up inspections of existing buildings this
fall and winter.