July Fire Board Report

Chris S. Coray, reporter

Rich Civic Times

The Garden City Fire District governing board held its monthly meeting on July 21 in the fire station.  All board members were present.

Tiffany Wahlberg presented a financial document covering the operation of the fire department for and through the year ended Dec 31, 2015.  The department is in sound financial condition and complies with all required state financial procedures.

In its continuing efforts to remain connected to the community the department held a barbecue for all citizens on the 23^rd of July at the city park.  The department also helped with the flag raising ceremony on July 23^rd.

While there are many areas in the district, e.g., Sweetwater Hill, where fireworks are forbidden at all times, there are a few places inside the town of Garden City during the period 21-27 July where they are allowed, under the direction of the fire department.  Outside of that 6 day period fireworks are prohibited in all places.

In other items, the department will again host the annual Raspberry Days pancake breakfast.  Some of the proceeds will be transmitted to the Rich High School drill team as girls from that team will be providing much of the help needed to operate the breakfast.

Chief Wahlberg has located and obtained a new 5,000 gallon tender/trailer for water to replace the 50 year old one which has deteriorated (due to age) to the point of being non-operational.

Brush truck 42 has almost reached the end of its functional work life and will be replaced over time.

There were 61 incidents in the past month; 4 fires (the biggest being the north lake fire across the lake), 17 medical assists, 13 fire alarms, 3 carbon monoxide alarms, 3 propane leaks, 2 rescue boat call outs, and 19 fireworks violations (compared to 43 last year).  The chief did note that so far this year there had not been a single reported fireworks violation on the Sweetwater Hill but that the widespread effort to educate people in the district appears to be producing results district wide.