JACQUELINE KOCH
Chattanooga Times Free Press

The Chattanooga Fire Department lacks the personnel and fire stations to meet national standards now, let alone if the city annexes new property, according to a report by the International Association of Firefighters.

"We're not saying we're doing anything unsafe," said Capt. Rusty Rymer, secretary-treasurer of the association's Local 820. "We feel like everything we do is safe. It would be nice to be fully staffed so we could be safer."

National Fire Protection Agency standards dictate that the first firefighter must be on a scene within four minutes of being dispatched and that 15 firefighters should be there within eight minutes.

But most Chattanooga engine companies operate with three firefighters -- four at most -- meaning more trucks must respond to meet that quota.

The city now employs 72 firefighters per 24-hour shift, with a total of 216 in the department. Proposed staffing levels would add 50 firefighters per shift, raising the staff to 366.

Maps included in the association's report show that fire companies from 17 stations can reach 60.3 percent of the city's roads in four minutes. Another map shows that 89.4 percent of roads can be reached in eight minutes from all 17 stations, excluding areas in Big Ridge and East Brainerd.

"What this study basically says is that the city is not adequately covered in that eight-minute time frame," Capt. Rymer said.

The report proposes adding three fire stations to increase the four-minute percentage to 62 percent and the eight-minute percentage to 91.4. The stations could be at the intersections of Jenkins and Shallowford roads, Cassandra Smith and Hamill roads and Mimosa Circle and Swan Road.

It also suggests adding personnel so that each fire truck company has at least four firefighters. That way, fewer trucks would have to respond to reach the target of 15 firefighters.

Chief Randy Parker said the department was addressing the issues raised in the report before its release. A training academy set to begin in early November will adding at least 30 firefighters, he said, and another academy could be held if needed next year.

The city's plan for services for annexation includes building stations in Hixson, East Brainerd and Tiftonia. A groundbreaking ceremony is occurring today for a station at Enterprise South.

"We're low on people right now because we're getting ready to hire and we're doing training right now," Chief Parker said. "We're like everyone else. People are in training, they go on vacation, they retire."

Mayor Ron Littlefield said he appreciates Local 820's interest in expanding the fire department and that the report's suggestions match the goal of annexation.

The mayor said staffing patterns have been consistent and the department has maintained its Class 2 ISO rating, the second-highest fire protection rating issued, during his administration.

"I'm happy that they want to see the department grow, which is exactly what the whole annexation program is about," he said. "I look forward to seeing the annexation program help us to add to the services, including the fire service, that are needed for a progressive urban area."

Mr. Rymer gave the report to Chattanooga City Council members Tuesday night.

Councilwoman Pam Ladd, chairwoman of the council's Public Safety Committee, said she would read over the report. She said she was not sure if it would come up again within the council's committee.

"It may spur me to ask more questions," she said. "We don't want to overlook anything."

Staff writer Cliff Hightower contributed to this story.

Copyright 2009 Chattanooga Publishing Company
September 30, 2009