Fire department seeks solutions after alarming rise in incidents

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on fire safety protocols and the Westchester Fire Department's performance, particularly in light of a significant fire incident in Peyton Alley last December. Council members inquired whether there had been any formal discussions between the council and the fire department regarding potential improvements to ordinances, inspection standards, and response protocols following the incident, which resulted in the destruction of a four-apartment structure.

Fire Chief Mark Scanlon reported that while there had been some email exchanges, no in-person meetings had occurred. However, he assured the council that they were taking previous comments seriously and were actively pursuing changes related to fire safety measures, including the functionality of fire alarms, which failed to notify the department during the December fire. The chief emphasized the importance of community awareness, noting that a neighbor's alert was crucial in preventing further damage.

In his report, Chief Scanlon detailed the department's activities for August, highlighting a total of 151 incidents, with 66 occurring in Westchester borough. This marked an increase in response incidents compared to the previous year. The department also engaged in extensive training, totaling over 11,000 hours for the year, and participated in community events such as First Responders' Night.

The chief noted a concerning rise in fire alarm responses, which accounted for nearly 60% of the incidents in August. To address this, the department is collaborating with neighboring municipalities to enforce stricter fines for repeat offenders, with West Goshen imposing fines up to $1,000. The council discussed the possibility of reviewing their own fine structures to enhance compliance and reduce unnecessary alarm responses.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to improving fire safety standards and the proactive measures being taken by the fire department to enhance community safety and response effectiveness.