Title
Update on Strategies to Address Outside Combustible Storage Facilities
Description
This report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee with an update on the Fire Department’s Outside Combustible Storage Program and associated strategies.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Outside Combustible Storage (OCS) facilities include pallet yards, metal recycling, tire storage, paper stock, mulching operations, wrecking yards, outdoor lumber yards, etc. As of this report, the Fire Department is aware of a total of 339 OCS facilities with large quantities of combustibles onsite.
When OCS facilities catch fire, they often result in significant incidents impacting surrounding communities and the environment. OCS fires historically necessitate a considerable amount of firefighting personnel to mitigate, exposing firefighters to the hazardous conditions of the incident.
While eliminating all OCS fires is unlikely, the goal of the OCS program is to minimize fire starts and to make fires more manageable. The OCS program focuses on limiting the volume of outside combustible storage, addresses distances between combustible storage piles, structures, and property lines. Also, the OCS program supports firefighters through other fire code requirements such as hydrants, fire apparatus access, and firefighter hose deployment.
The Fire Department’s OCS program was started in July of 2021. Since its creation, the Fire Department has inspected all 339 known OCS facilities. During these inspections, the Fire Department identified 728 total fire code violations and has a duty to see all known violations ultimately corrected. Additionally, the Fiscal Year 2022-23 adopted budget included four additional Fire Prevention Specialist II positions to provide dedicated staffing for the OCS program. The Fire Department hired these positions and has enhanced community risk reduction efforts at OCS facilities.
The Fire Department also hosts regular OCS working group meetings with partnering departments and agencies. These partners include Maricopa County Air Quality, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the Neighborhood Services Department, the Law Department, the Public Works Department, the Office of Environmental Programs, the Planning and Development Department, the Street Transportation Department, and the Water Services Department.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Fire Department.