As a response to the “Our View” article “Politics trumps public safety…” in last week’s Free Lance, the most important consideration regarding fire station coverage is always going to be response times. You use that phrase once early-on in the piece, but never get around to defining it or pointing out why it is of the utmost importance.
I’m retired after 30-plus years working for the fire department of the large neighboring city to the north, but it doesn’t take a fire department professional to be aware that ideally fire stations are built and located so as to be able to reach any part of their response area in four to six minutes. Following a cardiac arrest (typically caused by a heart attack) that relatively brief time is all it takes for brain damage due to lack of oxygen to begin.
Turning to fires, even a small fire in a waste basket – as an example – can engulf a typical residential room in flame in two minutes or less.
I don’t believe there is ANY way that Hollister’s Fire Station One can cover the same four to six minute area of Hollister that CalFire currently does, and that’s particularly true if Station Two is closed.
Please keep in mind fire insurance $$$ rates are predicated upon the equipment, staffing levels and response times of local fire protection services. Longer response times equal higher rates.
Perhaps you could publish a map showing the areas of the city and surrounding county that can presently be reached in the four to six minute time frame. In my opinion such a map would very clearly illustrate to our citizens just what is at risk here.
With all due respect to the local politicos and Fire Chiefs this important decision should be made on the basis of what’s best for public safety, and should not be about wounded feelings or a desire to protect one’s “turf”.
Rick Jennings, Hollister
