Your Fire Department is Now Stationed at the Beach

August 12, 2019 10:34 AM
by Patrick Nulty

If you’ve seen more of the Santa Monica Fire Department along the beach this summer, there’s a reason why. July kicked off a new pilot program where the department is now stationed on the north end of the beach to reduce response times to the Santa Monica Pier and beach area. The program has already proven valuable with response times decreasing by 50 to 60 percent in the beach area. It has also improved unit availability and flexibility throughout the department’s response system. 

 

One unique aspect of the pilot is that it allows on-duty crews to use their initiative and discretion in deciding how they respond to calls and what resources are used.  A response to an incident can include a traditional fire engine, a utility-style pickup truck, medical carts, or even bicycles. These vehicles allow the department to respond to calls flexibly so they can reach people on crowded beaches with the most appropriate equipment.

 

The department’s dedicated presence on the beach has also allowed on-duty crews to respond to a wide variety of circumstances. Crews have been assisting visitors, helping with reports of missing children, engaging with people experiencing homelessness, and building stronger relationships with the neighbors and business communities on the pier and along the beach.  With an ongoing presence and increased visibility, fire personnel can make a communitywide difference, including around fire prevention and preparing for serious incidents.

 

Why initiate this type of pilot? Over the last five years, the department has embarked on a series of pilots to test new deployment methods focused on the many call types and engine response districts in relation to rising call volumes across the city. Past pilots have provided data and contributed to a better understanding of how shifting existing resources and introducing more flexibility can help meet the community’s needs today.  

 

This is part of a citywide commitment to performance management and using data to make the smartest investments. The Santa Monica Fire Department is committed to this effort and using performance management to enhance what we do. The data shows us that there is added value in having more fire resources along the beach, especially during the busy summer season. And, it is currently being staffed with existing personnel and equipment using capital improvement funds already approved in the department’s budget.  


It has been great being down on the beach so far and the Santa Monica Fire Department is grateful for the neighbors and business owners we’ve met as well as the many calls we’ve responded to where we’ve provided help in critical moments. If you see a member of the department on the pier or beach, say hello! The pilot will run through December 2019.

 

Authored By

Patrick Nulty
Fire Captain