Capital City Fire/Rescue’s
2016 Annual Report

We serve and protect our
community from life and
property-threatening
emergencies in a competent,
professional and proactive
manner.

 Table of Contents
Call Statistics ................................................................................................................................... 2
Day in the Life of a Firefighter ....................................................................................................... 6
Incident Mapping ........................................................................................................................... 9
Personnel Involvement ................................................................................................................ 12
Response to Scenes ...................................................................................................................... 13
Fire Suppression Statistics ........................................................................................................... 15
Emergency Medical Services ........................................................................................................ 16
Fire Marshal’s Office .................................................................................................................... 19
Other CCF/R Activities .................................................................................................................. 22
Personnel Related News .............................................................................................................. 23
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 25
Frequent Questions ...................................................................................................................... 27
Appendix – Calls classified as “Other”......................................................................................... 29

1

 Call Statistics

Year
2016
2015 (Previous Year)
2006 (10 Years Previous)
2026 (10 Year Projection)

Number of Calls
4,517
4,013
3,121
6,172

Change Comparison
12.6%
36.6%

2016 Calls by Category
Fires
2%
EMS
75%

Other
19%

Alarms
4%
Call Types
2016
2015
Difference Change Comparison
Fires
77
73
4
5.5%
EMS
3,406
3,068
338
11%
Alarms
186
209
-23
-11%
Other *
848
663
185
27.9%
* Please see the appendix for a list of call types classified as “Other”

“Thank you all so much for everything that you do! Juneau is lucky to have you
all watching over them.” – Kathleen and Santiago Lara

2

 Capital City Fire/Rescue averages 12 emergency calls per day!

The number of times Capital City Fire/Rescue’s in-district apparatus and
personnel received an emergency call while they were dealing with
another emergency.

2016 Call Volume by Month and Type

350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

EMS
Other
Alarms
Fires

“From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for thirty one years of supporting
my daughter and her family. You are true heroes.” – Christine Culliton

3

 Incident Volume by Year
4700
4500

4300
4100
3900
3700
3500
3300
3100
2900
2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Monthly Call Volumes Compared to Previous
Year
500
450
400

350
300
250

2016 Totals
2015 Totals

200

Call Increase by Quarter
January thru March
April thru June
July thru September
October thru December

% Increase
10.3%
9.8%
20.4%
8.3%

4

 Call Counts by Hour of Day
0

50

100

150

200

250

300

23:00-23:59
22:00-22:59
21:00-21:59
20:00-20:59
19:00-19:59
18:00-18:59
17:00-17:59
16:00-16:59
15:00-15:59
14:00-14:59
13:00-13:59
12:00-12:59
11:00-11:59
10:00-10:59
09:00-09:59
08:00-08:59
07:00-07:59
06:00-06:59
05:00-05:59
04:00-04:59
03:00-03:59
02:00-02:59
01:00-01:59
00:00-00:59

Calls by Day of Week
700
680
660
640
620
600
580
560

5

 Day in the Life of a Juneau Firefighter

Productive Time of Firefighter
Calls
27%

Training
37%

Reports
9%

Admin. Tasks
2%
Station
Public
Maintenance
Education
6%
6%

Physical Fitness
3%

Meetings
8%

“Because of your actions, you saved my wife’s life. We are deeply grateful and
glad that you are our Juneau first responders” – Ray and Debra D

6

 Station 3 Call Volume

Station 1 Call Volume
EMS
77%

Fires
2%

Other
16%

EMS
73%

Alarms
5%

Fires
2%

Other
22%

Alarms
3%

Call Location by District
District
Station 1 (Downtown)
Station 2 (Douglas)
Station 3 (Glacier)
Station 4 (Auke Bay)
Station 5 (Lynn Canal)

Incident Count
2,316
194
1,788
190
29

% Change from 2015
24.6%
9.6%
1.9%
-1.6%
-3.3%

“Words cannot convey how much our family is thankful for your hard work and
dedication to our community.” – Dave and Ariel Gibson

7

 Unit runs for Units/Stations
Station
1 (Juneau)

Unit

Engine 11
Medic 1
Truck 12
Medic 10
Tanker 12
Utility 11
2 (Douglas)
Engine 21
Medic 2
Squad 25
3 (Glacier)
Engine 31
Medic 3
Truck 32
Medic 30
Rescue 1
Engine A-1
Engine A-2
Engine A-3
Utility 31
4 (Auke Bay)
Engine 41
Medic 4
Squad 45
5 (Lynn Canal) Engine 51
Squad 55
Administration Fire 1
Fire 2
Fire 3
Fire 4
Fire 6
Fire 7
Fire 8

Fires

EMS

Alarms

Other

Total

66
51
6
11
0
0
7
3
18
57
44
6
1
13
0
0
0
4
28
9
3
1
12
12
36
25
39
28
5
35

1,568
1,608
11
399
0
0
3
103
17
1,197
1,607
7
24
5
314
203
60
9
15
101
4
0
11
4
72
71
16
80
32
7

157
122
9
28
0
0
4
2
5
125
92
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
5
0
0
3
2
17
10
10
20
0
7

410
348
15
60
1
0
0
11
15
435
295
11
1
6
24
19
8
5
20
22
5
0
5
5
56
40
34
43
9
26

2,201
2,129
41
498
1
0
14
119
55
1,814
2,038
36
26
24
338
222
68
18
66
137
12
1
31
23
181
146
99
171
46
75

“You are an incredible resource for all of
Juneau, and we greatly appreciate the work
you do!” – Juneau Family and Birth Center

8

 Incident Mapping

 

I Indicates a high frequency of emergency calls in the area

 

I Indicates a high frequency of emergency calls in the area

 

 

 

 

 

I Indicates a high frequency of emergency calls in the area

 

 

Personnel Involvement
Personnel Hours on Incidents
Group
Administration
Career
Volunteer
Total

Time on Incidents
496.4
10,309.6
1,487.8
12,293.6

Personnel Training
Group
Administration
Career
Volunteer
Total

Average Person
70.9
312.4
27.5

Time in Training
1,463.4
14,467.2
7,533.6
23,336.7 hours

Capital City Fire/Rescue volunteers dedicate 9,021.4 hours volunteers to the City and Borough
of Juneau last year by volunteering at Capital City Fire/Rescue in training and on emergency
incidents.

12

 Response to Scenes
The National Fire Protection Association is the agency responsible for setting fire department
standards across the United States. The National Fire Protection Agency’s standards are used
to measure fire department’s responses, abilities, personnel, and equipment. The number of
required personnel for incidents is considered the minimum number of personnel.
NFPA (Initial Response)*
Single-Family
Dwelling Fire Alarms

Multi-Family Dwelling
(Apartments) Fire
Alarms

Emergency Medical
Response

1 – Incident Commander
1 – Engine Operator
2 – Handline Operations
2 – Support Members
2 – Search and Rescue
2 – Ventilation and Ground Ladders
1 – Aerial Operator
2 – Rapid Intervention Crew
2 – EMS Crew
1 – Incident Commander
2 – Engine Operators
6 – Handline Operations
3 – Support Members
4 – Search and Rescue
4 – Ventilation and Ground Ladders
1 – Aerial Operator
2 – Rapid Intervention Crew
2 – EMT – Paramedic Level
2 – EMT – Basic Level

Total Required
(Initial Response)

15

23

4

*NFPA 1710, Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and
Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments (2016 Edition) was used to compile the number of
personnel required.

Confirmed Fires and Alarms
Emergency Medical Response

Single Family Multi-Family
Dwelling
Dwelling
14
10
5
5

Capital City Fire/Rescue’s response to confirmed fires and fire alarms has improved, but
remains below the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) standard.

13

 Firefighter Injuries
17 Firefighter Injuries were reported in 2016.
 At a structure fire, a firefighter inhaled smoke. The firefighter did not complain
of any lasting effects after resting in an environment with clear air.
 During a training evolution, a firefighter reported injuring their ribs. After
removing the firefighter from the evolution, the firefighter stated improvement
and no need for further treatment.
 At a fire incident, a firefighter reported chest pain. The firefighter continued the
remainder of his 24 hour shift. When the firefighter returned to work the
following shift, the firefighter complained the chest pain was still present. The
firefighter was taken to BRH for further evaluation and treatment. The
firefighter was admitted and released later.
 A firefighter injured his wrist while working on a fire. The firefighter denied any
further treatment and continued to work.
 At a special teams training event, near the glacier, a firefighter injured his knee.
There was no direct event at the training that was attributed to the injury. A
physician evaluated the knee. The firefighter missed two days of work.
 While removing a patient from a trail, a firefighter strained his ankle. The ankle
was treated with ice and the firefighter continued to work the remainder of the
shift.
 Responding to an incident, a firefighter injured a finger when he removed the
wheel chocks. The firefighter remained at work and no further treatment was
required.
 A firefighter was injured while working out. The firefighter jammed his finger.
The firefighter continued work and the report was precautionary only.
 Two firefighters had skin contact to blood from splatter while conducting CPR.
Both firefighters continue to be monitored for contraction of disease.
 A firefighter was injured doing overhaul work at a structure fire. The firefighter
tripped on an unseen object and fell onto a steel beam. The firefighter landed
on his shins. The firefighter continued work and was not seen by a physician.
 While replacing hose on the fire engine, a firefighter was injured by a coupling.
The firefighter was seen by the Emergency Department physician and his wound
was cleaned and bandaged. The firefighter immediately returned to work.
 While working out, a firefighter was injured when they replaced a weight on its
rack. The firefighter injured their finger. The firefighter bandaged their finger
and continued work.
 Four emergency medical providers received prophylactic treatment after
treating a patient with undiagnosed meningitis. The Emergency Department
physician felt it was prudent to have all EMS providers treated. All firefighters
continued their shift.

14

 Fire Suppression Statistics

In 2016, Capital City Fire/Rescue saved 96.7% of the value of the property threatened by fire.

Property Loss/Save Regarding Fires
Fire Type
Loss
Structure Fire Involving an Enclosed Building
Structure Fire Not Involving an Enclosed Building
Cooking Fire, Confined to Container
Chimney or Flue Fire, Confined to Chimney
Fuel Burner/Boiler Malfunction, Contained
Trash or Rubbish Fire, Contained
Fire in Motor Home, Camper, RV used as residence
Passenger Vehicle Fire
Forest Fire
Grass Fire
Outside Rubbish Fire, Not Otherwise Classified
Outside Rubbish Fire, Trash or Waste Fire
Dumpster or Other Outside Trash Receptacle Fire
Water Vehicle Fire
Vehicle Fire, Not Otherwise Classified
Incinerator Overload or Malfunction, Fire Contained
Off-road Vehicle or Heavy Equipment Fire
Special Outside Fire, Not Otherwise Classified
Totals:

$472,700
$200
$8,350
$1,000
$0
$0
$45,000
$16,750
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$7,100
$40,179
$0
$300
$0
$807,879

Saved

Quantity

$14,411,521
$1,800
$6,705,962
$799,000
$808,000
$0
$0
$1,000
$150,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$15,400
$35,000
$0
$0
$581,200
$23,506,883

28
2
8
5
3
4
1
7
2
1
2
4
1
4
2
1
1
1
77

15

 Emergency Medical Services

Capital City Fire/Rescue resuscitated 4 patients from cardiac arrest that returned home to live
normal lives in 2016

Apparatus
Medic 3
Medic 1
Medic 10
Engine 11
Engine 31
Medic 30
Medic 4
Helicopter
Squad 55
Fire 3
Totals

Patient Contacts
1,552
1,501
343
39
12
14
5
4
1
1
3,471

Transport Destination
Bartlett Regional Hospital
Juneau International Airport
Private Residence
Rainforest Recovery Center
Private Physician
Other
Totals

Destination Count
2,798
336
32
32
4
2
3,204

Percent Change
1.1%
23.4%
21.2%
39.3%
-33%
7.7%
150%
100%
0%
-66.7%
12%
Percent Change
16.7%
8.0%
-38.5%
-22.0%
100%
100%
14.3%

“Your team was extraordinarily professional, competent and sensitive to the needs of the
patient, who received careful emergency treatment, was assessed and then transported to
Bartlett Hospital for further diagnosis.” – Erik Lie-Nielson

16

 Altered Mental Status
Chest Pain
General Weakness
Strain/Sprain/Fracture/Dislocation
Dyspnea
Abdominal Pain
Abrasions/Lacerations/Amputations
Seizures
Neck or Back Pain
Behavioral Problem
Infection
Syncope/Dizziness
Drug Overdose
Head Injury
Cardiac Dysrhythmia
Nausea
Unconscious/Altered LoC
Head Pain (or Headache)
No Problem/No Injury
Cerebral Vascular Accident or TIA
Gastrointestinal Bleed
Obstetrical Problem
Cardiac Arrest
Diabetic Problem
Dead
Allergic Reaction
Vomiting
Multiple Trauma
Dehydration
Palpitations
Choking or Airway Obstruction
Hypothermia
Burns
Hyperventilation
Respiratory Arrest
Vaginal Bleeding
Eye Injury
Ingestion
Bite or Sting
Diarrhea
Epistaxis
Shock
Hyperthermia
Drowning or Near-Drowning

Quantity

% Change

356
298
262
243
238
232
197
197
153
133
117
107
107
79
78
66
64
64
60
46
38
35
31
30
28
28
22
19
12
11
10
9
7
7
6
6
6
6
5
4
3
3
2
0

-4.3%
8.8%
33.7%
11.0%
8.2%
6.4%
13.9%
20.1%
13.3%
95.6%
58.1%
-13.7%
114.0%
-12.2%
66.0%
26.9%
-9.9%
0.0%
-35.5%
-4.2%
81.0%
-2.8%
4.9%
3.4%
-30.0%
100.0%
0.0%
-26.9%
20.0%
0.0%
-23.1%
-35.7%
-30.0%
133.3%
0.0%
50.0%
0.0%
500.0%
N/A
-50.0%
-50.0%
50.0%
-50.0%
-100%

Non-resident Patients
26.00%
24.00%
22.00%
20.00%
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016

Chief Complaints Treated

Average Patient Information
Weight
176 pounds
Age
50.0 years old
Nonresident 26.9%

17

 Medications Administered
Oxygen
Ondansetron
Normal Saline
Aspirin
Albuterol
Nitroglycerin
Fentanyl
Ipatroprium
Epinephrine 1:10,000
Midazolam
Ketamine
Naloxone
Methylprednisolone
Morphine
Diphenhydramine
Atropine
Succinylcholine
Amiodarone
Dextrose
Oral Glucose
Diltiazem
Epinephrine 1:1,000
Magnesium
Sodium Bicarbonate
Adenosine
Etomidate
Keterolac
Epinephrine 1:100,000
Glucagon
Lidocaine 2%
Vecuronium
Hemostatic Agent
Metroprolol

1,640
225
198
159
138
127
120
116
106
88
76
66
50
27
21
16
15
11
10
10
9
7
7
7
7
4
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1

% Change
-8.5%
16.5%
59.0%
11.3%
35.1%
17.6%
33.3%
37.7%
-6.4%
-7.3%
61.0%
-3.8%
92.9%
-12.5%
166.7%
275.0%
266.7%
150.0%
100.0%
-30.8%
40.0%
40.0%
600.0%
75.0%
N/A
33.3%
-42.9%
50.0%
0.0%
100.0%
100.0%
N/A
N/A

18

 Fire Marshal’s Office

Fire Marshal
Daniel Jager

Deputy Fire Marshal
Sven Pearson

The Capital City Fire Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office consists of one Fire Marshal and one
Deputy Fire Marshal. The fire marshals are enforcement officers specifically tasked with
providing public safety through the use of the fire code.
The fire department of today does more than just fire and emergency medical response;
they are an “all hazards response department”. As such, the fire marshals are responsible for
strategic planning, prevention and mitigation of all hazards, emergency response, public safety
education and fire/arson investigation and prosecution.

19

 The City and Borough of Juneau is a deferred jurisdiction, which is legally responsible for full
code enforcement through the State Fire Marshal. This deferred agreement places a heavy
workload on the fire marshal office that is mandated by state statute to inspect the following
occupancy types:






Assembly – Restaurants, bars, churches
Education – All childcare, pre-school, elementary, junior high, middle and high schools
Institutional – Prisons, jails, hospital and medical facilities and nursing homes
Residential – Tri-plex or larger, apartment buildings, hotels/motels and assisted living
High Impact facilities such as processing or manufacturing

Code enforcement activities focus on making sure buildings and facilities are operated and
maintained safely. The primary tool for this is by conducting fire inspections. Inspections are
conducted in multi-unit residential buildings and commercial facilities. The inspections are
performed by the firefighters and the fire marshals.

Structures in the downtown business district are required to be compliant with the fire code
which poses a challenge as a majority of these structures were built before there were codes
and they have intricacies that make them susceptible to fire spread. This particular part of
Juneau plays a major role in local tourism and vital economics.

20

 The fire marshals are also responsible for fire protection engineering. They ensure site
development, new construction, and alteration projects comply with building and fire codes as
well as CBJ ordinances. This is accomplished by positive and cooperative work with owners,
developers and contractors in the design process of projects, reviewing construction
documents and inspecting and testing the installation of fire suppression, fire alarm, controlled
exiting and smoke control systems.

Fire investigations are an important function of the fire marshal office and the first step in
fighting arson crimes. Unless a fire has been thoroughly investigated, it is often unknown if an
arson has occurred. A fire origin and cause investigation is a scientific and systematic approach
used to carefully examine and process evidence and data collection.
The field of fire investigation is very specialized and the Juneau Police Department and the
District Attorney Office utilize the fire marshals as subject matter experts with fire evidence and
rely on their reports for court cases dealing with arson related crimes. The CCFR Fire Marshal’s
Office is known statewide for having a successful track record in fire origin and cause
investigations and the pursuit of arson crimes.

21

 Other CCF/R Activities

Capital City Fire/Rescue personnel gave 1,256 citizens and visitors tours of their
apparatus and station. These tours give a unique opportunity for personnel to
teach the public about what their fire department does for them and builds trust
and public safety.
Tours & Public Education

# of people

Unscheduled Tours
Scheduled Tours

824
432

Activities

# Hours

Station Maintenance
Unscheduled Public Interaction
Scheduled Tours
Administrative Tasks
Snow Removal
Physical Fitness
Crew Training Hours*
Station 1 (Sum)
Station 1 (Average)
Station 3 (Sum)
Station 3 (Average)

A-Shift
2,504.2
417.4
2,564.82
427.5

2,105.5
802.1
1,501.5
1,528
48
1,309
B-Shift
1,684.5
280.8
2,892.3
413.2

C-Shift
1,697.3
339.5
2,916.1
324.0

* Each career member is required to have 240 hours of training annually.

Volunteer Training Hours*
Station 2 (Sum)
Station 2 (Average)
Station 4 (Sum)
Station 4 (Average)
Station 5 (Sum)
Station 5 (Average)

A-Shift
1,703.6
100.2
5,400.8
103.9
429.3
71.5

* Special Teams-only members were excluded from this table.

Administration Training Hours
Admin (Sum)

1,543.9

22

 Personnel Related News
Promotions
Firefighter I
 Joseph Ferlauto; May 12, 2016
 Peter Flynn; May 12, 2016
 Conor Kincaid; May 12, 2016
 Brandon Lumbab; May 12, 2016
 Trace Mitchell; May 12, 2016
 Linda Palmer; May 12, 2016
 Matthew Roehl; May 12, 2016
 Dante Santos; May 12, 2016
 Scott Sell; May 12, 2016
 Alexander Zellhuber; May 12, 2016
Driver/Operator
 Kristi Asplund; May 1, 2016
 Mario Hernandez; May 1, 2016
 Donald Law; May 1, 2016
 Scott Lockie; May 1, 2016
Fire Captain
 Sam Russell; August 23, 2016

23

 Awards, Commendations and Additional Certifications
Capital City Fire/Rescue Awards
Chief’s Award of Excellence – Kathy Miller
Career EMS Provider of the Year – Danny Babcock
Volunteer EMS Provider of the Year – Kathy Miller
Career Rookie of the Year – Marcus Kinman
Volunteer Rookie of the Year – Tucker Cooper
Emory Valentine Leadership Award – Noah Jenkins
Instructor of the Year – Sam Russell
George Reifenstein Special Teams Award – Cheyenne Sanchez
Career Firefighter of the Year – Travis Larsen
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year – Robert Kindred

Meritorious Unit Commendations



Travis Mead, Lance Lawhorne, Cheyenne Sanchez, Shaun Rhea, Paul Kelly, Mario
Hernandez, Alexander Zellhuber, Kathy Miller, Chad Cameron and Tod Chambers for
a nighttime cliff rescue.
Roy Johnston and Jayme Johns for their actions at a scene involving an active
shooting.

Milestone Anniversaries







Assistant Fire Chief Chad Cameron – 20 Years
Fire Captain Travis Mead – 15 Years
Firefighter / EMT Jason Tarver – 15 Years
Fire Chaplain Sam Dalin – 15 Years
EMS Training Officer Joe Mishler – 10 Years
Engineer John Adams – 10 Years

Achievements





Fire Captain Todd Cameron – Fire Officer Designation from the Commission for
Professional Credentialing
Fire Marshal Dan Jager – Fire Marshal Designation from the Commission for
Professional Credentialing
Fire Marshal Dan Jager – Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator from the National
Association of Fire Investigators
Deputy Sven Pearson – Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator from the National
Association of Fire Investigators

24

 Births

Annalise Enya Lockie

Parents: Scott Emily Lockie

 

Born: May 11, 2016

ENGINE 

 

Discussion
Over the past few years, Capital City Fire/Rescue has improved data collection and use
for statistical purposes. We are capturing data well above the standards set by either the State
of Alaska and the United States Fire Administration to better explain our service to you. It is
our belief that you will see the fruits of this effort in this report.
In 2016, Capital City Fire/Rescue saw an unprecedented rate of growth in emergency
calls. There was a 12.6% increase in call volume. Never before has Capital City Fire/Rescue
seen that large of an increase in call volume in the 21 years of reporting. All preventable
incidents such as fire, alarms and other calls have decreased compared to the previous year. It
is our belief this is a direct result of increased public education and enforcement of fire code.
Capital City Fire/Rescue continues to increase its public education through giving scheduled and
unscheduled tours and public appearances. If you see a Capital City Fire/Rescue apparatus
outside of the station and not on an emergency incident; most times, you will find the operator
with the apparatus, standing outside and answering questions of the public.
All emergency call types increased with the exception of Alarms. Most other call types
are difficult to try to decrease the incidence of. Capital City Fire/Rescue continues to search for
innovative ways to better serve the community’s needs proactively.
This is the second year Capital City Fire/Rescue has been able to account for how many
times we were called while we were actively working on another emergency incident. This
statistic is very important to all of our members because it means the second call received a
delayed response due to the units and personnel already serving the community on another
emergency incident. All of our members make the public’s safety and needs their top-most
priority. We are constantly looking at our responses and how we do things to better serve our
population. This annual report is just one method we assess what the Department does and
how we can improve. It is our hope this report will help you, the reader, better understand
what your fire department does for you.

26

 Frequent Questions


Why does the engine respond with the ambulance on medical calls?
Personnel are needed for care and lifting. Fire engines and ambulances
respond as a team. Complex medical incidents require several medical
personnel on scene to care for a patient. Often times, our responders don’t
know exactly what the patient’s problem is until they get there. When the
patient is critical, more personnel are needed to control the airway, give
medications, perform ECG’s, etc… When you call 911, you are actually receiving
a mobile Emergency Room. Our medics are highly trained. They can and will
provide lifesaving care similar to the Emergency Department at the hospital.
This takes personnel and coordination. If an ambulance were to only show up
and find they need immediate help, it will take the fire engine with additional
personnel, 10-15 minutes to respond to the scene. In many instances this is too
long of a time frame for the patient to go without the care needed the additional
personnel will provide.
Our current staffing is two personnel on the ambulance and two
personnel on the fire engine. With our current average patient weight, if only
the ambulance personnel were lifting the patient, each person must lift at 115
pounds. Many of our homes in Juneau have stairs. Medics can lift this weight
when necessary, but by providing two more personnel, the fire engine, it is safer
for the patient and personnel lifting by distributing the weight each must lift.



Why do I see you responding with so many more vehicles (apparatus)?
In 2016, Capital City Fire/Rescue received approximately 469 calls that we
were unable to respond to immediately because we were at another emergency
incident. When this occurs, the opposing career station, off duty personnel and
volunteers are toned out to respond. The intention is to provide the quickest
care available to every emergency call. Often times, when someone has made a
specific complaint about an excess of apparatus going to the call, the ensuing
investigations have found the call was one of these stacked calls.
We do attempt to minimize the response of apparatus and personnel as
much as possible. In these events, if an in-district apparatus is able to break
away from the initial call, they will and will cancel any incoming units they can.
This is also way you may see a fire apparatus with their lights and sirens on and
all of a sudden, turn them off. More than likely, they were cancelled from where
they were going because someone arrived at the scene of the incident and
stated they were no longer needed.

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 

What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?
The State of Alaska has three different levels of EMT. To be the top-most
level of EMT, you will receive approximately 220 hours of training total in order
to receive your certification. In most instances, an EMT receives their training in
their community.
Most communities do not have paramedic education programs. So most
people that become a paramedic, must go elsewhere to learn. A paramedic will
receive an additional 1,800 hours of training after becoming an EMT.
Capital City Fire/Rescue employs both EMT’s and Paramedics. We
provide at least one paramedic on every emergency medical call.



What type of incidents does Capital City Fire/Rescue respond to?
Capital City Fire/Rescue responds to all 911 calls that are not law
enforcement related. We respond to fires of all types, public complaints on
potential hazardous situations, fire code complaints, carbon monoxide alarms,
fire alarms, medical calls, swift water rescue calls, low-angle and high-angle
rescue calls, ice rescues, trail rescues, medical incidents, hazardous materials
incidents or suspected hazardous materials incidents, open burning complaints,
assisting people, public education requests, station tours, standing by at public
events, fire investigations, reported unsafe structures, air medevacs and rescues,
airport and aircraft emergencies, boat and vessel disasters, and anything else
that comes down the pike.
Our first motto was, “You ring the bell, we will do the rest.” We continue
to live by these words and most personnel carry a coin in their pocket that has
this motto on it.

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 Appendix – Calls classified as “Other”
Title
Accident, potential accident, other
Aircraft crash, non-injury
Aircraft Incident Standby
Animal rescue
Arcing, shorted electrical equipment
Assist invalid
Assist police or other governmental agency
Attempted burning, illegal action, other
Authorized controlled burning
Barbecue, tar kettle
Biological hazard, confirmed or suspected
Carbon monoxide incident
Chemical spill or leak
Citizen complaint (i.e. smoke complaints)
Defective elevator, no occupants
Dispatched & cancelled enroute
Electrical wiring/equipment problem, other
EMS call, party transported by non-fire agency
Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition
Fire alarm sounded due to cooking
Fire Code Enforcement
Flammable gas or liquid condition, other
Gasoline or other flammable liquid spill
Good intent call, other
Hazardous condition, other
Heat from short circuit (wiring)
Light ballast breakdown
Medical alarm activation, no medical problem
Natural gas or LPG leak (outside)

Frequency % Change
0
-100.0%
1
-50.0%
6
0.0%
1
0.0%
4
-20.0%
32
60.0%
32
0.0%
1
0.0%
23
0.0%
0
-100.0%
0
0.0%
4
100.0%
0
-100%
3
-25.0%
1
N/A
143
25.4%
3
50.0%
41
57.7%
0
-100.0%
54
-10.0%
3
-66.7%
0
-100.0%
7
-12.5%
179
61.3%
0
-100.0%
0
-100.0%
1
N/A
2
-81.8%
0
-100.0%

29

 Oil or other combustible liquid spill
Overheated motor
Overpressure rupture of steam boiler
Person in distress
Police matter
Power line down
Public service
Public service assistance
Ring or jewelry removal
Service call
Smoke or odor investigation, no fire
Smoke or odor removal
Special type of incident, other
Steam, vapor, fog or dust thought to be smoke
SWAT activation (assist law enforcement)
Unauthorized burning
Vehicle accident, non-injury
Water evacuation or shut-off
Water or steam leak
Water problem, other
Wind storm, tornado/hurricane assessment

15
3
0
1
6
3
22
59
1
9
96
1
3
2
0
61
23
1
1
0
0

650.0%
200.0%
-100.0%
-66.7%
20.0%
-25.0
266.7%
28.3%
N/A
50.0%
77.8%
0.0%
200.0%
-33.3%
-100.0%
22.0%
-11.5%
0.0%
-75.0%
-100.0%
-100.0%

30