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Comprehensive Plan, City of Paris, Texas Municipal Services and Natural Features Other aspects of fire service within a community may be measured by the proficiency of receiving fire alarms, the adequacy of the local water supply system to deliver needed fire flows, and the effectiveness of local fire prevention programs. Such aspects of Paris's fire service are not the subject of this evaluation, although they are under continual review by City and the fire department. Fire stations are major capital improvements, which will be in use for many years. The location should be selected with care. Professional associations and insurance services active in the delivery of fire services recommend standards for the selection of a site. The following factors were considered in evaluating Paris's fire service distribution: Response Distance The response distance is the recommended maximum distance of response to fires from fire stations, as measured along the City's thoroughfare street system, depending upon the type of use to be protected. "Major risk areas" are distinguished from other areas in the City when evaluating response distances. Natural Barriers Topographical features of a City affect station location. A location at the bottom of a hill is not satisfactory since many responses would have to be made upgrade. Man-Made Barriers Limited access highways and poorly designed streets restrict the accessibility of fire vehicles. Potential delays because of railroad crossings at grade and limited points of highway access must be considered when planning response times. Major Risk Areas Areas where large groups of people gather or live are given consideration in the location of fire stations. Also, facilities of a large scale (based on floor area) and of certain construction types (based on masonry and wood roof as a norm) are considered major risks for fire service delivery. Such facilities may require a fire flow above 3,500 gpm of water. Fire Station Expansion - Site Planning Considerations Any proposed fire station site should be of ample size to provide parking facilities for employees and adequate space for expansion and drills, and located based on the following criteria: • If possible, a site should be selected and the station located so that ingress may be provided at the rear of the station. The lack of a rear entrance necessitates the backing of equipment through the front entrance. o The station should not be on a heavily traveled street because of difficulty and danger in entering the traffic stream. At the same time, the street which offers direct access to and from the station must be of a standazd design, allowing full turning radii for departmental vehicles. Measures of Paris's Fire Service Response Distances The response distances for existing fire service delivery are shown on City of Paris Fire Department maps. Calculated by travel along the City's major thoroughfare system, the response distances are indicated for one and one-half (1-1/2) miles, and two and one-half (2-1/2) miles from the existing fire station. Response distances are compared with a) the over-all built area of the City and b) the major risk areas, both within the City and beyond the corporate limits (for which the City's department has first-due or support service responsibilities). 5A98288\WP0tina1 rcpm 2-01.doc 31 BWR