Agenda

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Finance Committee

Meeting Date:	08/10/2021
FROM:	Bill Gallardo

Subject:

Fire Investigation Services Agreement with City of Anaheim

RECOMMENDATION

Recommend the approval of the Fire Investigation Services Agreement with the City of Anaheim.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION

The California Fire Code requires the Brea Fire Department to investigate fires within its jurisdiction as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). When a fire agency cannot conduct the investigation, the AHJ may seek out other public agencies to assist in determining the cause and origin and pursue any criminal related follow-up as necessary. Fire investigation ultimately provides for increased community risk reduction; improved firefighting tactics; heightened public awareness; more focused prevention efforts; and reduced fire-related criminal activity. The Brea Fire Department (BFD) historically has not had an internal fire/arson Investigation program. Recently, the BFD attempted to initiate an internal fire/arson investigation program, however was unable to do so due to a labor dispute.

As is routine for the Orange County Operational Area, the BFD utilizes the specialties of its Orange County partner agencies to accomplish these needs. Although BFD has utilized the fire/arson investigation services of Anaheim Fire & Rescue for many years, Anaheim Fire & Rescue and the BFD seek to formalize the services and associated costs through a contract at the present time. As one of Brea’s nearby cities, Anaheim typically receives the first call for these services. Based on historical analysis, the BFD does not anticipate exceeding an annual expenditure of $3,500. During fire/arson investigations, the Brea Fire Chief and Fire Marshal remain the primary lead over the incident and work with the Anaheim investigators throughout the investigation. Coordination with the Brea Police Department for any criminal activity may be required as necessary. The contract will remain in effect indefinitely, on an as needed basis. If BFD reinstates its own fire investigation program at a later date, the demand for these services reduce significantly, if not entirely.

SUMMARY/FISCAL IMPACT

The projected impact to the General Fund not to exceed $3,500 annually.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED

William Gallardo, City Manager
Prepared by: Chris Nigg, Deputy Chief Administration/Fire Marshal
Concurrence: Adam Loeser, Fire Chief

Attachments
Fire Investigator Services Agreement