Primarily due to the surge in COVID, the Fire Department call volume overall continues to be very high. During the week of January 9 through January 15 the Fire Department responded to an average of 52 emergency calls per day with a peak of 59 calls on January 11. The number of those calls that were for medical emergencies ranged from 31 to 49 each day. There was also a notable increase in the number of patients complaining of flu like symptoms. Hospitals continue to be impacted by large numbers of patients and staffing challenges which is has resulted in ambulance off load delays.
On January 12, Escondido Fire received 70 pairs of upgraded firefighting gloves purchased and generously donated by the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation. The new, upgraded gloves meet and exceed NFPA standards and provide enhanced safety and dexterity features to enhance the ability of our firefighters to safety fight fires and rescue trapped victims.
