BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) is charged with fighting wildland fires as part of its primary mission of providing fire protection. The Emergency Crew Transport (ECT) vehicle is designed to transport up to ten (10) wildland firefighters to and from emergency incidents while providing for safety and accountability, compared to multiple vehicles traveling together. It provides enough space to safely secure their tools, equipment, coolers, water, rations, strike team bags, and a few personal belongings -- essentially, everything a wildland hand crew will need when on short incidents and when away for extended periods of time on larger fires. Having the firefighters traveling together in one vehicle limits separation while on emergency incidents and traveling to and from, limiting the exposure to traffic accidents. The ECT is equipped with Code 3 capabilities (lights and sirens) that allow firefighters to quickly and safely move through congested areas, shortening response times for fire suppression and incident support and potentially saving lives and property. This vehicle is also equipped with air conditioning and a shaded cab area that allows firefighters to get out of the hot and dry elements thereby reducing fatigue and heat exhaustion. The ECT has 4x4 capability which facilitates travel on roads that would be otherwise inaccessible.
Initially, the firefighting hand crew, also known as Crew 12, concept was a trial to see if the program would bring value to the District. In 2020 and 2021, the hand crew proved extremely beneficial for multiple reasons: it provided assistance in mopping up on fires; helped with getting equipment and additional personnel to the scene; and most importantly, it has allowed the engine companies to become available in a shorter amount of time resulting in improved overall service to the public.
Having the hand crew immediately available in our region has proven to be an even more valuable asset as availability of Cal Fire hand crews has diminished significantly. The District's hand crew will be able to serve the County, providing all the benefits listed above. With Measure "X" funding now in place, this program will continue to develop.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this item is not approved or is delayed, the vehicle could not be ordered. Delaying the order could lead to cost increases. There have been substantial shortages in the chassis market and delaying this purchase would leave the handcrew without the most ideal vehicle for firefighting operations.