HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSS 2022-01-24 Item 1C - Interlocal Agreement - Fire Investigation Services11111100.
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City of Tukwila
Jay C Wittwer, Fire Chief Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Community Services & Safety Committee
FROM: Jay C. Wittwer, Fire Chief
Norm Golden, Deputy Chief
BY: Jay C. Wittwer, Fire Chief
CC: Allan Ekberg, Mayor, David Cline, City Administrator
DATE: 01/16/2022
SUBJECT: Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for Fire Investigation Services
CURRENT STATUS
Fire Investigation to determine the origin and cause of every fire is mandated by law. Incendiary
and suspicious fires are then referred to Law Enforcement for follow up investigations. Fire
Investigations in Tukwila is conducted by the Tukwila Fire Marshal's Office (FMO) using the Fire
Marshal, or one of the two Deputy Fire Marshals. It is difficult to plan for fire investigation needs
as fires are unplanned events. This disrupts the scheduled inspections and meetings that
support development/code enforcement.
Tukwila has about 75 fire investigations for Origin and Cause each year. The regular caseload for
an experienced fire investigator is between 60-70 cases per year.
Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) is restructuring their Fire Investigation team and is
open to a joint effort to better address this dynamic need. There is an opportunity to join PSRFA
to provide origin and cause investigation services to both PSRFA and the City of Tukwila. A one-
year trial period would provide a chance to see if this model is a more sustainable procedure for
fire investigation in the City of Tukwila.
DISCUSSION
An Interlocal Agreement (Collaborative Services Agreement) will be shared with CSS next month.
The following has been agreed to between the parties with the following terms:
• One-year agreement for 2022, renewable for consecutive years (in the event
further consolidation does not occur).
• PSRFA provides origin/cause fire investigations to the City of Tukwila, and
partners with law enforcement (Tukwila PD, KCSO, ATF) as needed to assist with
the investigation of incendiary fires in the city.
• Tukwila Fire provides one Full Time Position (FTE) Captain Aaron Johnson to the
PSRFA fire investigations unit.
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o Captain Johnson remains an employee of TFD; he will work 4 'tens' out of
PSRFA Station 74 under the direction of Fire Investigation Unit supervisor
Ken Goll.
o Captain Johnson may work out of TFD whenever it suits his needs and the
needs of the unit.
• All PSRFA investigators, including Captain Johnson, will investigate fires
throughout the RFA's service area and in the city of Tukwila. They will share in the
associated 'standby' burden.
• TFD will continue to provide a vehicle, portable radio, uniforms, etc.
• PSRFA will provide a laptop / connectivity and office space at station 74.
• The Tukwila FTE assigned will report to the Fire Chief Directly with any City of
Tukwila specific issues.
• This agreement will benefit both agencies and others that may join in the future,
as it will provide for a sustainable model for fire investigation services.
• The expectations include 24/7 coverage for fire investigations and that all current
reports / processes will continue with this agreement. View ILA document under
Services 1.1 through 1.7 that defines services and a 24/7 (standby) coverage.
Currently Tukwila Fire Department is not staffed sufficiently to handle the workload of fire
investigations. As of this year we have had approximately 80 fire investigations, that have come
in groups. All fire investigators in the FMO are working on investigations while trying to balance
their other schedule. A dedicated fire investigator will bring a more experienced level of
investigations to our community as well as eliminate the impacts of investigations on the other
services of the FMO.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No new financial impacts. Staffed with one FTE from the current assignment to the FMO. No
other financial impact will be incurred outside of the discussion points above.
RECOMMENDATION
The Interlocal Agreement will be presented for Committee review and a recommendation next
month.
ATTACHMENTS
None. ILA to be shared next month following full legal review.
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