 | | | www.mofd.org
| | | | | | Representatives from the City of Orinda, Town of Moraga and Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD), who make up the Tri Agency Ad Hoc Committee - MOFD Fire and Emergency Medical Services, met August 30 for a presentation by MOFD Fire Chief Randy Bradley. The Ad Hoc committee was formed as a fact finding entity to review fire operations, wherein each group would bring information back to their respective agencies. Its task nearing completion the committee will meet for what could be the last time later this month.
Bradley presented a financial overview of the MOFD, which included the planning process, long range financial forecasts, staffing and funding equity between the two cities, as well as various revenue streams, expenditures and financial challenges.
Bradley also responded to specific items requested by the committee at the last meeting, including hydrant locations and water flow parameters.
Regarding water flow, Bradley said that some areas of Orinda may not be at the preferred maximum availability of 500 gallons per minute, but when coupled with water trucks from MOFD and the expected quick response time from the fire department, there is sufficient pressure to put out most home fires if they arrive before 'flashover' (where the structure is completely involved in fire).
"I am not advocating for 250 gallons per minute hydrants, but the community needs to be informed about the risks prior to making infrastructure investments and decisions," said Bradley. "With that said, my preference would be to have adequate water and adequate pressure at all fires."
Representatives from the citizen's group Fire and Infrastructure Renewal (FAIR) spoke during public comment, offering their own analysis of Bradley's presentation, disagreeing with MOFD's financial figures, staff and response distribution as well as the funding equity between Moraga and Orinda.
Discussion from the Tri-Agency members ranged from immediate disbanding of the board as no further action is needed, to scheduling additional meetings to learn more. It was decided that at least one more meeting will be held to hear the public's proposals and comments. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 23, 9:00 a.m. in the Garden Room of the Orinda Library.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA