Bloomington Fire Department reports 500 calls in February with 34% increase since 2020

The Bloomington Board of Public Safety convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss critical operational updates from the Fire Department, highlighting trends in incident responses and public safety initiatives. The meeting underscored the department's ongoing efforts to manage increasing emergency calls and enhance community engagement.

In February, the Fire Department recorded 1,075 calls year-to-date, with a notable increase in incidents compared to previous years. Specifically, there were 500 falls reported, marking a 4% rise from the previous year and a staggering 34% increase from 2020. The majority of these calls, approximately 80.6%, occurred within city limits, with 14% taking place on campus. The department identified key locations for frequent responses, including the Wheeler Mission, Crawford Apartments, and the Biology Building, where false alarms remain a persistent issue, often linked to equipment malfunctions.

The department's performance metrics revealed that 56% of emergency responses met the goal of arriving within four minutes. For those that did not meet this standard, battalion chiefs are tasked with investigating the causes, which may include traffic delays or construction obstacles.

In terms of fire prevention and public engagement, the department is currently at 12% of its goal for commercial inspections, aiming for 2,250 inspections this year across Bloomington's 3,800 commercial locations. February showed improvement in public engagement efforts, and the department has been proactive in training, with recruits participating in live burn exercises to gain practical experience.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting highlighted the Fire Department's commitment to improving response times and community safety while addressing the challenges posed by increasing call volumes and equipment-related incidents. The board's focus on prevention and training indicates a strategic approach to enhancing public safety in Bloomington.