During its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4, the Demorest City Council approved two fire agreements aimed at improving training and providing automatic fire assistance to the city.
Fire training agreement
The first agreement approved was with the city of Baldwin for the use of its fire training facility. Located at the Baldwin Fire Department, the facility offers advanced training opportunities for firefighters, including live fire training in a burn building, flammable liquid pit, vehicle fire, and an L.P. tank live fire simulator. The site also features a classroom, confined space tunnels, a five-story enclosed training tower, and an extrication pit.
Fire Chief David Scheurer explained to the council that the ISO requires a minimum of 240 hours of training per year for firefighters, depending on their rank and duties. Part of this training includes the necessary experience gained in a burn building, which is not available in Demorest.
Council member Shawn Allen inquired about the possibility of using a burn house—an older building set for demolition to simulate fire conditions. Scheurer responded that although this could be a potential solution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on burning buildings, such as the need for asbestos remediation and removal of shingles and plumbing, often make it cost-prohibitive.
The cost to participate in the Baldwin fire training facility is $1,000 per year, which Baldwin uses to maintain the facility. The council unanimously approved the intergovernmental agreement with Baldwin.
Fire assistance agreement
The second agreement approved was with the city of Cornelia for automatic fire assistance. Under this agreement, Demorest will respond to fire calls in Cornelia with an engine and two firefighters, while Cornelia will provide a ladder truck and two firefighters for Demorest fire calls.
The agreement only covers fire-related calls, including alarms, commercial, residential, and multi-family fires, or any situation involving smoke, odor, or chemicals in a building. It does not cover accidents or medical calls.
Scheurer noted that the response of a ladder truck from Cornelia would significantly benefit Demorest’s ISO rating. The agreement ensures that Cornelia will automatically respond with their ladder truck without needing a request from Demorest. He emphasized that any requested fire equipment would be classified as mutual aid and would not benefit the city’s ISO rating.
The council also approved the memorandum of agreement for automatic fire assistance with Cornelia.
These agreements are expected to enhance the safety and effectiveness of Demorest’s fire services, providing more resources for both training and emergency responses.
