Staunton Fire Protection District Answers Common Community Service Questions

In an effort to better inform the Staunton area about their operations, the Staunton Fire Protection District has instituted a monthly public education program to answer residents questions. This is the another article outlining several routine questions SFPD personnel have been asked recently.

How many full time firefighters are on duty at the Staunton Fire Station at any given time?

The Staunton Fire Protection District (SFPD) has no full-time firefighters. The SFPD is currently staffed by approximately 30 volunteer firefighters who respond to the fire station when alerted of an incident by the dispatch center. The SFPD can maintain a volunteer roster of up to 50 firefighters but have not had a full roster of volunteers for over 20 years.

After an emergency at my house where the electric service or gas service has been turned off, why won’t the fire department turn the utilities back on?

During most residential structure fires and some electric emergencies or gas leaks, local utility companies are contacted to disconnect the electric and gas services to make the area safer. Once the electric or gas service has been removed, SFPD personnel do not have the authority to turn the utility services back on. The services cannot be turned back on until the appropriate utility company inspects the service and ensures there are no safety concerns.

Why does the Staunton Fire Protection District have so many different fire apparatus when they do not respond to many fires?

The Staunton Fire Protection District currently operates four engines (vehicles that have a pump and a tank and carry hose, ladders, and other firefighting equipment), a brush truck (a vehicle set up to fight brush and field fires), a tender (a vehicle which has a large water tank and specialized water supply equipment), and two squads (a vehicle that carries firefighting support equipment, hazardous materials response equipment and rescue equipment). Each vehicle is set up to perform a specific function. The district goes to great measures to set up each vehicle to provide maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Additionally, all vehicles carry certain equipment designed to meet the requirements of the Insurance Service Organization (ISO). Each vehicle meeting and/or exceeding the equipment requirements of the ISO allows the department to gain insurance credit. These credits are coupled with credits from other elements such as water supplies, training, mutual aid plans, etc. The more credits the district receives, the lower insurance rates are for homeowners.

Why does it seem like there are fire apparatus and firefighters from other towns responding to incidents more often within the Staunton response area?

For significant incidents such as structure fires, the Staunton Fire District wants to ensure adequate personnel are available to ensure the incidents are mitigated in a safe and efficient manner. Recent studies conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) indicate that a minimum of 17 firefighters are required to perform safe, efficient operations at the scene of a structure fire. The SFPD has pre-defined box alarm cards that are used by dispatchers to ensure the appropriate resources from other area departments are respond to significant incidents in a timely manner.

Who performs the maintenance on fire department apparatus and equipment?

Approximately 50% of all the maintenance on fire department apparatus and equipment is conducted by the Staunton volunteer firefighters. The volunteers conduct all monthly preventive maintenance operations and inspections and make most basic repairs. Annual preventive maintenance operations (fluid changes, filter changes, etc.) and major apparatus and equipment repairs are conducted by local companies with qualified mechanics. Repairs to specialty equipment such as hydraulic rescue tools and communication equipment are conducted by authorized service centers.

Can I make an appointment to tour the fire station and see the equipment?

The Staunton Fire District is very happy to provide tours of the fire station and provide demonstrations of their equipment. To arrange a tour, contact the Staunton Fire Station at 635-2139 or email the fire district at [email protected]. Please schedule your tours at least two week in advance.

Do you have questions you would like to ask the members of the Staunton Fire Protection District?

If you have questions regarding the fire district you would like to see answered in future issues of this paper, send your questions to: Staunton Fire Protection District, Attention: Fire Chief, 215 South Wood, Staunton, IL 62088 or email the [email protected]. If you would like a presentation for your group or would like to tour the fire station, you can send a written request or call the fire department non-emergency number 635-2139.