june 2019(1)

City of Rochester Hills Fire and Emergency Services Monthly Report for June 2019

To: The Honorable Mayor Bryan Barnett and the esteemed members of the Rochester Hills City Council From: Sean M. Canto - Chief of Fire and Emergency Services Ladies and Gentlemen: The primary purpose of this report is to keep the officials of the City of Rochester Hills informed as to the activities and programs of the Rochester Hills Fire and Emergency Services Department. As a second purpose, this report will be shared with the Officers and all fire personnel in the organization to illustrate how their day-to-day activities benefit the citizens and the community of Rochester Hills. Call Data: Total Incidents June 2019: 641 (Approximately 32% of these incidents occurred in Senior Congregate Housing / Skilled Nursing Facilities) Total number of mutual aid coverage / requests: 1 - No Rochester Hills Fire Department units were available during these times. Total Incidents Year-to-Date: 3,736 Year-to-Date comparison 2018 to 2019: 3,618 (2018) 3,736 (2019)

Operations Bureau Deputy Chief - Todd Gary Shift Commanders - Bat. Chief Tim Quaine, Bat. Chief Rogers Claussen, Bat. Chief Jerry Yurgo Fire Suppression Division The Operations Division has begun to track on a more accurate basis the number of “Concurrent Incidents” that are happening. This graph details that out of the 641 incidents that occurred in June, 335 times (52 percent) additional incidents were taking place at the same time. As this happens the department’s resources are stretched thin, if not depleted. The department will continue to monitor this information closely. The growing number of incidents continues to cause our concurrent incident totals to rise once again. We pay close attention to these totals to ensure we can respond to simultaneous emergencies quickly enough and with enough personnel. Call concurrency examines the frequency of multiple calls occurring during the same time that units are still committed to a previous call. This situation affects the ability of the organization to commit additional resources to respond to additional calls as they occur.

Members responded to 114 calls for service. The Department responded to twelve (12) incidents that resulted in $11,800 in damages. On June 2, 2019, the Rochester Hills Fire Department was dispatched to assist the Washington Township Fire Department with a residential structure fire located at 6463 West Road. Rochester Hills Ladder 5 and Battalion 1 arrived to a working fire in a second floor bedroom. Crews quickly got the fire under control. Rochester Hills Fire Department members assisted with overhaul and ventilation. No civilian or firefighter injuries occurred at the incident. The fire was believed to have been ignited by an unattended candle in the bedroom. Residential Structure Fire 6463 West Road Washington Township According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2012-2016, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 8,200 home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 80 deaths, 770 injuries and $264 million in direct property damage. Please see the following safety material related to candles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xOyMBJ-b44 https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/CandleSafetyTips.pdf https://www.nfpa.org/~/media/files/public-education/resources/safety-tip- sheets/religious_candles_safety_tips.pdf http://candles.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Candle-Fire-Safety-Rules.pdf

On June 3, 2019 the Rochester Hills Fire Department was dispatched to M-59 and Dequindre for a reported multi-vehicle accident involving a semi-truck with reported entrapment. Rochester Hills Alpha 22 arrived and reported seven (7) vehicles involved with three (3) patients, two (2) of which were entrapped. Rochester Hills Chief 1 requested additional resources from the City of Auburn Hills Fire Department and the City of Rochester Fire Department. Rochester Hills Engine 1 began extricating the two (2) patients assited by City of Rochester Squad 1. Additional ambulances handled paperwork for patients refusing treatment or transport. A total of three (3) patients were transported to Troy Beaumont Hospital.

On June 3, 2019 the Rochester Hills Fire Department was requested by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department to respond to 2960 Crooks Road for a vehicle into a building. Rochester Hills Alpha 23 arrived and confirmed that there were no injuries. Rochester Hills Chief 1 and Battalion 1 arrived and Rochester Hills Rescue 1 was requested. Additionally contact was made to the Rochester Hills Building Department to evaluate the structural damage to the building. Once the vehicle was removed members shored the wall to provide support and prevent additional structural damage. On June 26, 2019, the Rochester Hills Fire Department was dispatched to 3279 Aquinas Drive for a reported residential structure. Rochester Hills Tower Ladder 4 arrived on-scene and reported light smoke showing, and upon further investigation found a fire in the laundry room. The fire was quickly contained to the dryer and crews began ventilation. Rochester Hills Alpha 25 evaluated the elderly homeowner who was complaining of trouble breathing due to smoke inhalation. No firefighter injuries were reported As units were clearing the Aquinas Drive incident, Rochester Hills Fire was dispatched to 48 Quail Street for a reported structure fire. Since most of the departments units were in the north end of the city during rush hour, assistance was requested from the City of Auburn Hills and the City of Rochester. Rochester Hills Ladder 3 arrived as bystanders were attempting to extinguish the fire on the exterior of the manufacturered home. Rochester Hills Ladder 3 and Auburn Hills Ladder 1 contained the blaze and performed overhaul. The

fire appeared to have started from improperly disposed smoking material. No civilian or firefighter injuries occurred at the incident. On June 28, 2019 the Rochester Hills Fire Department was dispatched for a reported residential structure fire at 202 Grosvenor Drive. Rochester Hills Engine 1 and Battalion 1 arrived on-scene and after investigation found a haze of smoke inside the home with the odor of wood burning. Engine 1 crew advised that smoke was visibly coming from the back of the electrical meter box. Battalion 1 requested DTE and Consumers to the scene, and requested that DTE remotely shut off the electrical to the SMART Meter. Crews opened the wall and found fire running along the joist. The resident advised they had been performing replacement of an exterior hose bib near the area. While performing the work they had used a torch from the interior and stated they had been using a fire blanket to block heat, and also had drilled through the exterior masonry to open up the hole. Each year in the United States approximately 5,580 fires amounting to $208,000,000 in damages are listed as being caused by plumbing torches, burners, and soldering equipment. Many older buildings have pipe chases that do not have proper fire stopping installed, and or, balloon frame construction that virtually creates a chimney from the basement to the attic. Insulation may be installed that is combustible, just waiting for the touch of a torch flame or, even just a spark to ignite. Drafts may be present in walls that suck the flame into contact with combustible materials. Metals may conduct heat from contact with a torch along the metal to combustible materials igniting them. There is also just plain careless work being done in close contact with combustible building materials.

Emergency Medical Services Division Division Head - Captain Tim Matz Total number of EMS runs: 527 Total number of cardiac arrest: eight (8), the ages ranged from 45 to 87. Four (4) of the patient were transported to a hospital for continued care. Total number of Narcan calls: two (2), both patient were suspected opioid overdoses. Both were transported for further care. EMS Training Rehabilitation section of the Incident command control chart. We discussed the reason rehab is important and how to set up a rehab area at the scene of an emergency, the nutritional needs expected at a scene , and what needs the personnel may have. Rehab is challenging in the best of weather and even more so when the temperatures soar or plunge. This training allowed the department to plan ahead so our personnel are able to handle these challenging days. NFPA 1584 contains specific requirements for the medical monitoring of firefighters in on-scene rehab. The on-scene rehabilitation of firefighters engaged in emergency operations is not a stand-alone activity. Rather, it should be an integral part of a fire department’s health and wellness program for its members. Several studies of the physiological effects on firefighters working in PPE indicate that firefighters experience significant cardiovascular and thermal strain as measured during rehabilitation following active firefighting tasks. Heat-related illness is serious business, and firefighters are particularly at risk when temperatures hit the 80s to 90s and humidity hovers around 80 percent. Hydration is critical, but it’s easy for firefighters to get

overheated due to the combination of fireground conditions, protective equipment and summer heat. When heat-related illnesses set in, it is important to quickly recognize the signs and apply the proper treatment. Providing firefighter rehab in the cold can be more difficult than in the heat. The freeze-thaw-freeze cycle is especially rough on the body. Aside from slips and falls due to icy conditions, firefighters face several cold- related injuries. Which include; frostnip, frostbite, cold immersion foot, and hypothermia. See video below in reference to Firefighter Rehabilitation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmnxQI-TWA Community Risk Reduction Division Division Head - Assistant Chief Bill Cooke The Community Risk Reduction Division highlights for the month of June 2019 included the following: Fire Safety Inspections: 13 Follow-up Inspections: 24 Plan Reviews: 14 FOIA Requests: 5 Professional Development (Training Hours): 31 hours Infant Car Seat Installation and Checks: 5 Burn Permits: 35 Public Education Activities Schools: 7 presentations totaling 141 individuals Daycares (Pre-K): 2 presentations totaling 50 individuals Station Tours: 5 presentations totaling 116 individuals During the month of June, Community Risk Reduction members completed this year’s smoke alarm campaign at the Avon on the Lakes Mobile Home Park. This program, sponsored by the State of Michigan’s Fire Marshal’s Office, allowed our organization to install 392 new smoke alarms and 100 carbon monoxide alarms. Citizens that were in need of new alarms received these free of charge and now are provided with a 10-year, maintenance free alarm device. Thank you to our Division Members for assisting in organizing this event and for their dedication in fire and life safety in our community. Community Risk Reduction members Assistant Chief Cooke and Captain Mayes attended a two day training on Sport and Special Event Enhanced Risk Management and Assessment. This training was for large venues, indoor, and outdoors. Overall goals of the training was to provide the tools and methodologies for conducting venue-specific and event-specific risk assessments. This training was provided through FEMA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Finally during the month of June, members assisted in preparation for the 2019 Festival of the Hills event at Borden Park. This event requires permits, inspections and approvals from our division in aspects related to the display of fireworks in a public setting, providing and maintaining a safe fall out zone during the fireworks show including coordination with the fireworks display company, inspection of food trucks and temporary membrane structures. Efforts also include the posting of no parking signs through the adjacent subdivisions

to help ensure access of these residential areas during the event. Staff also provided training to our department members in preparation of this year’s show. In addition, our organization was provided the ability to test a new incident management system that has been made available from Oakland County Homeland Security. This system allows for large incidents such as the Festival of the Hills to be organized and documented from the beginning to the end of the day’s activities. Hats off to the division for helping to assist in providing a safe environment to our visitors and residents of Rochester Hills. Training Bureau Division Head - Captain Larry Gambotto During the month of June 2019, members of the Rochester Hills Fire Department received nearly 482 hours of Fire and EMS professional development. Year-to-date, members have completed over 3780 hours of training. This month’s topics included Water Supply, Fire Fighter Rehabilitation, Festival of the Hills Incident Action Plan, and Battalion Training. Fire Training During this month’s Fire training members were instructed and practiced water supply drill per NFPA 1410 Standard on Training for Emergency Scene Operations. The 1410 document is a training standard designed to provide fire departments with an objective method of measuring performance for fire suppression and rescue procedures using available personnel and equipment. In addition, crews practiced pulling and repacking new hose loads based on Nozzle Forward techniques learned last month. Special Training For this month’s special training, Assistant Chief Bill Cooke studied large-scale festival incidents and reviewed the 2019 Festival of the Hills Incident Action Plan. The Festival requires many different components including Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, and Code Enforcement. Fire personnel work with the Oakland County Sheriffs, Rochester Hills Parks, Birmingham Fire personnel and area Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) during the Festival and utilize a Unified Incident Command structure. Crews prep for large-scale medical emergencies reviewing Triage, Treatment, Transport and Communications per Oakland County Medical Protocols.

Battalion Training This month crews visited the Tree Runner Adventure Park at Oakland University, reviewed building constructions and thermal imaging cameras. Outside Training Building on the outstanding training programs developed by Dave Dodson, The 5-Reads is a class developed by the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) for Company Officers, Incident Safety Officers and Chief Officers where they can learn to take their ability to read five (5) Critical Factors at any emergency response to the next level. Division Chief Mike Richardson delivered a scaled-down version of the class to RHFD members. This class reviewed and emphasized the significance of the 5-Reads which included: •Risk: Identification, Evaluation, Prioritization, Mitigation, and Monitoring •Buildings: Type, Era, Use, Size, Related Hazards and Predicting Collapse •Smoke: Volume, Velocity, Density, Color, Influencing Factors, and Predicting Fire Behavior •Hazardous Energy: Thermal, Mechanical, Wind, Chemical, Electrical, Water •Firefighters: Capabilities, Mental and Physical Status Using the key information gained from reading these five (5) Critical Factors, plans can be formulated and actions taken to insure both effective and safe emergency response operations.

Administration Bureau On June 1 , the Rochester Hills Fire Department assisted with Paddlepalooza. The department positioned st members at key areas along the Clinton River where a beginner paddler may have difficulty. This year the department assisted two (2) individuals that were struggling and another half dozen that wanted to get off the river. Attached you will find a link with some hopeful tips. https://paddling.com/learn/top-5-kayak-safety-rules/ On June 26 , the Rochester Hills Fire Department opened the City’s Emergency Operations Center in th support of the Festival in the Hills. The Rochester Hills Fire Department staffed several units within the park to assist with any incidents. This event requires permits, inspections and approvals from our Community Risk Reduction Division in aspects related to the display of fireworks in a public setting, providing and maintaining a safe fall out zone during the fireworks show including coordination with the fireworks display company, inspection of food trucks and temporary membrane structures. In addition, our organization was provided the ability to test a new incident management system that has been made available from Oakland County Homeland Security. This system allows for large incidents such as the Festival of the Hills to be organized and documented from the beginning to the end of the day’s activities. Here are the data points related to this year's Festival of the Hills Event. 1. There were a total of 14 incident numbers assigned during this year's operational period (1630-0000 hours). a. Three (3) incidents occurred within the park (2 SNR and 1 transport) and; b. Two (2) incidents location outside the park associated with the event i. Vehicle Accident- Auburn and Rochester

ii. Vehicle vs Pedestrian- Rochester and Drexelgate 2. Two (2) structure fires were dispatched during the operational period. 3. There were a total of 28 assists at the First Aid Tent during the event. 4. 21 were medical related requests mostly resulting from cuts, abrasions and blisters Thank you to the City of Rochester Fire Department for covering the Northeast Corner of our City and the City of Birmingham Fire Department for assisting at the First Aid Tent at the Festival. On another note in reciprocity, the City of Rochester Hills Fire Department will be sending an EMS Unit to assist the City of Birmingham on one (1) of the days during the “Dream Cruise”. Finally, Macomb Township Firefighter Joe Warne took on the endeavor of walking 140 miles for cancer- fighting funds. Joe Warne departed from Macomb Township Fire Department Station 2 on June 5 enroute th to Grand Rapids. The plan was for FF. Warne to travel an average of 35 miles a day on foot and to arrive in Michigan’s second largest city June 8 . FF. Warne attempted the walk wearing firefighter bunker gear to help th Michigan firefighters battling cancer. He had roughly 50 pounds of gear including a coat, pants, airpack and helmet. He also carried an American flag on his journey. FF. Warne said 80% of what is raised will be going directly to the families battling cancer in Michigan. As of June 7, over $11,200 was raised. FF. Warne stopped by Rochester Hills Fire Station # 3 while on the road. The Rochester Hills Fire Department wishes FF. Warne safe travels during his journey.