The Grandin Rural Fire Department announced Monday that they will no longer be able to respond to fire calls within Grandin city limits.
According to a press release from the GRFD,
“This is due to the city being their own jurisdiction. Without a written contract we cannot service the Grandin city jurisdictional boundaries.”
Grandin Mayor Diana Brower stated that her understanding is that if citizens of Grandin dial 911, firefighters will be dispatched to the scene.
When advised that the GRFD had issued a statement advising residents that they can not respond to fires within the city, Brower stated the city council “does not know that to be true, but our attorney is looking into it.”
Brower said in the meantime she cannot speak to the department’s claim.
Grandin’s city fire department has been closed for several months.
GRFD Fire Chief Joseph Gates said, “This decision was not made lightly but was recommended by our attorney. The city is not included in our district; therefore, we would assume certain liabilities if we were to cover the city jurisdiction.”
Gates said there had been three citizens of Grandin who had paid dues to the GRFD, and the attorney also advised the department to refund those citizens’ money.
Gates said his department had asked the city for a contract stating they want them to provide fire coverage to their area; however, the city has not responded to that request.
Gates said the decision to discontinue service inside Grandin has also been one of economy.
“The city has told us that should we use water from their hydrant, we will be charged for it,” said Gates.
The city currently charges its citizens $34.50 for every thousand gallons of water, he said. “They had initially told us we would be required to pay 10 cents a gallon. At that rate, it would cost us $75 to fill our truck, and $500 to fill up our new tanker.”
He said the city is now telling his department they are waiting to find out from their attorney what that charge will be.
“At this time we are using pond and river water to fight fires in our district,” said Gates.
According to minutes from a May 17 meeting of the city of Grandin, the GRFD was advised that “if they were charged, [the city] would have to charge all rural departments.”
Minutes also stated that the city had communicated with the fire marshal about servicing Grandin in the event of a fire and, “they were advised we don’t call departments. It is dispatched through the sheriff’s office and it’s up to them whether they respond.”
Like other rural departments the GRFD does not receive tax dollars, but exists on fundraisers and dues.
Gates commented, “We pray that the city will be able to open their department back up.”
If that doesn’t happen, he hopes that the situation can be resolved and that his department “will soon be able to work together again (with the city) for the safety of our community.”
From Gates’ standpoint, it would take a written agreement between the city and the GRFD for them to respond to city fires.
Gates says citizens of Grandin may become involved by supporting the city department, or by requesting that they are added to the GRFD jurisdiction.