HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2018-04-11 MinutesCITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
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FIRE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 11, 2018
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 345
San Rafael, CA 94903
The meeting was called to order at 4:06pm by Commissioner Mizroch.
Present: Steve Mizroch, Larry Luckham, Nadine Hade, Dave Fonkalsrud,
Stan Burford, Deputy Chief Sinnott, & guest Linda Barnello
Excused: Chief Gray, FC Len Thompson & Tom Weathers
1. After Review: the minutes of the March 14, 2018 meeting were approved wi th
corrections.
2. Open Time for Public Expression:
Linda Barnello thanked the SRFD for its heroic rescue of an unfortunate
Marinwood resident injured in an off trail bike accident.
Fire Commission Updates:
1. FC Mizroch reviewed a 4/11/18 SF Chronicle article referencing a UCSF Calif.
Dept. of Public Health and US EPA study published in the Journal of the
American Heart Assn. It was a study of Emergency Room visits during the 2015
wildfire season in Northern & Central California. ER visits for respiratory
problems were expected, but they also documented an increased risk for cardiac
related problems in exposed persons (especially over age 65). The study
documented elevated risk of coronary disease symptoms, CHF, heart
arrhythmias & stroke. These symptoms led to more frequent ER visits during
smoky wildfires. Public health officials recommend people avoid smoke
exposure by staying indoors & wearing filtering masks when active outdoors.
Paradoxically, Chief Sinnott noted that firefighters are mandated to approach
burning structures wearing respirator equipment, but face fewer mandates in
fighting wildland fires.
2. FC Luckham, dressed in a bright orange Peruvian Firefighter jumpsuit, shared an
extensive article from the City of Mountain View FD concerning their experience
with a recent (3/23/18) MVA involving an electric vehicle (EV): a Tesla Model X
whose 400 volt battery pack suffered intrusion damage and a fire. The battery
fire was initially extinguished with 200 gal. of water, but the idiosyncrasies of an
EV battery subsequently led to a re-ignition of the fire (twice…in the storage
yard).
The complexity of de-energizing a damaged lithium ion battery was discussed.
“Thermal runaway” of a damaged EV battery may lead to heat generation up to
900 degrees F. Although EV car fires are less frequent than gasoline powered
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
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car fires, they are often more complex and dangerous to deal with. When EV car
fires occur, large amounts of water (2,600-3,000 gal)may be required to
effectively cool down the battery. Foam is not indicated for an EV battery fire
since lithium batteries have their own fuel and oxygen built in. Therefore, foam
can actually insulate the hot area & prevent cooling, thus exacerbating the risk.
The risk of lithium battery fires will increase as more EV’s reach the roads and
demands caution for first responders to EV accidents.
3. FC Hade noted her one year anniversary on the FC and noted that the City has
successfully sold $53 million in bonds for San Rafael’s Public Safety upgrades.
4. FC Fonkalsrud plans to assist the Fire Foundation in getting the word out to the
Community for its 4/29/18 Terrapin Crossroads fund raiser, as well as the
7/14/18 San Rafael Pacifics baseball game fund raiser.
5. FC Burford noted that PG & E proposals to shut do wn electricity to large swaths
of territory during hot, dry, windy weather conditions could create unintended
consequences. The FC opined on this possibility.
Deputy Chief Sinnott’s report:
1. Chief Sinnott welcomed FC Burford as a new alternate member of the FC. He
was presented with an appointment certificate, a FC badge, a FD lapel pin, FC
patch and a department challenge coin. Welcome, Stan!
2. Personnel update:
a. Quinn Gardner will start May 1, 2018 as our Emergency Management
Coordinator.
b. The department is making progress with FF recruitment. Four FF/PM
candidates are approaching final evaluations prior to a May Fire Academy.
c. A fifth FF/PM was hired in March 2018.
d. The Fire Administrative office is going through a change in staff.
3. Facilities:
a. Site work at PSC continues with diesel fuel contamination remediation.
b. Sta. 52 is progressing nicely with a projected Sept. 2018 completion.
c. Sta. 57 is progressing with foundation & subfloor work. A Jan. 2019
completion is projected.
d. Temporary facilities are functioning well.
e. An RFP for Sta. 54 (Facilities Project 2nd phase) is being expedited in order to
address issues with mold, flooding & dry rot.
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4. Fleet:
3 New ambulances have arrived.
T54 is back in service after repairs.
Transitioning of staff & utility vehicles is proceeding.
5. Wildland/Urban Interface update
a. Fire Symposium set for May 3rd at 6:30 PM at Guzman Hall, Dominican
University.
b. Since Oct, 2017 fires, 15 WUI presentations have been made at HOA
meetings.
c. Since Jan 1st, 100 tons of flammable vegetation has been removed
through the chipper program.
d. Multiple daily WUI inspections occurring …
e. WUI mailer is being sent to 9,000 San Rafael properties in the WUI area.
f. Currently looking at what WUI code modifications can be made to existing
ordinances.
g. Working with Open Space and SRFD rangers to eradicate homeless
encampments.
h. Currently working with SR DPW to identity and expand goat grazing sites.
Adjournment:
Chair Mizroch asked if there was anything further from anyone, and there being
nothing further, adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m.