Category: Fire Department Page 1 of 2

At the upcoming College Park City Council meeting on February 4, 2025, the Council will hear from the Coalition to Support Prince George’s County Fire and EMS, a group advocating for urgent improvements in fire and emergency medical services (EMS) throughout the county. The Coalition, composed of municipal leaders, career and volunteer first responders, and concerned residents, is calling for increased staffing, improved recruitment efforts, and better support for emergency personnel to address long-standing challenges within the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.

Understanding the Challenges in Prince George’s County Fire/EMS

Prince George’s County has faced growing concerns over staffing shortages and increasing response times, particularly after the June 2024 reallocation of career firefighters away from certain stations, including those in Berwyn Heights, Greenbelt, Bowie Belair, and Bunker Hill. This decision, meant to reduce firefighter overtime, has led to longer emergency response times in some areas and heightened concerns from residents and local officials.

The Coalition has identified several key problem areas:

• Recruitment and Retention Issues – A shortage of both career and volunteer firefighters has put a strain on the department, leading to burnout and staffing gaps.
• Longer Response Times – The reassignment of career firefighters has left some areas with fewer first responders, potentially impacting the safety of residents.
• Barriers to Volunteerism – Stringent training requirements and bureaucratic hurdles have discouraged new volunteers from joining local fire stations.
• Lack of Funding for Critical Needs – Volunteer stations and EMS units struggle to secure necessary funding for equipment, training, and personnel.

Coalition’s Key Recommendations

The Coalition has developed a set of proposed solutions to address these challenges and is urging local and county leaders to take action. These recommendations include:

1. Reducing Barriers to Volunteerism

• Expand virtual and in-person training opportunities for volunteers to make onboarding more accessible.
• Shorten the onboarding process by eliminating unnecessary training requirements while maintaining high safety standards.
• Offer incentives, such as stipends or tuition reimbursement, to encourage more community members to volunteer.

2. Large-Scale Recruitment for Career Firefighters

• Secure funding to hire 150 new career Fire/EMS personnel in FY2026 to replace vacancies and meet growing demand.
• Create a regional recruitment program in partnership with local schools and fire academies.
• Streamline and consolidate the recruitment, training, and reciprocity process to make it easier for out-of-state firefighters to join the department.

3. Establishing EMS-Only Career Positions

• Currently, all Prince George’s County firefighters must be trained as both firefighters and EMTs. The Coalition proposes creating EMS-only positions to increase emergency medical response capacity while reducing the training burden for those who want to focus on medical services.

4. Improving Data Transparency and Accountability

• Establish regular public reports on Fire/EMS response times, staffing levels, and budget expenditures.
• Hold quarterly meetings with municipal officials to discuss challenges and develop collaborative solutions.

5. Financial Support for Volunteer Fire Departments

• Reinstate equal funding for volunteer fire stations to ensure they have the resources needed to operate effectively.
• Allocate funding for fire station repairs and apparatus maintenance, particularly in underfunded communities.

6. Creation of a Task Force to Oversee Implementation

• Form an independent Task Force on Fire and EMS Efficiency to oversee recruitment, funding allocation, and response time improvements.

County’s Response to the Coalition’s Demands

Prince George’s County Fire Chief Tiffany D. Green has acknowledged the Coalition’s concerns and responded with the following:

• The staffing reallocation was implemented to address firefighter overtime concerns while keeping response times within an eight to ten-minute window.
• The Fire/EMS Department has expanded evening and virtual training options for volunteer firefighters to make participation more accessible.
• A high school cadet program is already in place to train young recruits, with 37 graduates hired as career firefighters since its inception.
• The department supports funding increases for hiring more career personnel but notes that additional budget approval from the County Council is required.

What’s Next? How This Affects College Park Residents

The issues raised by the Coalition have direct implications for College Park residents. Fire and EMS services are essential for public safety, and response times can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. The Council’s engagement with the Coalition signals a commitment to addressing these concerns and advocating for the City’s residents

The City of College Park Mayor and Council Meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 7:30 P.M. as a hybrid meeting. Residents can attend in person at the 2nd Floor Council Chambers, City Hall, 7401 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD, or virtually via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/92398574069.

Tomorrow evening, please attend the Beltsville Community meeting to stay informed about the latest developments at the Beltsville Fire Department and to show my support for their essential work. This gathering is an opportunity for residents to come together, learn about any challenges the department is facing, and discuss how we can contribute to ensuring they have the resources and backing they need.

Our local fire departments are critical to keeping our communities safe, and it’s important that we, as residents, stay engaged and supportive of their efforts. The men and women who serve in these roles put their lives on the line every day for our safety, and this meeting is a chance for us to show our appreciation and listen to their needs.

I encourage all College Park residents who are able to join the meeting to show support for our neighbors in Beltsville and the dedicated first responders who serve us all. Let’s continue to strengthen our community through solidarity and active participation.

The Branchville Volunteer Fire Department is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary, a truly momentous occasion that signifies a century of unwavering dedication and commitment to our community. I had the pleasure of speaking as a guest during the BVFD’s anniversary celebration gala last weekend, where we honored the countless volunteers who have selflessly responded to emergencies and protected our residents since 1924. This celebration not only commemorates their rich history but also highlights the vital role the fire department plays in our lives.

I encourage everyone to join the 100th anniversary celebration at the firehouse at the corner of Rhode Island Ave and Greenbelt Rd on October 6th, from 11 am to 3 pm. The event will include a vendor and craft fair, food trucks, fire prevention activities, and fire truck rides. As a proud sponsor of this historic event, I recognize Branchville’s significant contributions over the years. Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible journey, and here’s to another 100 years of courage, service, and community excellence!

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a devastating fire swept through a single-family home in Prince George’s County, Maryland, leading to the tragic death of one man and displacing four adults.

Firefighters responded to the blaze on the 3500 block of De Pauw Place in College Park shortly after 5:15 a.m. Upon arrival, they were met with a well-advanced fire, indicating that it had been burning for some time before emergency services were alerted. The inferno had already caused significant damage to the structure, making the rescue efforts challenging.

Branchville & Berwyn Heights Fire Department crews were among the first on the scene. They quickly positioned themselves in front of the house, with ladders up, water flowing, and initiated an interior search for residents and their pets. Their prompt and brave actions were crucial in managing the fire and attempting to rescue those inside.

Officials reported that one man, whose identity has not yet been released, was found in critical condition. He was rushed to a nearby hospital by first responders but sadly succumbed to his injuries later that day. Another resident sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

The fire has left four adults without a home, adding to the tragedy of the event. The immediate needs of these individuals are being addressed as they cope with the aftermath of the fire and the loss of their fellow resident.

The Prince George’s County Fire Department was assisted by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, showcasing the collaborative effort of local fire departments in times of crisis. Their combined efforts were crucial in managing the fire and preventing further loss of life and property.

We want to thank the firefighters at Branchville, Berwyn Heights, and other fire departments for their swift and courageous response to this tragic incident in College Park Woods. Their dedication and bravery are deeply appreciated by the community.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire investigators are working diligently to determine what sparked the blaze, aiming to provide answers to the affected families and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

On a related note, the City has been closely monitoring the recent announcements of service cuts at the Greenbelt and Berwyn Heights fire departments. These service cuts will negatively impact fire-related responses in College Park, raising concerns about future incidents and the ability to respond promptly and effectively.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of house fires. As investigators work to uncover the cause, the community’s thoughts are with the victims and their families. It is a time for unity, support, and vigilance to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

For those looking to help, local aid organizations are accepting donations and volunteers to assist those affected by this tragic event.

[Source : WTop]

In response to “critical staffing shortages,” Prince George’s County Fire Chief Tiffany Green has announced a strategic plan to reassign career firefighters from four firehouses to other locations. This decision aims to alleviate the strain caused by excessive overtime and reduce burnout among personnel.

Chief Green communicated this plan through an internal memo in early June. In her letter to fire department personnel, obtained by 7News, she highlighted the negative impact of last year’s excessive mandatory callbacks and holdovers on staff. Despite efforts to increase staffing, short-term solutions are necessary to address these ongoing issues during the peak leave season.

The firehouses affected by this reassignment include Bunker Hill, Greenbelt, Bowie-Belair, and Berwyn Heights. Chief Green assured that the department would collaborate with the volunteer leadership of these stations and coordinate with surrounding stations to maintain emergency services.

“I understand that this temporary change to our staffing model is challenging for everyone,” Green wrote in her letter. “However, it is extremely necessary to balance our ability to provide efficient and effective emergency service delivery to our communities with reducing the significant burden of unsustainable mandatory holdovers and callbacks on our personnel.”

Starting at the end of the month, approximately 56 daywork and shiftwork personnel will be impacted by this change.

In response to this plan, a meeting was held yesterday at 7 p.m. at the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department. The meeting saw attendance from members of the town council, county council, volunteers, and fire officials, who discussed the implications and logistics of the staffing adjustments.

For more details, you can refer to the original 7News report.

According to the Prince George’s Fire Department, a man was arrested for setting fire to a North College Park commercial strip center early yesterday morning. Just before 2:00 am, Friday, December 14th, firefighters arrived at the scene of a 1-story commercial structure that several businesses occupy in the 10000 block of Rhode Island Avenue. Units arrived to find fire showing from a middle of the row business. The well-advanced fire extended to attached businesses on both sides before being extinguished.

The building of origin is a mental health facility going by the name of “On Our Own”.

The fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported. Personnel form the Fire/EMS Department Office of the Fire Marshal determined the fire was incendiary in nature. Fire loss was estimated at $250,000.

Shortly after firefighters arrived on the scene a suspect was identified and taken into custody by law enforcement officials.
The suspect, Paul Franklin Willis 3rd (DOB 01/24/1981) of no fixed address, has been charged with starting the fire at 10007 Rhode Island Avenue. Charges include:

Arson- Second Degree (Felony)
Malicious Burning- First Degree (Felony)
Malicious Burning- Second Degree (Misdemeanor)
Reckless Endangerment (Misdemeanor)
Additional charges are pending.

A family of four is displaced by a house fire yesterday morning in north College Park. The fire started at a home in the 5000 block of Muskogee Street.

Fortunately, none of the occupants (including their pet dog) were injured. City staff has contacted the family to check their wellbeings. County Emergency Management is arranging temporary housing through Red Cross. House has been secured and boarded up by insurance contractor.

Yesterday’s fire in College Park on Berwyn House Road at the Fuse complex has caused quite a bit of discussion in the community. Here is what we know and a list of questions / concerns we have. I’ll update the list as I know more:

• The fire caused nearly $40M in damage, probably the largest in PG Fire Department’s history. This incident has been the largest suppression effort and the highest fire loss estimate in the history of the Fire/EMS Department, according to the PGFD.
• The Fuse 47 building was slated to have about to 250 apartments, retail stores and a parking garage and was scheduled for occupancy in July 2017.
• Fire fighters were alerted at about 9:35 am, Monday, April 24.
• The fire started on the 6th floor of the 7 story building
• 5 Alarms were sounded with over 200 firefighters and medics working to extinguish the fire that consumed the roof of the city block long building until mid afternoon when the fire was considered contained and under control.
• The fire forced the relocation of 68 residents of the senior city building across the street to relocate.  Residents of the Gladys Spellman House were relocated to the College Park Community Center to avoid the smoke that filled their building.
• Fire hoses pumped 650 gallons of water per minute for more than five hours, with the weight of the water potentially causing the building — which is currently only supported by wood — to collapse floor by floor, Brady said at the briefing.The fire took so long to control because only one ladder truck was able to access the back of the building, where the fire was located
• The cause of the fire still unknown

The fire took so long to control because only one ladder truck was able to access the back of the building, where the fire was located. We’ll look into ways we can improve the situation so that this kind of incidents do not happen again.

That said, I want to thank many brave firefighters for doing an excellent job in bringing the fire under control.