Kern County Grand Jury • 2021-2022

Report: Kern County Fire Department

Published: February 14, 2022 14 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 10 findings

F1
At Station 45 the Grand Jury observed exposed rebar, a hole in the wall (approximately seven inches wide), running cracks in exterior wall outside of building near sleeping quarters, and garage walls. In the Grand Jury’s opinion this indicates a potential weakness in the structure. Photo provided by the Grand Jury (Station 45 building structure)
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
KCFD should, within the next 12 months, develop a comprehensive strategic plan to repair or replace all stations, 50 years and older, over the next 5-10 years. (Finding 1)
R2
The Board of Supervisors should secure necessary funds to coincide with the comprehensive strategic plan. (Finding 1)
R9
KCFD should apply for funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill immediately for Air Operations and Fire Stations in need of repair or replacement. (Findings 1, 2, 7, 9) NOTES: • The Kern County Fire Department and the Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public view. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO: PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 BIBLIOGRAPHY: https://www.firechief.com/fire-products/vehicle-equipment/exhaust-removal- systems/articles/dangerous-diesel-managing-health-risks-related-to-diesel-exhaust-emissions-at- the-station-LVq8YvsEyrsOxDdB/ HTTP://WWW.CPSM.US/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2019/08/KERN-COUNTY-FINAL- REPORT.PDF https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/06/fact-sheet-the- bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/ https://www.firefighter-claims.com/ Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury. DISCLAIMER: This report was issued by the Grand Jury with the exception of a Juror(s) pursuant to Cal. Penal Code § 916.2(a). The Juror(s) was/were excluded from all parts of the inquiry/investigation, including interviews, deliberations, and the writing and approval of this report.
F2
Station 45’s kitchen did not have a Fire Ready Range Hood, fire sprinkler suppression system, or smoke detector. The nearest smoke detector is in the hallway adjacent to the bedrooms.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
KCFD should install smoke detectors and Fire Ready Range Hoods in all kitchens within 12-24 months. (Recommendation #20 CPSM report) (Finding 2)
F3
A fire or power outage at any station would disrupt the entire KCFD operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Station 45’s exercise area is located upstairs in the Fleet Maintenance shop. This area is a major health concern. Firefighters are exposed to diesel exhaust, carbon monoxide, metallic abrasion particles, sulfates and silicates. Photo provided by the Grand Jury (Station 45 exercise area)
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
KCFD should expand their efforts, in the next fiscal year, to reduce Firefighters’ exposure to diesel exhaust and diesel particulate matter and protect Firefighters with the goal of preventing future disease by all means necessary. (Finding 4)
F5
Station 45 is unable to park their largest fire rig inside the garage. Therefore, a covered carport was added to the garage. Unfortunately, the covered structure fails to fully cover the rig and approximately one foot is exposed to the elements. Visitor and employee parking is also inadequate. Photo provided by the Grand Jury (Station 45 garage extension)
No recommendations for this finding
F6
During our visit to Station 45 (constructed in 1958), the Grand Jury observed several water damaged ceiling tiles indicating roof leaks in the kitchen, hallway, and bedrooms. Photos provided by the Grand Jury (Station 45 water damaged ceiling tiles)
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Dip tanks are a crucial resource for KCFD’s Air Operation. Photo provided by the Grand Jury (Station 11 Dip tank)
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
KCFD should request the installation of more dip tanks with reliable water for Air Operations; at a minimum one in the Rosamond area. (Finding 7)
F8
Due to the mountainous location, Station 11 has a wild animal and vermin problem.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Station 11 should contact Animal Control to request one or more feral cats to help control the vermin problem. (Finding 8)
F9
KCFD’s Air Operation generator is over 20 years old, and according to KCFD firefighters, is inadequate and unreliable.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Replace Station 11’s Air Operation generator with new auto start back-up generator. (Finding 9)
F10
Air Helicopters 407 and 408 are retired military surplus transports (each are over 55 years old). COMMENTS: KCFD’s struggle has progressed to the point of apparatus and facility deterioration and staffing issues. As a facility ages, it may no longer meet the needs of an evolving workforce and community. This can negatively affect efficiency, morale, safety, security, and overall efforts to provide quality fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. These issues only hamper the ability of the department to keep up with an increasing number of requests for service. Further, KCFD needs to be able to set a good example of good fire and health protection for the populous. Older and obsolete facilities are also expensive to maintain. When these conditions occur, typical remedies include expanding, renovating, or replacing the existing facilities. KCFD continuously struggles to find new recruits to fill vacant positions, which leads to mandated overtime, sleep deprivation, and burn-out. In the Grand Jury’s opinion, Firefighters are regularly exposed to trauma, fatalities and dangerous situations. They must find a way to separate their personal experiences from their professional responsibilities in order to be a successful Firefighter. Fire stations are a critical community public safety asset. Fire stations do much more than simply provide a garage for apparatus and a place for firefighters to wait for a call. They are occupied 24 hours a day. The department’s operations necessitate that all stations be functional, adequate to fulfill the department’s core missions, and be well-maintained. A fire station should, at a minimum, provide adequate space for apparatus length and height. (CPSM report) KCFD is aware they face many challenges. We are a family, and we need to make sure our firefighters are doing okay, physically as well as mentally. – Kern County Fire Department Official The 2021-2022 Grand Jury would like to thank the KCFD, and County Officials for their time and hospitality.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Within the next 3-5 years, Helicopter 407 should be replaced, followed by Helicopter 408. (Finding 10)

Comments 3

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Kern County County