The City of Carlsbad has announced the results of a comprehensive Fire Department planning study that found the city is providing a high level of fire service that meets or exceeds the community’s current needs.  The report also offered recommendations that can be considered by city leaders over time as fiscal conditions allow.

“This is a great validation of the hard work and professionalism of our staff,” said Carlsbad Fire Chief Kevin Crawford.  “The Carlsbad community is well protected, and that is our number one goal.”

The city hired Citygate Associates, in May 2008, to conduct the study, which included looking at fire station coverage and staffing levels, fire department management, fire prevention efforts and the cost of potential changes to the department.  Over the years, the city has brought in outside experts to look at other core services, most recently police, development processing, and parks and recreation, to identify opportunities to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

The Fire Department study found:

• The city has a well-run and smoothly functioning fire department.
• Fires are being suppressed and medical calls are being answered with excellent patient care.
• The community can take pride in and feel confident about its fire department.
• By delivering paramedics via fire engines and ambulances, the city has committed to a higher level of emergency medical care than is typical in urban areas of California.
• The department’s internal culture is described as motivated and forward-looking.
• The city has made a serious commitment to disaster preparedness planning, training and logistical support.
• The city has adequate fire station coverage, partially because of its automatic aid relationship with neighboring fire departments.

Some of the study’s recommendations for future enhancements to fire service include:

• Increase staffing levels for fire prevention inspections and public education by one “full time equivalent” position.
• Increase office support positions by 1.75 full time equivalent positions to support fire headquarters and fire prevention.
• Hire a three person crew at fire station five to support a sixth fire engine.
• Add a fourth firefighter per day to staff the ladder truck to build a more effective team.
• Relocate and replace fire station 3.
• Design and replace fire stations 1 and 2 (listed as a long term goal).

“This report gives the city the information it needs to make informed decisions about future planning for fire services that have the greatest benefit for the community,” said Crawford.  “It’s a wonderful resource.”