The National City Fire Department is adding three new firefighter positions. While that doesn’t sound like much, it helps the department meet a national standard to create a permanent four-person fire engine crew. That makes a big difference in emergency response.
During an emergency, every second counts. For years, the National City Fire Department made those seconds count while making do with a lower-than-desired number of firefighters. The department says it responds to about 11,000 emergency calls per year. Many of those calls have been challenging, because historically, the department has only been able to assign three firefighters to an engine, instead of four.“It definitely adds a little bit of stress to the scene,” Berry said.
The department has one policy exception. Firefighters can do a search, only if they know that someone is trapped inside the structure. Fire Chief Sergio Mora, says the agency has been struggling to acquire enough personnel that would continually meet NFPA recommendations and at the same time, satisfy the city’s budget.
Battalion Chief James Stiles, showed NBC 7 Investigates the differences firsthand, during drills. The four-person engine crew put out a fire and rescued simulated victims in 7 minutes and 45 seconds, versus 10 minutes and 55 seconds for a three-person engine crew.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
National City approves new policy to boost more homeownership opportunitiesUnder the new policy, National City would build affordable homes like condominiums and townhomes on city-owned property.
Read more »
New levy from Columbus City Schools sparks new debateOn Sunday, dozens of community members gathered to hear about both sides of the issue at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Read more »
National City 'fronterizos' are growing entrepreneursThe owner of Mujer Divina in National City considers herself a border child and has incorporated Mexican recipes in her coffee and burritos.
Read more »
Northbound I-5 closure this weekend starting in National CityCaltrans will continue bridge repair work on I-5 in Downtown San Diego. Northbound I-5 lanes will be reduced to one lane starting in National City.
Read more »
National City's history traces its roots back to one man: Frank KimballIn the 1860s, Frank Kimball and his family rolled into Rancho de la Nacion along the southern end of San Diego Bay and decided to call it home. He built a house, bought land, and started businesses. Kimball’s legacy is alive and well more than 150 years later as the founding father of National City.
Read more »
City plans to bring 450 employees back downtown to City-County BuildingAfter the first phase brings 300 employees downtown, a second phase will bring an additional 150 employees to the City-County Building.
Read more »