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Findings and Recommendations 28 findings
F1
Bethel Island had 15 to 35 active volunteer fire fighters who were paid on-call.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
It became increasingly difficult to use volunteers because of changing standards and fire fighting techniques.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Prior to the formation of ECCFPD, fire fighting equipment consisted of two fire engines for fighting structural fires, two designated for grass and brush fires, two fire boats (converted recreational vessels), at least one water tender, and a rescue unit.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The Volunteer Fire Department was composed of residents of Bethel Island who were knowledgeable regarding the unusual pattern of roads, street names, and points of access.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
In the 1970s, salaried staff consisted of a Fire Chief, an Assistant Chief, and a communications technician. In 1993-94 the Assistant Chief position was eliminated.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The salaried full time personnel were basically day time with a variable number of volunteers available after hours and weekends. Usually, some personnel were on site 24 hours per day 7 days per week.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Just prior to the formation of the ECCFPD, it became difficult to maintain an acceptable level of service. Fire Department Staffing, Facilities, and Equipment After the Formation of ECCFPD.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The ECCFPD was formed in September of 2002. The new District was a consolidation of three dependent Districts in the eastern part of Contra Costa County, Bethel Island, East Diablo and Oakley. The consolidation resulted in nine fire stations within seven communities1, including Bethel Island and other unincorporated areas.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The BOS application to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for the consolidation of East County fire departments to form the ECCFPD contained the following: “It is the intention of the Board of Supervisors to unify the three districts into a single district that will provide seamless service in a way that will enhance the emergency response network within projected revenues. It is also intended to coordinate future efforts to develop funding and fire protection service levels to equal status with the remainder of Bay Area communities.” 1 Bethel Island, Oakley, Knightsen, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, and Marsh Creek-Morgan Territory area
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Establish an oversight commission, as was done during the formation of the ECCFPD. The commission could assist in managing funding issues, determine future resources (equipment, personnel or fire stations), determine areas of risk, recommend the establishment of response time goals, improve local control, and reduce perceived inequities as they pertain to Fire District decisions.
F10
According to ECCFPD, fire fighting procedures for Bethel Island are as follows: At the first alarm, one engine and two firefighters will be dispatched to the fire. Simultaneously, a fire engine will be sent to cover the Bethel Island station from a nearby community. If necessary, reserve fire fighters can be called to provide additional support.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Following the formation of ECCFPD, fire fighting equipment and resources no longer available on Bethel Island are: • two fire engines for grass and brush fires, • two fire boats that were converted from recreational vessels, • one water tender, • the volunteer fire fighters. The current complement of equipment and resources located at Bethel Island are two fire engines and two fire fighters and a contracted rescue unit.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
ECCFPD recently acquired a state-of-the-art fire boat, which uses a two to three-person crew. This boat is on call for all of Contra Costa County and surrounding waterways. Therefore, it may or may not be available at any given time because of its coverage area. If the boat is required to fight a fire, firefighters from one of the responding fire engines could board the boat at the scene to achieve the needed crew size. A recently acquired state-of-the-art fire boat for use in Contra Costa County
No recommendations for this finding
F13
The ECCFPD has stated that fire trucks have a shorter response time than a boat. For that reason the fire boat is not the primary piece of fire fighting equipment.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
Currently, Bethel Island fire station is staffed with six firefighters (2 per shift). Four are relatively long term. The remaining two firefighters are rotated in from elsewhere in the District.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
ECCFPD has contracted with American Medical Response (AMR) to provide three paramedics who are shared throughout the District. One paramedic is stationed at Bethel Island.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
The system required to keep the water flowing to the business district hydrants failed in 2006 and has not been repaired or replaced. The pipes are old and in questionable condition. This pumping system, if operational, would provide water to service the business district. In addition to the 1,250 gallons of water available on the fire trucks, and local private working pumps, water to fight fires is brought in by tanker trucks or drafted (pumped) from the Delta. The Grand Jury was unable to determine the ownership of the pump and hydrants. Pump Abandoned Pump Intended for Fire Protection of Bethel Island’s Business District Abandoned switch meter box for pump, and an unused corroded fire hydrant in the business district
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
That ECCFPD develop a cost comparison of various options to provide additional water supply for fire use on Bethel Island. Suggestions include but are not limited to: • strategic placement of water tanks, and/or • provide a method to move Delta water to the land side.
F17
Water Tenders (Water Trucks) brought from off of the island must be used to replace the inoperable water hydrants. The water supply is limited.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
That ECCFPD develop a cost comparison of various options to provide additional water supply for fire use on Bethel Island. Suggestions include but are not limited to: • strategic placement of water tanks, and/or • provide a method to move Delta water to the land side.
F18
There are private wells and water systems on Bethel Island, but with few exceptions they do not provide water for fire protection.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
Prior to the formation of ECCFPD in 2002, there were approximately 450 calls per year on Bethel Island with an average response time of slightly more than 6 minutes.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
After the consolidation, the actual response time was recorded at approximately 10 minutes. A 2006 report by Citygate Associates showed that ECCFPD response times should be 5 minutes.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
That ECCFPD complete a risk assessment of all areas of the District and establish an acceptable level of risk for each area to include response-time goals established for each area. Measurements shall be taken and compared to goals. The District shall develop objectives based on existing available resources.
F21
Between November 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008, Fire District logs indicate average response times for fires were more than 8 minutes. The Fire House photographed in the 1940s and in February 2009. This fire house has been condemned and will be replaced in the near future. The two trucks currently assigned to Bethel Island have water capacities of 500 and 750 gallons of water. If needed, additional water must be brought in by tanker trucks.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
That ECCFPD complete a risk assessment of all areas of the District and establish an acceptable level of risk for each area to include response-time goals established for each area. Measurements shall be taken and compared to goals. The District shall develop objectives based on existing available resources.
F22
The fire station is uninhabitable due to the presence of mold. This requires the leasing of temporary facilities for the housing of personnel. Only firefighting equipment is permitted in the existing building. When permits are issued, it will be demolished.
No recommendations for this finding
F23
ECCFPD firefighter’s wages and benefits are the lowest in Contra Costa County.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
The District provides no formal training of personnel regarding the confusing street patterns, names, and terrain of Bethel Island.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
That ECCFPD provide formal orientation training specific to Bethel Island for all District fire fighters.
F25
The ECCFPD provides no formalized performance evaluations or objectives related to all fire fighting personnel.
No recommendations for this finding
F26
Delta Coves has most of its infrastructure requirements completed. Economic issues have delayed the development of the project indefinitely. Although fire hydrants are in place, a source of water will have to be acquired prior to any construction.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
That the BOS work in cooperation with the Fire District to ensure that the objectives of ECCFPD are part of the decision making process as the Bethel Island Delta Coves project progresses. Required Responses:
F27
The ECCFPD Fire Chief reports to the BOS and the County Administrator.
No recommendations for this finding
F28
The ECCFPD encompasses portions of Supervisorial Districts Three and Five.
No recommendations for this finding
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office
East Contra Costa Fire Protection District
Fire District