CSS 2021-08-02 Item 1C - Discussion - Fire Marshal's Office Alternatives

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28 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 6 WSRB does not recognize these types of inspections as far as insurance ratings go, there are many benefits to these inspections. Crews get familiar with local occupancies, meet local business owners/staff, and recognize common fire code violations that could potentially harm the business or a person. Inspections will produce additional work in the record keeping and need for follow up inspections. Company Inspections as well as inspections by certified fire inspectors will create the need for follow up inspections as violations are discovered. Sometimes a company inspection will discover an occupancy that is no longer considered a low hazard and will shift this occupancy to the FMO for a certified fire inspector to conduct the inspection. Other Administrative FMO Services: High Level = Highly automatic processes for 24/7 scheduling and access. All records are digitized, and most processes are online/automated reply (Outdoor Burn Permits, inspections, records requests, fire codes, other reference materials). Administrative Technicians available to answer questions, follow up, and troubleshoot issues. Minimum Level = Paper records, longer turnaround times for record requests, some services are not performed. Most FMOs in Zone 3 have administrative staff that do scheduling, public records requests, and records management. This staff will also triage general emails and distribute for action as needed. The variability in this area is dependent on technology as well as the number of dedicated staff. An example is the automated process some FMOs use to reply to public records requests. Some systems post the information online for a "self -serve access" to common information such as adopted codes, standards, and fee schedules. Other records are vastly easy to access in a digital format. CPSM Report In March 2021, the Council received a third party review of all fire services including Fire Marshal Office services. The following is short summary of the recommendations pertaining to the Fire Marshal Office. Section 8. Essential Resources — Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement The CPSM report recommends integrating prevention as a core value throughout the organization. The report goes on to recommend the following: • In-service company inspection program (Outlined above) • Pre -fire plans created and accessible on the Mobile Data Terminals on the engines • Perform a Community Risk Reduction Assessment • Non -certified Company Officers perform fire investigations • Replace uniformed staff with civilian staff (Fire Marshal, and both Deputy Fire Marshals) FINANCIAL IMPACT This can be more accurately calculated once desired level of service has been determined. RECOMMENDATION Continue discussion on Fire Marshal Office services using the proposed timeline for reviewing and analyzing the issues. Staff will provide information to the Council to facilitate direction on service level for the Fire Marshal's Office. https://tukwilawa.sharepoint.com/sites/mayorsoffice/cc/Council Agenda Items/Fire/FMO Workload Memo 7-21-21.docx