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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6F Fire Service Intrastate Mutual Aid PlanPRI @\ oi U � 4646 Dakota Street SE 50_0 Pr ior Lake, MN 55372 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: JANUARY 3, 2011 AGENDA #: 6F PREPARED BY: DOUG HARTMAN, FIRE CHIEF AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DISPATCH AND USE OF PRIOR LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES BY THE FIRE CHIEF FOR MUTUAL AID CALLS AND AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE MINNESOTA STATE FIRE CHIEFS FIRE SERVICE INTRASTATE MUTUAL AID PLAN DISCUSSION: Introduction The purpose of this agenda item is for the city council to consider participation in the Minnesota Intrastate Mutual Aid Plan. History Like many fire departments the Prior Lake Fire Department has maintained mutual aid agreements with neighboring departments for many years. When additional resources are needed, activating another fire department is accomplished simply by requesting local dispatch to page the appropriate fire department at the time of need. Requesting resources outside local districts has been more complicated. The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association has developed a plan to provide local fire chiefs with an easy access to large quantities of fire service resources that may be needed in a major fire, disaster or other major emergency. The plan is based on a series of observed occurrences and shared experiences during recent disasters and major emergencies in the State of Minnesota. It also is an evolution of our past experiences in dealing with day -to -day incidents that continually challenge our resources and competencies. Most importantly it is a practical approach to provide fire service resources in quantities beyond the means of any single fire department. The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association created the Plan to provide for the systematic deployment, organization and management of fire service resources to assist local agencies in a major fire, disaster or other major emergency. The local fire service agency is the first tier of defense in responding to the ravages of a disaster. No community has the resources sufficient to cope with all emergencies. The Plan provides for the rapid activation and response of aid to a community in the event of a localized disaster. These events can include a major fire, train derailments, hazardous material incidents, wildland fires, domestic terrorism, death of a firefighter and other events that may overwhelm the local fire department serving the local community and its normal mutual aid resources. Current Circumstances Communities are expected to commit their own and local mutual aid resources before requesting statewide mutual aid. The rendering of mutual aid is voluntary. The decision to provide resources is made on a case -by- case basis by the agency receiving the request to respond. Conclusion The Plan is directed towards enhancing disaster management at the local, county and state level of government by providing an organized method to activate large quantities of fire department personnel and resources. Three pages of the plan are included to provide a summary. A copy of the complete text of the plan is posted on the City's website as it is in excess of 100 pages in length. ISSUES: The format content and operation of this mutual aid agreement is very similar to the agreements we have previously entered into. Accordingly its administration is straightforward and understood by members of the fire department. FINANCIAL The requesting organization will reimburse the responding organization for IMPACT: all deployment and operational costs to include those related to personnel, use of equipment and travel. A responding organization may choose to assume or donate, in whole or in part, the costs associated with any loss, damage, expense or use of personnel, equipment and, resources provided to the requesting organization. ALTERNATIVES: 1) Adopt the resolution authorizing the Fire Chief or his /her designee to participate in the Statewide Mutual Aid Plan. 2) Deny approval and direct further action. RECOMMENDED Alternative #1 MOTION: R vi )ed y: F ran g. C:\Documents and Settings \cgreen \My Documents\SharePoint Drafts \Statewide Mutual Aid Agenda.doc 2 FRl�� U 4646 Dakota Street SE �vxeso`� Prior Lake, MN 5 53 72 RESOLUTION 11 -xxx A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DISPATCH AND USE OF PRIOR LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES BY THE FIRE CHIEF FOR MUTUAL AID CALLS AND AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE MINNESOTA STATE FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION FIRE SERVICE INTRASTATE MUTUAL AID PLAN Motion By: Second By: WHEREAS, The City Council finds that instances have occurred in the past and can be anticipated in the future wherein there is a danger by fire, hazard, casualty or other similar occurrences taking place or occurring outside the territorial limits of the Prior Lake Fire Department and by suddenness thereof it would be impossible or impractical for the City Council to meet and authorize the dispatch and use of Prior Lake Fire Department equipment and personnel to combat such fire, hazard, casualty or other similar occurrence; and WHEREAS, The City Council finds it desirable and necessary to authorize the Fire Chief or his /her designee to exercise discretion, considering at all times and in each case the internal needs of the Prior Lake Fire Department and its inhabitants, to dispatch Prior Lake Fire Department equipment and personnel as deemed necessary to combat such occurrence whether it takes place within or without the Prior Lake Fire Department boundaries. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA as follows: 1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein. 2. Such dispatch and use as directed by the Fire Chief or his /her designee shall be fully authorized as an act of the Prior Lake Fire Department and all provisions for compensation of personnel, rental of equipment, liability insurance coverage, workers' compensation insurance and all other safeguards and matters pertaining to the Prior Lake Fire Department, its equipment and personnel, shall apply in each case as if specifically authorized and directed by this City Council at such time, whether or not the governing body or authority of the place in which the fire, hazard, casualty or other similar occurrence exists, has previously requested and provided for assistance and the use of the equipment and personnel under a mutual protection agreement or other type protection agreement with the Prior Lake Fire Department. 3. The Fire Chief or his/her designee shall recall, order, and terminate the use of such equipment and personnel when the need for their use no longer exists, or earlier, when at his/ her discretion it appears in the best interest of the Prior Lake Fire Department. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 3rd DAY OF JANUARY 2011. YES NO M ser M ser Erickson Erickson Hedberg Hedber Keeney Keene Soukup Souku Frank Boyles, City Manager CONCEPT AND DESIGN Purpose The purpose of the Minnesota Intrastate Mutual Aid Plan (hereafter known as the Plan) is to provide local fire chiefs with an easy access to large quantities of fire service resources that may be needed in a major fire, disaster or other major emergency. The Plan is based on a series of observed occurrences and shared experiences during recent disasters and major emergencies in the State of Minnesota. It is also an evolution of our past experiences in dealing with the day -to -day incidents that continually challenge our resources and competencies. Most importantly, it is a practical approach to provide fire service resources in quantities beyond the means of any single fire department. The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association created the Plan to provide for the systematic mobilization, deployment, organization, and management of fire service resources to assist local agencies in a major fire, disaster or other major emergency. The local fire service agency is the first tier of defense in responding to the ravages of a disaster. No community has the resources sufficient to cope with all emergencies. Experience has shown that the scope and duration of some disasters will exceed the capabilities of local mutual aid organizations. In 1997, the Red River Valley Flood devastated a major portion of northwest Minnesota. In 1998, tornadoes destroyed the communities of Comfrey and St. Peter. In 1999, a major windstorm downed 450,000 acres of trees in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area creating the worst fire potential in Minnesota's history. In 2000, wildland fires struck Anoka, Carlos Avery and Princeton. And in 2001, a major commercial fire in Albert Lea required the resources of 23 fire departments. In 2007 the I -35 bridge collapsed in Minneapolis, the Ham Lake wildland fire occurred in Northeast Minnesota and the floods in Southeast Minnesota occurred. In 2009, the Red River Valley Flood impacted the Moorhead area and other communities in northwest Minnesota The Plan provides for the rapid activation and response of aid to a community in the event of a localized disaster. These events can include a major fire, train derailments, hazardous materials incidents, wildland fires, domestic terrorism, death of a firefighter, and other events that may overwhelm the local fire department serving the community and its normal mutual aid resources. Planning Concepts Each local government is responsible for preparing for, and protecting its citizens against, the destructive forces of a natural or man made disaster and to provide resources consistent with anticipated local needs. However, no community has the financial resources to fund every contingency or to cope with all potential events. If for no other reason than efficiency and cost containment, mutual aid is a necessity. Basic to Minnesota's emergency planning and response effort is a statewide system of mutual aid in which each jurisdiction relies first upon its own resources. Local 4 governments are encouraged to develop all -risk emergency plans and local mutual aid agreements within their county, region or operational area. Mutual Aid — Basic Concepts 0 Communities are expected to commit their own and local mutual aid resources before requesting statewide mutual aid. However, no fire service agency is expected to reduce its own fire protection capability to an unreasonable level. • The rendering of mutual aid is voluntary. No community is required to unreasonably deplete its own resources in furnishing mutual aid. • The decision to provide resources for mutual aid is made on a case -by -case basis by the agency receiving the request to respond. • Timely notification, and a coordinated build -up and response of mutual aid resources, is essential to a successful mutual aid response. • The responsible local official in whose jurisdiction an incident has occurred shall remain in charge of the incident. • All local and mutual aid resources will operate at an incident in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Key Concepts of the Plan The Plan is directed towards enhancing disaster management at the local, county, and state level of government by: 1. Providing an organized method to activate large quantities of fire department personnel and resources. 2. Establishing the positions, roles, and responsibilities necessary to activate and maintain this plan. 3. Complimenting other disaster plans at the local and state level. 4. Utilizing the National Incident Management System (NIMS)'adopted by the State of Minnesota. Authority The issue of local delegation of authority is very important to the success of the Plan. While local delegation of authority is required by this plan for any department submitting its resources into the Plan inventory, all departments should be aware of the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 12. Fire departments are encouraged to verify their local governing body's compliance with this provision of state law. The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association (MSFCA) recognizes that any statewide mutual aid should be coordinated with the Emergency Management systems within the state. This Plan is not intended to replace any local mutual aid agreements, but is in place to enhance statewide disaster scenarios. Any firefighting agency of this state or any private fire company may provide fire protection to any state agency or instrumentality, county, or political subdivision of this state, without a contract to provide fire protection, upon the approval of the governing board of the firefighting agency or private fire company and upon authorization of an officer or employee of the firefighting agency providing the fire protection designated by title of their office or position pursuant to the authorization of the governing board of the firefighting agency. Each local fire service agency must obtain approval of the jurisdictional governing board such as a city council, board of trustees, or fire district board. A sample resolution as required in MN Statute Chapter 12 can be found in Training Competencies The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association believes that the underlying success of large mutual aid operations falls back on the training of the individuals involved. As such the MSFCA recommends that all firefighters and fire officers be at a minimum trained to their appropriate levels. These levels of training are based upon the following standards: • NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighters Professional Qualifications for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 • NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Department Vehicle Driver /Operator Professional Qualifications • NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications • NFPA 1051 or NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) for wildland firefighters and national incident management team (IMT) qualifications. • US DOT First Responder • NIMS Compliance In lieu of these standards which are in on going development within the State of Minnesota we find that these requirements shall be recommendations only. Certifications are available through the MN Fire Service Certification Board, MN Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) First Responder Registration, State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and federal wildland agencies for certification in wildland firefighters and incident management team positions. State Map with Regions The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association hereby adopts and acknowledges that the subdivision of the state into regions for the purpose of this document and process is best served by the adoption of the MSFCA State Regions for coordination of the Minnesota Intrastate Mutual Aid Plan. 0