2019-07-09 Meeting with Riverside Fire AuthorityMeeting with Riverside Fire Authority
July 9, 2019
3:11 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Riverside Fire Authority
(RFA) Chief Mike Kytta, RFA Commissioner Jay Johnson, Bill Teitzel, JP Anderson, Steve Mansfield, Scott
Smitherman
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Steve Mansfield discussed the response to calls regarding
illegal burns. He noted the fire departments respond but that
oftentimes it’s an enforcement action, not a fire emergency
action.
Steve said 911 dispatchers will alert law enforcement to illegal
burns. He noted that some fire districts prefer to respond to all
of those types of calls, whereas others do not.
Bill Teitzel clarified that illegal burns could be trash burns, including the use of burn barrels, fires during
burn bans, and the burning of plastics or other non-vegetative matter.
Chief Kytta said RFA fields roughly 50 illegal burn calls per year plus 50 “escaped” fires annually.
Chief Kytta discussed safety concerns and trespassing concerns have prompted RFA to re-examine its
policies.
Steve said he and Chief Kytta met with code enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office to determine a game
plan. He said some fire districts want to be alerted to all fire calls, while others do not want to be
involved in responses to non-emergency illegal burn calls. However, he said, dispatch would like a
standardized response. Chief Kytta, Scott and Steve clarified the difference between law enforcement
calls and fire emergency responses.
Scott said 911 fields roughly 150 such non-emergency calls annually.
The group clarified that the Sheriff’s Office, Code Enforcement and SW Clean Air can respond on the law
enforcement side.
Bill said he would reach out to the PA’s Office regarding Code Enforcement’s response.
JP Anderson said Health will work on public awareness regarding illegal burns.
The group discussed the threat the current dry conditions present as well as the need to address
preventable fires.
Meeting adjourned at 3:49 p.m.
TO-DO LIST / RECAP
Bill Teitzel: Reach out to the
PA’s Office regarding Code
Enforcement’s response.