“DELAYS DESTROY HOMES & LIVES!”

Facts and Figures

• Prior to these two stations closure, Salem had 11 completely staffed stations totaling 11 Fire Engines and 2 Ladder Trucks.  These Station closures have reduced the City of Salem to 9 Fire Engines and 2 Ladder Trucks.
• A residential structure fire requires a minimum of 4 fire Engines and 1 Ladder Truck. A residential structure fire often requires a second alarm to get adequate fire fighters and additional equipment on scene. In total, this will call for 7 Fire Engines, at least 1 ladder truck, two chief officers, and an air supply vehicle.
• Each time the city has a second alarm fire, this leaves the remaining 2 Engines to cover the entire City, putting residents in extreme danger.

Falling Short

• The National Fire Protection Association, which sets the standard for fire fighting activities, recommends 4 fire fighters on each Engine, and 5 on a ladder truck.
• Salem Fire staffs with 3 on an Engine, and 3 on Ladder truck.
• NFPA recommends response times to be 5 minutes 35 seconds 90% of time. Salem City Council standard is 5 minutes 30 seconds 85% of time. Salem Fire meets that requirement only 74% of time while operating 11 stations. The closure of stations 8 and 11 will have a dramatic negative impact on response times. Reducing the response time projected to be met only 66% of the time.

Salem – A Growing City, Shrinking Public Safety

• In 1975 the City population was 76,300. The Fire Department operated out of 7 stations, staffed with 46 on duty fire fighters every day.
• In 1985 the City population was 94,500. The Fire Department operated out of 8 stations, staffed with 49 on duty fire fighters every day.
• In 1995 the City population was 118,355. The Fire Department operated out of 9 stations, staffed with 52 on duty fire fighters every day.
• In 2005 the City population was 147,250. The Fire Department operated out of 10 stations, staffed with 40 on duty fire fighters every day.
• In 2010 the City population was 163,955. The Fire Department operated out of 11 stations, staffed with 43 on duty fire fighters every day.
•  May 7th, 2012 The Salem Fire Department now operates out of 9 fire stations and staffed with 35 on duty fire fighters every day.

In 1975, Salem Fire Department responded to 2,215 calls for service.  In 2011, Salem Fire Department responded to 17,099 calls for service.  Call volume has increased 772% while the number of fire fighters on the job has gone down.

Contact Your Mayor & City Council(503) 588-6159

Mayor: ampeterson@cityofsalem.net

Councilors: citycouncil@cityofsalem.net