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(1997) adds that the fire department shall provide an adequate number of <br />personnel to safely conduct emergency scene operations. Additionally per <br />the standard, operations shall be limited to those that can be safely <br />performed by the personnel available at the scene. <br /> <br /> Another illustration of the need for additional firefighters is that <br />residential properties in the City of Martinsville are typically older than in <br />other localities. With older construction, the inherent risk of fires is greater <br />than in newer construction. Also, City residential and commercial properties <br />are located in close proximity to each other, thus increasing the likelihood of <br />fire spread to adjacent properties. Third, the population is aging. Figures <br />from the U.S. Fire Administration show that the elderly (those 65 and older) <br />are 4 1/2 times more likely to die in residential fires. These facts reiterate the <br />vital need of having an adequate number of trained firefighters who are <br />strategically placed and immediately ready for response. <br /> <br /> 80% (approximately 37) of the department's structure fires are at <br />residential properties, based upon figures from the year 2000. When this <br />occurs, to illustrate a typical fire ground and associated activities, the <br />following responsibilities are listed: <br /> <br />Firefighter A: The Incident Commander. This is the officer in charge of the <br />shift. It is this person's responsibility to oversee the management of the <br />scene. Due to limited staffing, this officer frequently serves dual roles and <br />acts as the Safety Officer. <br /> <br />Firefighter B: This is the pump operator that ensures water is flowing into <br />the main pumper, from the hydrant, and water is flowing to all fire hoses <br />going into the structure. This person assists with accountability of all <br />interior personnel. <br /> <br />Firefighter C: This firefighter connects the hoses into the hydrant and <br />ensures an adequate flow of water to the primary pumper. <br /> <br />Firefighters D lind E: These firefighters serve as the two firefighters that go <br />inside the structure, search for and rescue victims, and extinguish the fire. <br /> <br />Firefighters F and G: These firefighters serve as the personnel for OSHA's <br />mandatory 2-in/2-out requirement. The only problem is that Martinsville <br /> <br /> <br />