Wheeling Fire Department Sees Fewer Calls In 2023
After ‘Record-Breaking’ 2022, Calls Move Closer To Average
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WHEELING - The Wheeling Fire Department saw a decrease in calls for service in 2023 of about 10%, but Chief Jim Blazier said that came after a "record-breaking" 2022.
The department responded to 7,512 calls for service in 2023, according to statistics released Wednesday. That's compared to a total of 8,313 the department answered in 2022. It was the first time on record that the department broke the 8,000-call barrier in a year.
"After a record-breaking year in 2022, we saw lower numbers across the board, making 2023 a more average year for us," he said. "Having no major weather-related incidents attributed to a lesser call volume as well as a reduction in structure fires and fewer false alarm calls. Overall, I am proud of our personnel and look forward to serving our citizens in 2024."
A breakdown of the calls includes: Fires, 95; Overpressure/Overheat (no fire), 38; Medical/EMS/Rescue, 5,001; Hazardous Condition, 130; Service Calls, 957; Good Intent Calls, 516; False Alarms/False Calls, 768; Severe Weather, 1; and Special Incidents, 6.
The majority of the department's calls, about 66%, continue to be those related to medical, EMS and rescues. He noted that calls related to drug overdoses are still occurring, but were down slightly much like all the categories of service.
Blazier believes the department's efforts to educate children and adults about fire prevention has paid off over the years.
"We do believe it helps with the prevention of fires," he said. "We do a lot of public talks. We go to schools and promote fire safety. We do fire and CPR training. We hope people take heed to it and it makes their lives safer."
Blazier believes it is important for residents to see the statistics each year.
"I think it's interesting for people to see what occurred during the past year and what our crews are doing to help the community," he said.
"We are a busy department. We've become increasingly business since I started on the department."
Blazier, who celebrated 35 years with the WFD on Jan. 9, said when he started with the department in 1989, it averaged between 3,000 and 3,500 calls per year.
"I would say for the most part, the amount of fires per year have decreased over time and decades, and part of that has to do with the fire prevention aspects and education to the public," he noted. "There are also better safety features in properties and buildings. Our EMS calls have significantly increased."
Regarding 2024, to date, Blazier said there have been no fire incidents regarding use of space heaters during any cold snaps. He urged people to be careful using any supplemental heat source. For example, space heaters should only be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord - otherwise they can overheat and start a fire.
He said residents who have questions about such heating methods can call the department's fire prevention bureau at 304-234-3726.
The Wheeling Fire Department is fully staffed at the moment. It has 92 employees, which includes support staff such as secretaries.
Also during 2023, the department's Station 2 in North Wheeling and Station 10 in Edgwood both saw major structural improvements. South Wheeling's Station 4 received HVAC and electrical upgrades. The department also welcomed its first therapy dog, Delta.
Plans for this year include Internet upgrades for all the stations. A new rescue truck has been ordered and it is expected to arrive in the fall. And the department is eagerly awaiting the spring completion of the new headquarters being constructed in East Wheeling at 17th and Wood streets.