As deputy chief of Durango Fire, I would like to take the opportunity to discuss the Operations Division of the department.
The Operations Division covers all aspects of call response, including: EMS, structure fire response, wildland calls, volunteers, technical rescue, part-time employees (reserve program), seasonal wildland program, training and all other aspects of responding to the public’s need.
In 2015, Durango Fire Protection District responded to 4,831 calls, which is a 5 percent increase in our call volume from 2014. We did see a 10 percent increase in EMS calls and a decrease in wildland calls because of our wet summer last year, which equals the 5 percent overall increase. Our call volume has been steadily increasing at 7 to 8 percent annually since 2011. Last year’s 4,831 calls were handled by 70 volunteers, 54 paid staff members (three shifts of 18 personnel) and 24 part-time members. In addition, the majority of our administrative staff are emergency responders with certifications and training to respond to emergencies. Our staff numbers increased in 2012 when we added a crew at Station 3 (County Road 250/32nd Street), adding two personnel per shift.
Last year’s call breakdown looks like this: 70 percent EMS (medical), 12 percent scheduled transports (ambulance transport of patients to and from the airport, nursing home to hospital, urgent cares to hospital, etc), 5 percent fire alarms, 6 percent fires and 7 percent other (hazmat, rope rescue, river rescue, etc).
Our department has the following resources to provide service to our community: Six advanced life support ambulances, 18 fire engines, two ladder trucks, three rescue trucks, nine water tankers, eight brush trucks, one hazardous materials truck, plus multiple support vehicles for air, maintenance, snow plowing and command staff response. Those resources are distributed into 16 stations throughout our 325 square miles district that spans over 58 miles in length. In addition, we provide EMS coverage to Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District (western La Plata County), and mutual aid assisting the neighboring fire districts for structure fires, wildland fires, etc.
The fire district, call volume and calls for service have changed significantly since I started as a volunteer with Animas Fire Protection District in 1990. What has not changed is our outstanding, dedicated responders who are trained to meet your and our district’s needs.
If you are interested in joining our department and being a part of the DFPD community, our next volunteer class will begin this summer. Please visit our website, durangofirerescue.org, to learn more about volunteer opportunities, job openings and department functions. You can also follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/durangofirerescue, or on Twitter for updates on current emergencies and events at twitter.com/DurangoFire.
Randy Black is the deputy chief of operations for Durango Fire Protection District. Reach him by email at blackrk@durangofirerescue.org.
