TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa City Council members explored more ways to reduce emergency response times in New Tampa.<\/p>\n
New Tampa fire response times <\/p>\n
What we know:<\/p>\n
According to the Tampa Firefighters Local 754, fire stations in the New Tampa area have some of the longest response times for Tampa Fire Rescue, ranging from about nine and a half minutes to more than 10 and a half minutes.<\/p>\n
In contrast, most other stations across Tampa have response times between six and nine minutes.<\/p>\n
In a written report to the council, the Tampa Fire Rescue Chief emphasized that completing the planned Morris Bridge Road access to K-Bar Ranch remains a priority.<\/p>\n
She said the cut-through is expected to improve access and speed up firefighter response times.<\/p>\n
Tampa council pushes road completion <\/p>\n
What they’re saying:<\/p>\n
During Thursday morning’s meeting, a contractor told city leaders that construction on the road project should wrap up in the next month or two.<\/p>\n
Councilman Luis Viera asked whether emergency vehicles could start using the cut-through sooner to help improve emergency services.<\/p>\n
“It’s not a matter of call volume,” Viera said. “It’s a matter of response times, and this cut through, I am told, is going to be the best way to immediately get positive results for those response times,” he said. “And so, when I saw that it was almost finished, I’m making sure that people have their foot on the gas pedal, going as fast as possible on this thing.”<\/p>\n
Emergency vehicle access updates <\/p>\n
What we don’t know:<\/p>\n
City officials have not yet confirmed whether construction crews can open the cut-through to emergency vehicles prior to full completion.<\/p>\n
The city council expects to receive an update next week regarding early access for first responders.<\/p>\n
North Tampa fire station expansion <\/p>\n
What’s next:<\/p>\n
Viera said the city is also set to break ground on Fire Station 24 in North Tampa. The facility has been planned for years following major growth in the area.<\/p>\n
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a Tampa Fire Rescue written report provided by the Fire Chief, an interview conducted with Councilman Luis Viera and discussion at Thursday’s city council meeting.<\/p>\n
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