The participating agencies anticipate improved ISO ratings as Automatic Aid is recognized as a fire protection enhancement for the local jurisdiction. No additional credit is given for mutual aid. Improved ISO classifications will result in savings to insurance rate payers within the participating jurisdictions.
13.C.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 12/03/2019
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2019-58: A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council, approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Summit Fire and Medical District; the Highlands Fire District; and the City of Flagstaff to participate in automatic aid.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read Resolution No. 2019-58 by title only
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2019-58 by title only (if approved above)
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2019-58
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2019-58 by title only (if approved above)
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2019-58
Executive Summary:
The participants of this intergovernmental agreement (IGA) create an automatic aid consortium whereupon the participants agree to act as one operational entity for the purpose of improved fire/rescue/emergency medical services and improved firefighter safety. Automatic aid is the most advanced and effective form of mutual aid whereupon improved levels of service and capacity are achieved by all the participating agencies.
Financial Impact:
None.
Policy Impact:
No policy impacts.
Connection to Council Goal, Regional Plan:
Team Flagstaff Strategic Plan 2017
- Strategic priority #1: Provide exceptional service.
- Strategic priority #4: Work in partnership to enhance a safe and livable community.
- Goal PF.I. Work across all government operations and services to prepare for the impacts of natural and human caused hazards.
- Goal PF.3. Provide high-quality emergency response and public safety services including law enforcement, fire, medical, and ambulance transport service.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
City Council has entered into cooperative agreements and mutual aid agreements in the past, however, the City Council has not previously considered automatic aid.
Background and History:
The participants of this automatic aid IGA agree to operationally act as one agency for the purpose of improved fire/rescue/emergency medical services. The basis of the agreement is that the closest most appropriate fire service resource will be dispatched regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.
Automatic Aid is often cited as the gold standard for an emergency service delivery model. The model provides added value for smaller and larger agencies. Larger agencies such as Flagstaff benefit by having additional units capable of responding to multiple single unit responses that occur in the City. The smaller agencies Highlands and Summit benefit by having additional units capable of responding to large incidents that occur in their districts.
When an emergency occurs in the "system" (Flagstaff Highlands Summit Jurisdictions), the firefighter paramedics that are closest to the emergency will respond to provide service, regardless of jurisdiction.
Automatic Aid is often cited as the gold standard for an emergency service delivery model. The model provides added value for smaller and larger agencies. Larger agencies such as Flagstaff benefit by having additional units capable of responding to multiple single unit responses that occur in the City. The smaller agencies Highlands and Summit benefit by having additional units capable of responding to large incidents that occur in their districts.
When an emergency occurs in the "system" (Flagstaff Highlands Summit Jurisdictions), the firefighter paramedics that are closest to the emergency will respond to provide service, regardless of jurisdiction.
Key Considerations:
For automatic aid to be successful, the following key elements should be in place to ensure the best service and highest margins of safety for firefighters:
- A central dispatch center with shared tactical radio channels. All three participants are currently dispatched by the City of Flagstaff Regional Fire Dispatch Center (Dispatch Center).
- A shared set of standard operational procedures (SOPs). The three entities have developed joint SOPs for high hazard operations to include shared incident management SOPs.
- Common training for firefighters and command officers. The participants have been participating in joint company level training for approximately 5 years and have participated in regional recruit fire training academies for 3 years. Additionally, each of the agency's command officers have all been trained and certified under the Blue Card incident management system.
Community Involvement:
ISO (Insurance Services Office)
ISO’s Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), evaluates four primary categories of fire suppression — fire department, emergency communications, water supply, and community risk reduction. The FSRS includes standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). A community’s investment in fire mitigation is a proven and reliable predicator of future fire losses. Insurance companies use PPC information to help establish fair premiums for fire insurance — generally offering lower premiums in communities with better protection. By offering economic benefits for communities that invest in their firefighting services, the program provides an additional incentive for improving and maintaining public fire protection.
ISO’s Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), evaluates four primary categories of fire suppression — fire department, emergency communications, water supply, and community risk reduction. The FSRS includes standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). A community’s investment in fire mitigation is a proven and reliable predicator of future fire losses. Insurance companies use PPC information to help establish fair premiums for fire insurance — generally offering lower premiums in communities with better protection. By offering economic benefits for communities that invest in their firefighting services, the program provides an additional incentive for improving and maintaining public fire protection.
Expanded Options and Alternatives:
Inform