Letter From Fire Chief Beery
Welcome to the City of Chico Fire Department Web Site! This site is still growing and will have many features added in the future. I recommend all visitors bookmark this site and return frequently. If you have any questions, comments or requests, please call or E-Mail the Fire Department.
The year 2008 again finds your city investing in improvements that will make your families and businesses safer from the ravages of fires and the many other types of emergencies that we respond to.
This past year the City has expanded and modernized the airport fire station. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided substantial funding for housing the new larger aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle.
The new Fire Station 6 at W. 8th Avenue and Highway 32 has completed schematic design and is awaiting final approval to move forward to bidding. The City also recently closed escrow on the property for the future Fire Station 7 at Hicks Lane and Eaton Road.
In early 2008, the Department took delivery of a small replacement wildland fire engine for Station 4. The vehicle is a 4x4 and will allow the crew to operate more safely and effectively at offroad vegetation fires.
The year 2007 saw the number of emergencies we respond to increase from 8,854 to 9,545. This is nearly double the population growth of the City. This 8% increase puts greater pressure on both the limited number of firefighters on duty and those behind the scenes such as 9-1-1 dispatchers and the fire mechanics who maintain our fleet. We must recognize them for continuing the exemplary level of service under increasingly demanding conditions.
The Department's Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bureau continues its comprehensive public safety education program for the university, schools, children and the elderly. A revamped Fire Code program is helping our community prevent and become more prepared for fires.
The City continues to maintain its enviable fire insurance rating of an ISO 2. This independent rating brings savings to both homeowners and businesses and helps attract new jobs to our community. In May of 2004, the City hosted the field re-rating that takes place every 10 years. The results were released in March 2005 and the City retained its ISO Class 2 rating.
Technology plays a significant part in improving service. The Council and Homeland Security grants have funded thermal imaging cameras and remote transmitting system that not only lets us see through the dark and smoke, but allows what is being seen to be transmitted to the Command Post. The City has also received Homeland Security funding for a "reverse 911" system that helps get out the word when a significant emergency occurs such as the wind storm in early 2008. The most recent grant provided 60 new VHF digital portable radios which will be assigned to every department vehicle.
The 111 full-time and volunteer members of the Chico Fire Department thank you for your continuing support and respect. Your commitment to public safety is part of what makes Chico the great place it is to live.
Thanks and have a safe 2008.
James Beery,
Fire Chief