Westport Studies Capabilities, Needs of Fire Department

Westport, CT - The town has started a comprehensive study of the Westport Fire Department to ensure that it will continue to meet the safety needs of the community.

The study is being overseen by the Fire Department Strategic Planning Steering Committee and will be conducted by Matrix Consulting Group, reports the Westport News. The town is spending nearly $68,000 on the study, which is expected to take about four months to complete.

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"Westport has grown and changed substantially since the majority of our original fire stations were built," wrote the steering committee on the town's website. "The nature of the workforce has changed from volunteer to largely professional and the equipment utilized has likewise changed. The number and size of residential houses has continued to grow and the construction materials and methods have changed substantially over time which has impacted the intensity and challenges of house fires. As the intensity of traditional fires has increased with the growth of larger houses with modern materials, the absolute number of fires has decreased. The nature of the job has also shifted with a greater demand for rescue services related to vehicular accidents on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway. While these changes have taken place over the recent decades and may require near term adjustments to the Fire Department, it is likely that future changes will continue, and the Department needs to prepare to be appropriately positioned to provide the services that will be required."

Click here to read the full story on the Westport News website.

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