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The Fire Prevention Division of the District is responsible for the enforcement of the California Fire Code and all California laws as they pertain to the Fire District. These include amendments that provide for automatic fire sprinkler systems in any building other than one and two-family dwellings 3,600 square feet or larger and fire alarm systems in all buildings except one and two-family dwellings. The District also enforces California Fire Safe Regulations, as adopted by the County of El Dorado and Title 19 & 24 of the California Codes of Regulations. The Fire Prevention Division conducts investigation of all fires and provides for the comprehensive provision of public safety education to the citizens of the District.
The ability to complete these missions is directly impacted by the development occurring within the District and the influences of the growing demographics surrounding it. One of the District’s Assistant Fire Chiefs serves as Fire Marshal. Even though the Fire Marshal is assigned to oversee and administer the Fire Prevention Division, this position also oversees other functions within the organization. Staffing is adequate, but given the current workload and projected increases in development the Division will require expansion. In the last eighteen months major reorganization has occurred. This has included the addition of a half time clerical, three half time inspectors/investigators, a prevention specialist and contract support staff including an IT contractor. The District has managed to conduct a small but increasing number of inspections and plan reviews. This has allowed the Division to become current on business inspections and investigations. The current focus is expanding to include more complex occupancies and the development of fire prevention standards.
New construction plan reviews and inspections have increased in the last year. Planned development in the Missouri Flat corridor is being realized. The Park West Industrial / business Park is nearly built out. Most buildings in Park West are small compared to the proposed commercial development on Missouri Flat. Tenant improvements to existing buildings continue to occur with the changing of occupants. Several large commercial and residential projects are proposed or pending. We anticipate that steady commercial development will continue in the District with the adoption of the County General Plan.
Fire related crimes are influenced by down turns in the economy. Recently we have seen an increase in arson cases. We have responded with a more aggressive fire investigation service. Our investigations continue to be well coordinated with local enforcement agencies.
The District has actively supported a unique and effective public education program that is credited with actually decreasing juvenile fire setter activities through out El Dorado County. All of these programs are labor intensive and impact our abilities to complete the routine duties of the fire service. These issues will not be resolved without the use of dedicated personnel in the role of fire prevention.
Given the size and growth of the District, we must consider an additional part-time/full time fire prevention positions to conduct fire prevention activities. The District is reviewing the use of support staff volunteer positions that could operate in this capacity. We are also working closely with our local fire safe council to complete residential fire inspections and hope to see expansion of these programs in the future.
The District has adopted a fee for service program to offset cost associated with services provided by Fire Prevention Division. These fees offset the cost of time consumed by District personnel when providing these services. Plan reviews, inspections and permits all consume personnel time that normally was provided free of charge.
Fire Prevention has taken on the responsibility of information services. Information services are responsible for the gathering of statistical data for local, state and national databases. Information services also coordinates the maintenance, upgrading, improvement and replacement of all District data processing equipment. The District is developing computer based mapping systems and is developing expanded infrastructure between stations and preparing for the future of mobile data communications.
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