Attachement_I_-_BFD_June_20_2022_Presentation.pdf

BARTOW FIRE DEPARTMENT

Safety & Service

City of Bartow City Commission Special Work Session

June 20, 2022

Jay Robinson, Fire Chief

Table of Contents

Section I History 4-7

Section II Demographics 8 At Risk Population 9

Density 9-10 Development 11 Traffic 12

Section III Ratings, Reviews, Assessments and Plans 13

Architects Design Group (ADG) – (9/26/01&02/11/02) 14 Tindale-Oliver (TO) - (5/10) $51,909 15 Architects Design Group (ADG) – (9/12) $18,000 16 Insurance Service Office (ISO) – 1962 to present 17-21 Commission Minutes

August 19, 1996 22 March 15, 2000 23-24 June 6-7, 2003 25-27 February 25, 2004 28-29 June 6, 2007 30 September 17, 2012 31

Strategic Planning Inputs 2012-March 2015 32 Nov 2015- Apr 2022 33 Proposed Budget Five Year Plans 2010-2015, 2015-2021, 2018-2023 34 2020-2025, 2021-2026 35

2022-2027 36

Section IV Guidelines, Standards and Accreditation 37

Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Home Furnishings 38-39 The Fire Protection Handbook 40

City of Bartow Occupancy/Hazard Breakdown 41 NFPA Standard 1710/1500 42-46 Accreditation Process 47

Comparison of Similar sized accredited agencies to BFD 48

Comparison of Polk County municipal fire departments 49

Section V What We Do, How We Do It, What We Need & How We Get There 50

What We Do/How We Do It 51-52 Current BFD Org Chart 53

Fire Assessment Fee 54 City of Bartow Commission District & CRA Maps 55-56 What We Need and How We Get There - P, P, T. 57 Next Steps 58 Apparatus Staffing Plan 59-62

Information Sources 63

SECTION I

HISTORY

The City of Bartow Fire Department's origins go back to 1883. The town was growing at a very fast rate; several men from the community realized that Bartow needed a fire service. Warren Tyler, John Jeffcott, H.W. Snell and S.E. Reed raised the funds and gained support from the community to establish a fire service. The first fire station was a shared building with city hall. In 1886 the funds were raised to purchase the old Polk County Jail and convert it into a fire station. Also, in this same year Bartow Fire Department fought its first major fire recorded. The fire happened on the block south of the historic courthouse.

In 1900 the fire station was torn down to rebuild a new, more efficient station for the time. The station was rebuilt on the same property. In 1913 the fire department responded to a structure fire on Mill Avenue. The department only consisted of 17 members and, tragically the fire resulted in two young girls losing their lives. These fatalities caused the community to come together and raise the funds to purchase a new fire truck. In 1914 Bartow received two new American LaFrance fire trucks.

In 1926 the fire station again went under construction to add an additional bay for trucks and additional firefighters. The department had grown to 25 members along with the first two paid employees Vernon Brooks and Carl Adams.

On November 7, 1927, the fire department received an American LaFrance ladder truck which was one of the first ladder trucks in Polk County. On May 10, 1928, the construction of the fire station was complete, and members invited the commissioners, city manager and the families to attend an appreciation dinner at the station.

With the fire department growing, the department gained even more volunteers. In the mid 1930's the department received an air raid siren to alert all volunteers around town that a fire had been called in. The one paid driver on duty would circle the 100 block of Main Street and pick up all available volunteers, then would respond to the fire.

On March 22, 1937, the city had another disastrous fire which destroyed a whole city block. The fire spread from Broadway Avenue to Central Avenue and Main Street to Summerlin Street. The fire was finally brought under control when it was stopped by a twenty-four-inch-thick brick wall.

On February 13, 1942, a fire occurred in the courthouse when a worker was lighting the boiler room in the basement to heat the building. A milk delivery man noticed the smoke pouring out of the building and notified the fire department. Tragically the fire claimed the life of the worker.

In the 1960's the existing fire station was torn down and construction began to build the largest station the city had ever seen. On May 18, 1966, the station was officially dedicated and named the Ellis Gibson Fire Station 1 in memory of the past chief. In 1975 the fire department grew to 43 members and received its first, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). The department also added more paid full-time firefighters (4 per shift).

Throughout the years the department continued to modernize and improve. In 2001 the fire department had twenty-one full time members and eighteen volunteers.

On June 5, 2005, the city would once again suffer from another large downtown fire. When the fire was brought under control the city lost two of its large downtown buildings.

In January 2008 Bartow Fire sent personnel and a truck to Interstate 4 to assist multiple agencies in the largest crash to date in Polk County history.

Presently the City of Bartow Fire Department consists of 15 firefighters and 3 Lieutenants along with 2 administrative staff. We cover 50+ Square miles out of our downtown location. With the projected future growth of the city the fire department will continue to grow as a result. Through education and training the Bartow Fire Department will always be ready and prepared for any emergency we may face today, tomorrow and in the future.

Section II

Demographics

Section Quick View

Increases since 1998-2022(24 years) Increases since 2000-2022 (22 years)

City Limits 8.8 – 52.36 sq miles +498% City Limits 11.4 – 52.63 sq miles +361.66%

Call Volume Increase +114.37% Call Volume Increase +68.92%

Population 15,911-20,978 +31.85% Population 15,340-20,978 +36.75%

With a 2022 population of 20,978, Bartow is the 115th largest city in Florida and the 1794th largest city in the United States.

At Risk Population (Page 9)

• 15.0% of the population is 65 years of age or older. (16% of seniors live alone)

• 7.3% of the population is under five years of age. (23.7% are under 18 years of age)

• 12.8% under the age of 65 are disabled.

This places over 35% of our population within the highest risk in residential fire incidents and account for some of the highest use of emergency medical services.

Bottom line, we have an obligation to the citizens, and they have an expectation of us.

Population Density (Page 9) Bartow has a population density of 454 people per square mile. However, the reality is the built upon area of the City is approximately 10.25 square miles equating to a population density on the order of 2,046.63/ square mile.

Development (Page 11) Over 6,000+ residential units currently requesting approval as well as the anticipated commercial development there will be a significant demand on an already strained public safety system.

It’s important to note the geographical locations of the listed developments in the city. These will significantly increase response times due to the distances from the current downtown station.

Traffic (Page 12) Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) on Van Fleet Dr. is 40,500 (42,000) National average of 1.5 people per vehicle = 60,750 people traveling through Bartow. The highest volume of traffic in FDOT District 1 area at 42,000 AADT occurred in downtown Bartow at the intersection of SR 60 and US 98. It is also one of the most accident-prone intersections in the Highway 60 corridor.

Bartow, appropriately named “City of Oaks and Azaleas,” contains many historic homes built in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Bartow is the county seat of one of Florida’s geographically largest counties, Polk County has more than 779,317 residents. With a 2022 population of 20,978, Bartow is the 115th largest city in Florida and the 1794th largest city in the United States. Bartow is currently growing at a rate of just under 2% annually and its population has increased by 22.11% since the most recent census in 2010.

The city limits have expanded from 8.8 to over 52 square miles since 1998, a 498% increase.

Bartow’s population has increased 36.75% since 2000

At Risk Population One of the factors that can influence emergency service demand, particularly emergency medical services, is the population’s age. The following figure examines Bartow’s population segmented by age groups. This data is based on 2021 American Community Survey estimates.

• 15.0% of the population is 65 years of age or older. (16% of seniors live alone)

• 7.3% of the population is under five years of age. (23.7% are under 18 years of age)

• 12.8% under the age of 65 are disabled.

This places over 35% of our population within the highest risk in residential fire incidents and account for some of the highest use of emergency medical services.

Senior citizens can have difficulty escaping from fire due to physical limitations. Seniors also tend to use emergency medical services more frequently than younger persons. As the population ages, this will create an increase in service demand for emergency medical services.

The very young also represent a vulnerable population, both in regard to their ability to escape a structure fire as well as their susceptibility to serious medical ailments such as asthma, traumatic events, choking, injury from vehicular accidents and drowning. (An additional 17.3% are listed in poverty.)

Density Bartow has a population density of 454 people per square mile. However, the reality is the built upon area of the City is approximately 10.25 square miles equating to a population density on the order of 2,046.63/ square mile. (See breakdown on next page)

Census data only includes people who live full-time in their home. It does not include people who visit or reside temporarily in a community.

Bottom line, we have an obligation to the citizens, and they have an expectation of us.

Bartow “officially” has a population density of 454 people per square mile. However, the reality is the built upon area of the City is approximately 10.25 square miles equating to a population density on the order of 2,046.63/ square mile.

Bartow (2022) Area

•City 52.63 sq mi • Land 46.2 sq mi • Water 6.41 sq mi

Population

•2022 – 20,978 • Density 454/sq mi

Unbuilt Large Tract (OFP/Old Florida Plantation 3,535acres=5.5sq mi) (Clear Springs 18,000ac =28sq mi) (Stuart Crossings 700ac=1.09sqmi) 500+ Single Family/Multi-Family (Stuart Crossings) (Silver Oaks 510ac=.796875sqmi) (Wind Meadows Phase II – 273ac =.426sqmi) 835 homes approved (Total 23,018ac=35.966sqmi)

Reality City Limits Total 52.63 sq mi -Minus Water 6.41 sq mi -Minus Open Land 46.22 sq mi -Minus Unbuilt 35.97 sq mi Current Built City limits 10.25sq mi

*20,978population\10.25sq mi= 2,046.63/sq mi population density

• 15.0% of the population is 65 years of age or older. (16% of seniors live alone)

• 7.3% of the population is under five years of age. (23.7% are under 18 years of age)

• 12.8% under the age of 65 are disabled.

This places over 35% of our population within the highest risk in residential fire incidents and accounts for some of the highest use of emergency medical services.

Development With well over 6,000+ residential units at various approval levels as well as the anticipated commercial development there will be a significant demand on an already strained public safety system.

NORTH

835 – Wind Meadows II, Started 591 – Stuart Crossings (SFH)

• 300 Unit Grand Apartments 13-3 Story Bldgs. (3/2022) S-22-08-PSP 305 – James Farm SFH 98 – Single Family Homes (Thompson Preserve) on Hwy. 17 21 – Single Family Homes (Thompson Preserve Phase 2) on Hwy. 17 (3/2022) S-22-06-PSP 8 – Estate Home Lots – (Magnolia Acres) 8 lot subdivision Estate Homes on North EF Griffin Rd

EAST

24 – SFH (Thut Property) Hwy 60 1/3 mi east of Gandy Cemetery Rd.

37 – E. Gandy Rd Winding River Cove 13 – Lot subdivision – (Dean Ranch) at the northeast corner of Gandy Cemetery Road and Hwy. 60 2,950 – Mixed Residential, commercial town center, public education fac. Clear Springs Z-22-02-PD 85 – SFH Sand Lk Grove, Gandy Cemetery Rd (Under review not added to total count)

WEST

405 – Single Family Manufactured Home Community, west of town on Hwy. 60 (Nustar)

31 – Single Family Town Homes (Sackett’s Construction Services, Inc.) First Avenue and Church Street 490 – Units/49-2story b11ldg.11. (19,200sf/b11ldg.) – Bayport Townhomes (on 555) 4 – Units Childs Av Townhomes 33 – Townhomes (Idlewood Townhomes) 65 – Single Family homes (Square Lake)

(6,210 Residential Units listed above) 6/17/2022

91 Mine Road Industrial Complex Thunder Dodge Chik Fil A Wawa Frontier Development Crown & 60 W Storage Complex 98N Storage Complex

Not an all-inclusive list. Additional information available from City of Bartow Planning & Building Departments

It’s important to note the geographical locations of the listed developments in the city. These will significantly increase response times due to the distances from the current downtown station.

Traffic Thousands of government and private business employees commute to Bartow daily.

Production of phosphate, citrus and cattle are historical mainstays of the county’s economy.

Bartow is 40 miles east of Tampa, and 60 miles southwest of Orlando. It is strategically located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 98, 17 and State Road 60.

Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) is one of the most important parameters in transportation engineering. It is calculated by adding the total vehicle volume of a highway for a year divided by 365 days.

Bartow/AADT (2020)

Van Fleet Dr. 40,500* 98 North 38,500 17 North 25,000 60 West 21,500 60 East 23,500 17 South 17,300 EF Griffin Rd 2,800 555 2,200

*National average of 1.5 people per vehicle = 60,750 @ 40,500 https://tdaappsprod.dot.state.fl.us/fto/

In District 1, the AADT fluctuated between 18,200 and 19,600 through the City of Mulberry. The highest volume of traffic at 42,000 AADT occurred in downtown Bartow at the intersection of SR 60 and US 98. (FDOT State Road 60 Corridor Study, 2016) 15-year average 42,500 (2005-2020).

https://tdaappsprod.dot.state.fl.us/fto/

SECTION III

Ratings, Reviews, Assessments and Plans

The following pages cover reports from various consultants and outside agencies. These reports recommend and support needed improvements to the fire department.

3 groups have assessed our operations and projected needs into the future. (Pages 14-16)

• Architects Design Group (ADG) – Consultant conducted FD special needs study (9/01) Called for 27 on duty shift staffing (81 total) and 19 administrative staff One main station and two substations

• Architects Design Group (ADG) – Consultant conducted special needs study (2/02) Called for 27 on duty shift staffing (81 total) and 19 administrative staff One main station and two substations

• Tindale-Oliver (TO) - Consultant conducted Fire Facilities Plan (5/10) $51,909 Calls for three stations within 20 years, that was twelve years ago.

• Architects Design Group (ADG) – Consultant updated study (9/12) $18,000 Called for 18 on duty shift staffing (54 total) and 18 administrative staff One main station and two substations.

• Insurance Service Office (ISO) – 1962 to present. (Pages 17-21) 1962 – 3. (pg 19) “Sufficient full time paid firemen be provided so that at least three, but preferably four, will be on duty at the present fire station.”

5. Called for a sub-station on the “southern section of the city, possibly in the vicinity of Stuart or further southward”. With an additional pumper company.

6. Training area.

Page 21, Note fire department scores on ISO grading, (42%-55%)

Additionally, numerous meetings have been held and discussions had about the needed improvements. (Pages 22-36)

Commission Minutes Strategic Planning Inputs Proposed Budget 5 Yr. Plans

• August 19, 1996 • September 2012 • 2010-2015

• March 15, 2000 (2) • June 2013 • 2015-2021

• June 6-7, 2003 • July 2014 • 2018-2023

• February 25, 2004 • March 2015 • 2020-2025

• June 6, 2007 • November 2015 • 2021-2026

• September 17, 2012 • April 2017 • 2022-2027

• June 2018

• July 2019

• July 2020

• August 2021

• April 2022

Architects Design Group Report 09/26/2001 & 02/11/2002

19-Administrative Positions

27 On-Duty Shift Positions x3 shifts=81 1-Battalion Chief (Shift Commander) & 5-Engine Companies x4 1-Ladder Company x4 1-Squad x2

Main Station

Position 2001 2005 2015

Secretary/Aide *

Duty Officer *

Fire Chief *

Assistant Chief *

Administrative Secretary *

Safety Officer/Admin Aide *

Deputy Chief *

Fire Marshal *

Public Education Officer *

Inspectors (4) * (2) *

Clerical/Administrative *

Deputy Chief/Training Off *

EMS Supervisor *

EMS Clerk *

Resource Officer *

Battalion Chief *

Captain/Lieutenant (2) *

Crew (8) * (2) * (4) *

Sub-Stations

Lieutenant (2) *

Crew (4) * (4) *

Tindale-Oliver Report 05/14/2010

• Over the next 20 years, the City will need two additional stations. One of these should be located along U.S. 17 south of Main Street. This fire station will provide immediate access and response to the southeast quadrant of the city.

• The second station should be located in the eastern part of the city to accommodate potentially doubling the population in this area.

• When at least one of the two new fire stations is operational, the City should consider relocating the existing station

Next Steps

• Recommend adoption of Fire Facilities

Plan

– Benefits:

• Aid in the budgeting process

• Guide future developer land agreements

• Create consistent master plan across leadership changes

Architects Design Group Report 09/2012

18-Administrative Positions

18-On-Duty Shift Positions x3 shifts=54 1-Battalion Chief (Shift Commander) 3-Engine Companies x4 1-Ladder Company x5

Main Station

Position 2012 2020 2027

Fire Chief *

Assistant Chief *

Duty Officer (Lt) *

Administrative Secretary *

Safety Officer/Admin Aide *

Deputy Chief *

Fire Marshal *

Public Education Officer *

Inspectors * * *

Clerical/Administrative *

Deputy Chief/Training Off *

Trainer (2) * *

EMS Supervisor *

EMS Clerk *

Battalion Chief *

Captain/Lieutenant (2) *

Crew (8) * (2) *

Sub-Stations

Lieutenant *

Crew (4) *

Insurance Service Office (ISO) - ISO visits more than 46,000 communities around the country to collect information about their fire departments through its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule

(FSRS). The FSRS measures the major elements of a community’s fire suppression system and develops a numerical grading. ISO uses this information to assign a Public Protection

Classification number from 1 to 10 based on the response capabilities of the fire department.

Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the fire suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria.

Item 561 – Deployment Analysis (10 points) - A determination is made of the percentage of built upon area within 1½ miles of a first-due engine company and within 2½ miles of a first-due ladder-service company. (Bartow received 5.12 points out of 10 - 51.2%)

Item 571 – Credit for Company Personnel (15 points) - The on-duty strength is determined by the yearly average of total firefighters and company officers on-duty considering vacations, sick leave, holidays, “Kelley” days and other absences. When a fire department operates under a minimum staffing policy, this may be used in lieu of determining the yearly average of on-duty company personnel. The FSRS recognizes 4.50 on-duty personnel and an average of 0.83 on-call personnel responding on first alarm structure fires.

(Bartow received 2.99 points out of 15 - 19.93%)

ISO Class Points

1 90.00 or More

2 80.00 – 89.99

3 70.00 – 79.99

4 60.00 – 69.99

5 50.00 – 59.99

6 40.00 – 49.99

7 30.00 – 39.99

8 20.00 – 29.99

9 10.00 – 19.99

10 0.00 – 9.99

Bartow Last Four ISO Ratings (Total Points)

Year Points Class

1998 50.40 5

2011 61.16 4

2016 71.73 3

2022 56.30 5

Bartow Fire Department ISO Reports 1962-2022

Date ISO Class Recommendations (FD)

December 4, 1962 5 3. At least 3, preferably 4 on duty at all times

4. New engine

5. Station on southside of City with an additional pumper company

6. Training facility

7. Various equipment additions

June 15, 1977 5 Credit for Fire Department 1065 out of 1950 (54.62%)

March 28, 1985 5 (8/9) Credit for Fire Department 21.25 out of 50.00 (42.5%)

July 1, 1998 5 (5/9) 1. Engine companies, hose and equipment (Need 3, received 79% for Engine 1 and 85% for Engine 2)

5.48 out of 10.00

2. Reserve pumper and equipment (Received 78% for Engine 3)

0.52 out of 1.00

3. Available pump capacity 5.00 out of 5.00

4. Ladder and service company (Received 32% for AP1 and 40% for Engine 1)

1.73 out of 5.00

5. Reserve ladder and service comp.

(Received 32% for Tanker 1)

0.27 out of 1.00

6. Engine and Ladder response area 1.82 out of 4.00

7. Number of firefighters and officers 4.99 out of 15.00

8.Training facility and use (Received 19% due to lack of training area)

1.71 out of 9.00

Credit for Fire Department 21.25 out of 50.00 (43.04%) November 21, 2011 4 513. Credit for Engine companies 6.27 out of 10.00

523. Credit for reserve pumpers 0.31 out of 1.00

532. Credit for pumper capacity 5.00 out of 5.00

549. Credit for ladder service 4.49 out of 5.00

553. Credit for reserve ladder 0.11 out of 1.00

561. Credit for distribution 2.35 out of 4.00

571. Credit for Company Personnel 3.33 out of 15.00

581. Credit for Training 3.30 out of 9.00

Credit for Fire Department 25.16 out of 50.00 (50.32%) August 29, 2016 3 513. Credit for Engine companies 6.00 out of 6.00

523. Credit for reserve pumpers 0.00 out of 0.50

532. Credit for pump capacity 3.00 out of 3.00

549. Credit for ladder service 0.99 out of 4.00

553. Credit for reserve ladder 0.00 out of 0.50

561. Credit for deployment analysis 7.32 out of 10.00

571. Credit for Company Personnel 3.43 out of 15.00

581. Credit for Training 4.95 out of 9.00

730. Credit for operational considerations 2.00 out of 2.00

Credit for Fire Department 27.69 out of 50.00 (55.38%) March 16, 2022 5 513. Credit for Engine companies 5.96 out of 6.00

523. Credit for reserve pumpers 0.50 out of 0.50

532. Credit for pump capacity 3.00 out of 3.00

549. Credit for ladder service 1.10 out of 4.00

553. Credit for reserve ladder 0.00 out of 0.50

561. Credit for deployment analysis 5.12 out of 10.00

571. Credit for Company Personnel 2.99 out of 15.00

581. Credit for Training 2.79 out of 9.00

730. Credit for operational considerations 2.00 out of 2.00

Credit for Fire Department 23.07 out of 50.00 (46.14%)

March 15, 2000

Strategic Planning Inputs 2012-2015

Strategic Planning Inputs 2015-2022

Bartow Fire Department Budget - 5 Year Plans

2010-2015

2015-2021

2018-2023

2020-2025

2021-2026

2022-2027

SECTION IV

Guidelines, Standards and Accreditation

Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Home Furnishings (Pages 38-39) Video 40 Years ago (1982), you had 17 minutes to escape a fire, today you have 3 minutes.

The Fire Protection Handbook is a preeminent resource guide for the fire service. The Handbook identifies initial attack response capabilities for low, medium, and high hazard occupancies. (Page 40) Low Hazard Occupancies – one, two, or three family dwellings and scattered small businesses and industrial occupancies.

Operations response capability — At least 2 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 chief officer, and other specialized apparatus as may be needed: not less than 12 firefighters and 1 chief officer.

(And a Rapid Intervention Team)

City of Bartow Occupancy/Hazard Breakdown (Page 41)

NFPA Standard 1710/1500 (Pages 42-46)

5.2.4.1 Single-Family Dwelling Initial Full Alarm Assignment Capability. Total effective response fire with a minimum of 16 (17 if an aerial device is used).

Accreditation Process (Pages 46-47)

Comparison of Similar Sized Accredited Agencies to Bartow Fire Department (Page 48)

Comparison of Municipal Departments in Polk County to Bartow Fire Department (Page 49)

Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Home Furnishings Testing by the Underwriters Laboratory Fire Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI) has proven that due to the use of synthetic materials, furniture, and construction, fire spreads faster than ever before.

40 Years ago, you had 17 minutes to escape a fire, today you have 3 minutes.

FSRI captures a new side-by-side burn comparison of natural vs. synthetic furnished rooms.

Since the original comparison video was released in 2009, FSRI has repeated the same experiment several times with similar results in terms of flashover times between the natural and synthetic furnished rooms. The flashover data from those experiments are incorporated into this new video that displays with much crisper detail than its predecessor thanks to vast video technology enhancements.

Synthetic room contents:

The room containing synthetic materials is lined with a layer of 1/2 inch painted gypsum board and the floor is covered with polyolefin carpet and rebound polyurethane padding. The furnishings include a polyester fabric covered polyurethane foam filled sofa and loveseat, engineered wood coffee table, end table and television stand. The sofa has a polyester throw placed on its right side. The end tables each have a ceramic and metal lamp with a linen shade on top of a wire frame. The left end table also holds a picture frame made of vinyl laminate over a medium density fiberboard (MDF) frame with glass and cardboard. The right end table also holds a glass vase. The television stand holds a 35.5-inch flat screen TV. The coffee table holds a plastic basket filled with plastic fruit and a plastic TV remote control. To the left of the loveseat is a wicker basket at floor level made of woven seagrass with two polyester stuffed animals filled with polyester fill and beads. The rear wall has polyester curtains hanging from a metal rod and canvas wall art over a wooden frame.

Natural room contents:

The room containing natural materials is lined with 1/2-inch painted cement board and the floor is covered with hardwood flooring. The furnishings include a cotton covered, cotton padding sofa with a wood frame, a cotton covered, blended material filled loveseat, solid wood coffee table and two end tables, and a wooden TV cabinet. The large cotton sofa has a cotton blanket placed on its right side. Both end tables have a lamp with a linen fabric over a wire frame shade.

A wicker basket is located on the floor in front of the right side of the sofa at floor level. The coffee table holds two magazines, a plastic TV remote and a ceramic bowl filled with pinecones. The TV cabinet holds a CRT glass tube TV with a plastic casing. The rear wall has cotton curtains hanging from a metal rod and two pieces of wall art made of cardboard, glass and wooden frames.

Context When a fire burns in a house, it consumes oxygen and generates toxic products of combustion (smoke). Oxygen levels decrease as the toxic smoke spreads through the house. Smoke may incapacitate a building occupant near or remote from the fire room before flashover occurs.

Flashover is the transition phase in the development of a room fire in which fuel surfaces, exposed to thermal radiation from fire gases in excess of 600 degrees C (approximately 1100 degrees F), reach ignition almost simultaneously and fire spreads rapidly through the space.

The original inspiration:

In 2009, UL conducted an experiment to evaluate the impact that different household furnishing materials have on time to flashover in a residential fire. For years, the video capturing this experiment provided a tangible, visual proof point of how synthetic furnishings burn faster than natural. Similar to the new video, the original involved two identically sized living rooms containing similar furnishings with the variable of one containing natural materials while the other contained mainly synthetic materials.

Since the release of the original video, it has been a tangible example and foundation for discussion on the dangers of today’s fire environment not only for firefighters, but also for the public. Knowing the importance of sharing this research and dramatic visuals, FSRI decided to reconstruct the experiment and release a higher definition video to help spread the word.

Show Associated Video 2:31 https://fsri.org/research/new-comparison-natural-and-synthetic-home-furnishings#tabs-overview

The Fire Protection Handbook is a preeminent resource guide for the fire service. The

Handbook identifies initial attack response capabilities for low, medium, and high hazard occupancies.

High Hazard Occupancies - Schools, hospitals, nursing homes, explosives plants, refineries, high rise buildings, other high life hazard or large fire potential occupancies.

* Operations response capability — At least 4 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 2 chief officers, and other specialized apparatus may be needed to cope with the combustible involved: not less than 24 firefighters and 2 chief officers. *(a Rapid Intervention Team)

Medium Hazard Occupancies – Apartments, offices, mercantile and industrial occupancies not normally requiring extensive rescue or firefighting forces.

* Operations response capability — At least 3 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 chief officer, and other specialized apparatus as may be needed: not less than 16 firefighters and 1 chief officer. *(a Rapid Intervention Team)

Low Hazard Occupancies – one, two, or three family dwellings and scattered small businesses and industrial occupancies.

* Operations response capability — At least 2 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 chief officer, and other specialized apparatus as may be needed: not less than 12 firefighters and 1 chief officer. *(a Rapid Intervention Team)

Rural Operations – Scattered dwellings, small businesses, and farm buildings.

* Operations response capability — At least 1 engine with a large tank (500 gal or more), 1 mobile water supply apparatus (1,000 gal or larger), and such specialized apparatus as may be necessary to perform effective initial firefighting operations; at least 6 fire fighters and 1 chief officer. +(at least 12 firefighters and 1 chief officer) *(a

Rapid Intervention Team)

Additional Alarms At least the equivalent of that required for Rural Operations for second alarms; equipment as may be needed according to the type of emergency and capabilities of the fire department. This may involve the immediate use of mutual aid companies until local forces can be supplemented with additional off-duty personnel.

Fire Protection Handbook 16th Edition 1986 pg 15-92 Table 15-7A.

+Fire Protection Handbook 18th Edition 1997pg 10-34 Table 10-2A

*Fire Protection Handbook 19th Edition 2003 pg 7-36 Table 7.2.1

City of Bartow Occupancy/Hazard Breakdown

High Hazard Occupancies – at least 4 pumpers, 2 ladder trucks (or combination apparatus with equivalent capabilities), 2 chief officers and other specialized apparatus as may be needed to cope with the combustible involved; not less than 24 firefighters and 2 chief officers plus a safety officer and a rapid intervention team. Extra staffing of high hazard occupancies is advised.

Type

Schools 18 Campuses with over 140 buildings, 9 2-story and above

Hospitals 1 - 2-Story, 156,417 sq ft

Nursing Homes 5 – from 10,000-25,000 sq ft, 4—Detention type facilities, 1- Mental health facility 20,000 sq ft.

Hotels 2-4 story, 1-2 story

Refineries 1-Refinery, 2-bulk fuel storage facilities and 1-mixed compressed gas storage

High Rise Buildings 1-10 Stories

Other High Life Hazard 5-3 Story buildings with known disabled/persons needing assist to evacuate

Large Fire Potential 6-from 2,500 sq ft - 3,500,000 sq ft Listings are not complete as of 5/2022

Medium Hazard Occupancies – at least 3 pumpers, 1 ladder truck (or combination apparatus with equivalent capabilities) 1 chief officer and other specialized apparatus as may be needed or available; not less than 16 firefighters and 1 chief officer plus a safety officer and a rapid intervention team.

Type

Apartments 54 -multi story apartment buildings (1,132* units)

Offices Multiple from 1-5 stories

Mercantile 5 shopping centers, 2 big box stores, including 3 blocks downtown

Industrial Occupancies

Multiple with various hazards associated

Churches Over 50, as large as 3 stories with basements

Museum 1-3 Story with basement Listings are not complete as of 5/2022

Low Hazard Occupancies – at least 2 pumpers, 1 ladder truck (or combination apparatus with equivalent capabilities), 1 chief officer and other specialized apparatus as may be needed or available; not less than 12 firefighters and 1 chief officer plus a safety officer and a rapid intervention team.

Type

One, Two, or Three family Approximately 7,034 SFH (8,166 less 1,132*)

Scattered Small Businesses

Industrial Occupancies Listings are not complete as of 5/2022 *BFD Apartment, Condo, Townhouse Unit count 1,132

Current customer count via City of Bartow Customer Service billing listing. (3/2022)

Inside the City Utility Customers Residential- 8,166 Commercial- 841 Industrial- 195 Total 9,202

8,166 current residential + 6,000 = 14,166 x 2.5/ = 35,415 residents

NFPA Standard 1710 specifies the number of on-duty fire suppression personnel sufficient to carry out the necessary firefighting task operations given expected firefighting conditions in various hazard level occupancies. Though 1710 specifically addresses low hazard environments, it also mentions medium and high hazard levels as well.

5.2.2* Staffing. The number of on-duty fire suppression personnel shall be sufficient to perform the necessary fire-fighting operations given the expected fire-fighting conditions.

5.2.2.2* On-duty members assigned to fire suppression shall be organized into company units and shall have appropriate apparatus and equipment assigned to such companies.

5.2.2.2.1* The fire department shall identify minimum company staffing levels as necessary to meet the deployment criteria required in 5.2.4 to ensure that a sufficient number of members are assigned, on duty, and available to safely and effectively respond with each company.

5.2.3 Operating Units. Fire company staffing requirements shall be based on minimum levels necessary for safe, effective, and efficient emergency operations.

5.2.3.1 Engine Companies. Fire companies whose primary functions are to pump and deliver water and perform basic firefighting at fires, including search and rescue, shall be known as engine companies.

5.2.3.1.1 These companies shall be staffed with a minimum of four on-duty personnel.

5.2.3.2 Ladder/Truck Companies. Fire companies whose primary functions are to perform the variety of services associated with truck work, such as forcible entry, ventilation, search and rescue, aerial operations for water delivery and rescue, utility control, illumination, overhaul and salvage work, shall be known as ladder or truck companies.

5.2.3.2.1 These fire companies shall be staffed with a minimum of four on-duty members.

5.2.4 Deployment.

5.2.4.1 Single-Family Dwelling Initial Full Alarm Assignment Capability. Total effective response fire with a minimum of 16 (17 if an aerial device is used).

5.2.4.1.1* The initial full alarm assignment to a structure fire in a typical 2000 ft2 (186 m2), two-story single-family dwelling without basement and with no exposures shall provide for the following:

(1) Establishment of incident command outside of the hazard area for the overall coordination and direction of the initial full alarm assignment with a minimum of one member dedicated to this task (1)

(2) Establishment of an uninterrupted water supply of a minimum of 400 gpm (1520

L/min) for 30 minutes with supply line(s) maintained by an operator (1)

(3) Establishment of an effective water flow application rate of 300 gpm (1140 L/min) from two handlines, each of which has a minimum flow rate of 100 gpm (380 L/min) with each handline operated by a minimum of two members to effectively and safely maintain the line (4)

(4) Provision of one support member for each attack and backup line deployed to provide hydrant hookup and to assist in laying of hose lines, utility control, and forcible entry (2)

(5) Provision of at least one victim search and rescue team with each such team consisting of a minimum of two members (2)

(6) Provision of at least one team, consisting of a minimum of two members, to raise ground ladders and perform ventilation (2)

(7) If an aerial device is used in operations, one member to function as an aerial operator to maintain primary control of the aerial device at all times (1)

(8) At a minimum, an initial rapid intervention crew (IRIC) assembled from the initial attack crew and, as the initial alarm response arrives, a full and sustained rapid intervention crew (RIC) established (4)

(9) Total effective response force with a minimum of 16 (17 if an aerial device is used)

Comments on highlighted areas:

Item 3 normally gets one handline, 4 routinely assisted by PD or citizens to accomplish, all others do not get done unless other assistance arrives.

NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program was developed to provide a consensus standard for an occupational safety and health program for the fire service. The intent of this standard is to provide the framework for a safety and health program for a fire department or any type of organization providing similar services. This standard sets the minimum safety guidelines for personnel involved in rescue, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials operations, and special operations (§ 1-2.1).

The standard is designed to help prevent and reduce the severity of accidents, injuries and exposures (§ 1-2.2). Specifically, the standard addresses the following: the organization of a safety and health program, the training requirements of personnel, maintenance and operation requirements of vehicles and equipment, protective clothing requirements, emergency operations management, medical and physical requirements of fire fighters, and wellness programs.

8.5.17 Initial attack operations shall be organized to ensure that if, on arrival at the emergency scene, initial attack personnel find an imminent life-threatening situation where immediate action could prevent the loss of life or serious injury, such action shall be permitted with less than four personnel when conducted in accordance with 8.5.5.

8.5.17.1 No exception as permitted in 8.5.17 shall be allowed when there is no possibility to save lives.

8.5.17.2 Any such actions taken in accordance with 8.5.17 shall be thoroughly investigated by the fire department with a written report submitted to the fire chief.

8.5.5 Crew members operating in hazardous areas shall be in communication with each other through visual, audible, or physical means or safety guide rope, in order to coordinate their activities.

Fire Department Accreditation — The accreditation program is a comprehensive self-assessment and evaluation model that enables fire and emergency service organizations to examine past, current, and future service levels and performance and compare them to industry best practices. This process leads to improved service delivery by helping fire departments:

* Determine community risk and safety needs

* Evaluate the performance of the department

* Establish a method for achieving continuous organizational improvement

Accredited agencies are often described as being community-focused, data-driven, outcome-focused, strategic-minded, well organized, properly equipped, and properly staffed and trained.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ACHIEVE ACCREDITATION?

Timelines for achieving accreditation vary based on the organization’s capabilities, team size, expertise, and commitment. Currently, agencies have reported they spend approximately 2,000 hours preparing the required accreditation documents and up to 13,000 hours addressing all things they learn from the self-assessment. It is our experience that agencies generally take 3-5 years to work through the process to achieve accredited status.

2,000/8=250 days or 8.3 months 13,000/8=1,625 days or 54 months or 4.5 years.

$600. Registration fee $7,000+ for total accreditation process

• There are over 27,176 Fire Departments in the United States (US Fire Admin.)

• 295 – (1.09%) of U.S. Fire Departments are Accredited Agencies

• 194 – (0.71%) of U.S. Fire Departments are Registered Agencies

• 35 – (0.13%) of U.S. Fire Departments are Applicant/Candidate Agencies

• Total 524 – (1.93%) of U.S. Fire Departments are in some process of accreditation

Fire Department Comparison Accredited Florida Agencies

Agency

Bartow Fire Department Population 20,978 (FF/Capita .95) Stations 1 ISO 3 5

Growth Rate since 2010 21.27% Square Mi 52.36 Density 453.90/sq mi Staff 20 Fulltime

Square Mi 10.25 Density 2046.63/sq mi

2022 Department Budget $2,650,624 (4.91% of municipal budget)

Mount Dora Fire Dept. Population 15,455 (FF/Capita 2.00) Stations 2 ISO 2

Growth Rate Since 2010 24.94% Square Mi 8 Density 1923.40/sq mi Staff 31 Fulltime

2022 - Department Budget $3,313,190 (13.37% of municipal budget)

Maitland Fire Rescue Population 16,785 (FF/Capita 2.74) Stations 2 ISO 1

Growth Rate Since 2010 6.56% Square Mi 5.4 Density 3124.0/ sq mi Staff 46 Fulltime, 1 P/T

2021 - Department Budget $5,919,500 (11.60% of municipal budget)

Lake Mary Fire Dept. Population 18,058 (FF/Capita 2.49) Stations 2 ISO 2

Growth Rate Since 2010 30.65% Square Mi 9.1 Density 1988.80/sq mi Staff 45 Fulltime

2022 - Department Budget $6,159,737 (16.33% of municipal budget)

Temple Terrace Fire Dept. Population 26,426 (FF/Capita 2.23) Stations 2 ISO 1

Growth Rate Since 2010 7.68% Square Mi 7.3 Density 3624.30/sq mi Staff 59 Fulltime

2022 - Department Budget $8,252,342 (25.98% of municipal budget)

Winter Park Fire Rescue Population 29,937 (FF/Capita 2.67) Stations 3 ISO 1

Growth Rate Since 2010 7.49% Square Mi 8.7 Density 3427.70/sq mi Staff 80 Fulltime

2022 - Department Budget $13,423,415 (7.87% of municipal budget)

Clermont Fire Department Population 44,396 (FF/Capita 2.00) Stations 4 ISO 1

Growth Rate Since 2010 54.46% Square Mi 15.9 Density 2787.80/sq mi Staff 89 Fulltime

2019 - Department Budget $9,806,754 (6.29% of municipal budget)

Coral Gables Fire Dept. Population 48,425 (FF/Capita 2.87) Stations 3 ISO 1

Growth Rate Since 2010 3.52% Square Mi 12.9 Density 3746.0/sq mi Staff 139 Fulltime

2022 - Department Budget $30,420,731 (11.34% of municipal budget)

Ocoee Fire Department Population 49,715 (FF/Capita 1.45) Stations 4 ISO 1

Growth Rate Since 2010 39.73% Square Mi 15.3 Density 3247.6/sq mi Staff 72 Fulltime, 1 P/T

2022 - Department Budget $8,167,564 (10.38% of municipal budget)

Fire Department Comparison Polk County Municipal Departments

Agency

Bartow Fire Department Population 20,978 (FF/Capita .95) Stations 1 ISO 3 5

Square Mi 52.36 Staff 20 Fulltime

Haines City Fire Department Population 25,178 (FF/Capita 1.46) Stations 2 ISO 4

Square Mi 18.9 Staff 37 Fulltime

Lake Wales Fire Department Population 17,305 (FF/Capita 1.90) Stations 2 ISO 3

Square Mi 18.8 Staff 33 Fulltime

Auburndale Fire Department Population 17,200 (FF/Capita 1.33) Stations 1 ISO 3

Square Mi 20.58 Staff 24 Fulltime

Winter Haven Fire Department Population 48,917 (FF/Capita 1.43) Stations 5 ISO 3

Square Mi 32.2 Staff 70 Fulltime

Lakeland Fire Department Population 117,281 (FF/Capita 1.55) Stations 7 ISO 1

Square Mi 84 Staff 182 Fulltime

Section V

What we do, How we do it, What we need and How we get there

What we do: (Page 51) Core services to include Fire Suppression, Rescue/Extrication, Fire/Explosion Response &

Investigation, Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Material Response/Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness and Response.

Non-emergency services provided Fire Prevention/Inspections and Plans Review, Blood

Pressure Checks, Lift Assists, Public Education, Sharps Container Program (Used needle drop-off), Pre-

Incident Planning, Fire Extinguisher Training, Safe-Haven Program, Safe Baby Drop-Off Program.

How we do it: (Page 52) Six personnel per shift with a minimum of four (Established in 1998).

• Two Engines respond to SF residential.

• Engine and Ladder to commercial or multi-story fire.

Fire Prevention Chief, Training Chief and Administrative Assistant 1999 – 2009

• Only one position filled

Increase in simultaneous calls (20+% as noted in Tindale -Oliver report, 2010).

Unable to meet excepted standard of cover as previously discussed.

Increase in response time for mutual aid units.

• Increase in calls in their response area.

• Increase in traffic

Fire Assessment Fee (Page 54) Bartow $111.50 vs Polk County $242.

What We Need and How We Get There (Page 57)

People, Places, Things & Trigger Points

Next Steps (Page 58) See table

Apparatus Staffing Plan (Page 59-62) See table

What We Do The members of the Bartow Fire Department maintain a constant state of readiness to respond 24 hours a day, 7days a week, 365 days a year to disasters and emergencies both manmade and nature caused.

The core services provided by the Bartow Fire Department to our community include:

• Fire Suppression

• Rescue/Extrication

• Fire/Explosion Investigation

• Emergency Medical Services

• Hazardous Material Response/Mitigation

• Disaster Preparedness and Response

Additional non-emergency services provided:

• Fire Prevention/Inspections & Plans

Review

• Blood Pressure Checks

• Lift Assists

• Public Education

• Sharps Container Program (Used needle drop-off)

• Pre-Incident Planning

• Fire Extinguisher Training

• Safe-Haven Program

• Safe Baby Drop-Off Program

BFD disposes over 1,700 pounds of needles per year.

Over 21 tons since inception.

As a community-oriented fire department we strive to do more than just emergency response.

Sept 2021Assisted Bartow Golf staff with watering the greens while irrigation was down.

9/30-10/5 we applied 18,300 gallons of water using 27.25-man hours.

How We Do It For more than thirty years the standard response plan in the city to a single-family residential fire has been two engines. A commercial or larger fire will get an engine and the ladder. Either of these calls or two simultaneous calls exhaust the available on duty staffing (minimum staffing of 4) meaning until off duty personnel are reached to staff the station or mutual aid units can reach the city, there are no available units to respond to calls.

(Simultaneous calls are occurring with more frequency, currently at a rate of 20+%, Tindale-Oliver Fire Facilities Plan, 2010)

The standard staffing plan prior to 1998 was 5 personnel per shift (4 minimum).

In 1998 an additional person was added to each shift bringing them to 6. Each shift is run by a shift lieutenant (or OIC in their absence); calls are triaged by the lieutenant/OIC and response is determined based on severity and ability to respond. Although the volunteer’s response was waning in those years, they served as supplemental responders and usually 1-5 would show up when requested.

In 1999, two deputy chiefs were promoted, and an administrative assistant was hired. With their efforts, critical activities like pre-emergency planning, inspections and training were improved.

These activities helped improve our operation and ISO rating as previously shown.

In 2006-7 both deputy chiefs retired, and in 2008 our administrative assistant resigned to move away. Only our deputy chief of prevention (fire marshal) has been replaced.

We are currently unable to meet a National Standard of Cover such as ones listed by the Fire Protection Handbook, NFPA 1710 or any of the agencies accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). Meaning critical activities during emergency calls go undone or are delayed due to lack of staff. Additionally, as has been documented by our consultants, extended response times mean fires will grow larger and medical events become more critical or worse.

Mutual aid, a concept where communities assist each other on the rare occasions when local resources are insufficient to cover an emergency event, has become a common requirement to regularly cover the city.

A recent mutual aid request took twenty-nine (29) minutes to fill. On a different mutual aid request, the nearest available unit was a truck from the Cypress Gardens station, 13.9 miles and 24 minutes away.

Nearest Mutual Aid Stations with a Ladder/Truck

Medulla L2 2523 Ewell Rd, 33813 12.1 miles 21 mins

Lakeland L15 701 E Main St, 33801 12.4 miles 20 mins

Cypress Gdns L18 2101 Register Rd, 33884 13.7 miles 24 mins

Nearest Mutual Aid Stations with an Engine

*Highland City E28 4101 Clubhouse Road, 33846 5.7 miles 11 mins

Peace Creek E19 5361 Rifle Range Rd, 33830 7.9 miles 11 mins

Mulberry E15 900 5th Street NE, 33860 8.0 miles 11 mins

Eagle Lake E17 185 South 3rd. Street, 33839 8.2 miles 12 mins

Lakeland E5 3101 Lakeland Highlands Rd, 33803 10.2 miles 16 mins

Ft Meade VFD E761 12 North Albritton Street, 33841 11.5 miles 16 mins

Ft Meade E10 1235 9th Street NE, 33841 11.7 miles 16 mins

Willow Oak E8 4210 Willis Rd, 33860 12 miles 16 mins

Lakeland E11 701 E Main St, 33801 12.4 miles 20 mins Based on Google Maps using BFD address 110 E Church St 3/2022 *Station moving to a new location soon per PCFR.

If we were staffed, equipped, and located to a basic acceptable level neither of these requests would have been necessary. Our fellow fire service and public safety brothers and sisters are equally busy in their communities. Even if they are immediately available in their stations, an 11–16-minute response time is unacceptable.

We can and we should be doing better for our citizens, visitors and employees. Our consultants have shown us how, the data tells us how, our experience has taught us how. It is now time to take the necessary steps to improve our system before it is too late.

Bartow Fire Department

Current Organizational Chart

Since 2009 the FD has been without an admin assistant and a deputy chief/training.

Fire Chief

Deputy Chief

Shift -1

Lieutenant

Shift -2

Shift -3

OIC/Fire Driver OIC/Fire Driver OIC/Fire Driver

4-Fire Drivers 4-Fire Drivers 4-Fire Drivers

Bartow Fire Department Apparatus Listing

Apparatus Year/Age/Status Water Capacity Pump Capacity

Engine 2 2016/8/Front-line 1,000 gal 1500 gpm

Engine 3 2003/19/Front-line 1,000 gal 1500 gpm

Ladder 1 2000/22/Front-line 500 gal 2000 gpm

Engine 1 1995/27/Active Reserve 500 gal 1250 gpm

Tanker 1 1987/35/OOS* @ Fleet 1,500 gal 1000 gpm *Out Of Service

Fire Assessment Fee The City Commission enacted Ordinance No. 2009-09 which authorized the imposition of annual Fire Protection Assessments for fire protection services, facilities and programs against…