Page 24 - UFRA Straight Tip Spring 2023 - Volume 24 Issue 2

DEPARTMENT IN FOCUS WASHINGTON CITY FIRE DEPARTME
Fire Chief Evans and Battalion Chief Cazier operating the 107-foot Pierce PUC Ascendant
The Washington City Fire Department (WCFD) was established in 1972 with a single brush truck and 14 volunteers. Wash- ington City Fire Department has evolved into a highly trained combination department consisting of 21 full-time firefighters, 31 part- time firefighters, a battalion chief, and the fire chief. The fire department’s highest priority
is providing fire protection and advanced emergency medical care for citizens and their guests. As of 2022, WCFD responded to an average of 7.3 calls a day.
Response Area
Washington City is a community located in the beautiful southwestern corner of Utah, near St. George. WCFD’s response area is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, with a population of 8,500 back in 2000 to
our current population approaching 35,000 residents. The area consists of approximately 50 square miles of mixed terrain, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricul- tural, and a section of major interstate.
Apparatus and Stations
WCFD apparatus include three Type I engines, three Type VI engines, and one support ap- paratus. Washington City Fire Department fosters strong working relationships with the neighboring agencies of St. George Fire and Hurricane Valley Fire by participating in mu- tual and automatic aid agreements. WCFD is currently housed in two city fire stations, Sta- tions 61 and 62, and one joint fire station with Hurricane Fire, Station 64/46. The joint station is staffed and equipped through an interlocal agreement and is the home of the city's new
ladder truck, a 107-foot Pierce PUC Ascen- dant. Two additional fire stations are planned for development within the next few years.
Training
WCFD values efficiency and excellence in
its EMS and fire protection services. Depart- ment members operate up to an AEMT level on medical calls and all firefighters maintain firefighter I and II and hazmat certifications. Many personnel also maintain additional cer- tifications, including ADO for pumpers and aerial devices, rope rescue, wildland, inspector, officer, and instructor. We have both EMS and fire instructors within our organization who are able to host in-house certification classes, including AEMT, ADO, Chapter V, and others. Utah Fire and Rescue Academy has made an impact on our department by being a constant
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