2b Fire Dept Update
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CHANHASSEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
PO. Box 97 · 7610 Laredo Drive · Chanhassen, MN 55317
Bus. Phone 934-9191 · Minnewashta Station NO.2· Phone 474-7094
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM:
Gregg Geske - Fire Chief
Greg Hayes - 1 st Assistant Chief
Randy Wahl - 2nd Assistant Chief
Mark Littfin - Fire Marshal I
Ed Coppersmith - Fire Inspector Ö~·
October 15, 2004
DATE:
SUBJ:
Monthly City Council update
Fire Department Overview:
Staffing is at 37 active firefighters as of October 14, 2004, allocation is 45 PTE's.
As of October 3rd, we are at 435 calls for the year, down 221 from 656 at the same time last year.
We will be having our annual physical agility test on November 1 st. Probationary firefighters are
finishing up preparations for transfer to firefighter status the first part of January.
Fire Training:
In September, firefighters attended a rescue class presented by Life Flight Rescue covering
topics regarding communications, picking a landing zone, preparing and packing a victim, and
helicopter approach. Also, the department conducted "roll-in" drills to simulate procedures for
approaching a fire scene.
Emergency Management:
Ed Coppersmith attended an emergency management conference which included three certifying
classes and several seminars regarding domestic terrorism, and dealing with local emergency
situations.
Fire Inspections:
Summerwood Apartments was issued their CO on the first of the month with residents moving in
around mid October. Building #2 is also progressing well. Plans have been reviewed for
T odd Gerhardt
October 15, 2004
Page 2
Lifetime Fitness. There are also a number of smaller remodeling projects being done. Testing of
fire sprinkler systems will begin soon in the Community Bank building.
Fire Education Activities:
The fire department had its open house on Sunday, October 10. It was a huge success. The
crowd was estimated to be in excess of 800 people. We received many nice compliments. We
also had school fire prevention activities all week, both at the station and visits to the schools.
Thirty-two firefighters signed up to help teach over 1500 kids about fire safety. Again, we
received many nice compliments from teachers, parents and the students.
Fire Investigations:
The fire department responded to a small deck fire on Monday, October 11 th around midnight on
Red Oak Lane. Damage was limited to the front porch deck. The investigation is continuing,
but it appears to be spontaneous combustion in a planter box.