Garden City Fire Board Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  February 16, 2017.  The Fire Board’s Policies and Procedures manual needed to be updated and revised. Randall Knight was given this responsibility.  The updated manual was presented to the Board Members for their opinion.  It was noted that a really good job had been done, and the motion was made and passed to accept the revised manual. Knight noted that he would like to see a district map included in the manual.  Chief Wahlberg said he had a map that could be included.

Fire Chief Wahlberg reported that many of the firemen attend a winter fire school.  Several were able to gain needed certifications and all seemed to have a good experience.

 

All were involved in a live fire drill.  There were classes in extraction from a car wreck, grant writing, and so forth.  Wahlberg was able to pick up some new equipment and was in touch with several other fire chiefs.  He wanted to interact with other chiefs that were involved with short term rentals, but didn’t find any there who were involved with this item.

The class on grant writing was especially beneficial to Wahlberg.  He noted that he found out how many of the grants worked and how to get the things that are needed.

Wahlberg said that the Bear Lake Monster Plunge was successful.  There was a good turnout.  The firemen were there for safety reasons.  They cut the ice and cleared it so that people could jump into the lake.  Some were suited up in case any individuals needed assistance.  They need more volunteers another year to make sure it will run smoothly.  They got along, but the activity could be more enjoyable with additional help.  Search and Rescue were in charge of the parking.  Hopefully, next year, they will be able to handle it more smoothly

The Cisco Disco went well.  There were several people there who did go through the ice, but they were close enough to shore that they were able to walk back onto the beach.

Better and more advertising for both of these activities would bring more participants and people involvement.  Also, donations were asked for, but many individuals did not know where the containers were in order to hand in their donation.  Next year, donation spots need to be much more visible and available.  Also, people started walking out on the ice thinking it was thick enough.  They had to be brought back to shore.

Wahlberg also noted that the fire hydrant location on Sweetwater Hill have been covered by snow.  They need to be marked so that they aren’t damaged by snow plowing etc. All of the hydrants have been put on a GPS system so that they can be located even with the snow coverage.  All of the Hydrants also have been numbered.  Swan Creek has made sure all of their hydrants have been shoveled out from the snow.

Wahlberg reported that several shovels were lost in filling the sand bags.  People who came unknowingly carried some shovels away.  It would be appreciated if they could be returned.  Brush truck 43 had a starter issue but it is now back in service.

There were two structure fires last month—one in Meadowville and one at Ideal Beach.  The fire in Meadowville was handled by the Laketown Fire Department.  The basement and half of the garage were destroyed.  One individual was taken to the hospital because of smoke inhalation.

The fire at Ideal Beach was caused by a propane explosion.  The fire was called into dispatch, but those staying in the Condo used the fire extinguisher to put the fire out.  There was minimal damage.  It was caused by too much snow against the vent control that was on the roof. This could happen in any of the units.  A check was made throughout the entire resort.  There was one more unit leaking.  It was repaired and changes in the system will be made this next summer to make sure it won’t happen in the future.

There were six medical assists, 8 fire alarms, two propane leaks, and 1 CO call.  The fire chief was called to remove a dead deer at Lakota.  He asked that the individual call the Sheriff’s office or the DWR office for such situations.

The County is still working on their short term rental ordinance. 

Randall Knight noted that he had taken the GRAMA Training on line.  He spent approximately two hours to complete that training.  He will be reimbursed for the time spent.