City of Gonzales
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: July 22, 2024
FROM: Jason Muscio, Fire Chief
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Fire Department Activity Report
RESPONSES
There were 71 calls for service during the month of June including: 1 vehicle fire, 11 vehicle accidents, 27 EMS calls, 6 hazardous materials calls, 12 service calls, 7 false alarms, and 7 cancelled in route. There were two instances of multiple incidents requiring assistance from our mutual aid partners. There is a noticeable increase in vehicle accidents that is common during the Summer months.
STAFFING
Newly hired Firefighter Jeremy Lopez began his probationary period during the month of June filling the vacant Firefighter position. There are currently no vacancies among the full-time staff. Two active Volunteer Firefighters continue to work shifts as time allows. One recent fire academy graduate has reached out about the possibility of becoming a volunteer.
TRAINING
The majority of the training conducted for the month was centered around introductory training with Firefighter Lopez. Crews also participated in a relay pumping/water supply exercise with the Engine company from Monterey County Regional Fire Chualar station.
EQUIPMENT
Both type 1 engines, 8111 and 8112 suffered mechanical breakdowns during the month including a threeday period where both engines were out of service at the same time. With both engines out of service, crews responded to EMS calls in patrol 8151 and relied on mutual aid engines for any incidents involving fire; fortunately, there were no fires during the three day period. Engine 8111 is now back in service after AGENDA
ITEM
12 replacement of the front tires, and engine 8112 remains out of service and is being repaired by Skinner Equipment. Patrol 8151 and Water Tender 8141 remain in service without the need of significant repairs.
PREVENTION
Regular business and residential rental inspections were conducted during June. The Fire Chief worked with several property owners on weed abatement in preparation for the 4 th of July. Crews assisted a
resident with smoke detector battery replacement.
GRANTS
Staff continues to wait for the California State Department of Water Resources to finalize the grant award and release the funds. These funds will provide for an emergency communications system, and flood fight materials for the east side of the City. Staff continues to explore additional grant opportunities as they become available.