Austin Fire Chief addresses rising response times and resource needs at public meeting

The Austin City Council convened on April 10, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding public safety, particularly focusing on the response times of the Austin Fire Department (AFD). The meeting began with a discussion led by Council members regarding the current state of AFD response times, which have become a growing concern as the city continues to expand.

Fire Chief Byers provided an overview of the AFD's response time trajectory over the past decade. He noted that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a response time of 4 to 6 minutes for the first arriving unit and 8 minutes for full alarm assignments. However, he reported that the AFD has struggled to meet these benchmarks, with the average citywide response time currently at approximately 10 minutes and 30 seconds. This marks a significant increase from the sub-8-minute response times recorded in 2012.

Chief Byers attributed the delays to several factors, including the rapid growth of Austin's population, increased traffic congestion, and the aging infrastructure of the fire department. He emphasized the importance of timely responses, citing the critical nature of early intervention in fire emergencies and medical calls, where every minute can be vital for saving lives.

The discussion also highlighted the need for additional resources, including at least five more aerial trucks to adequately serve the city's growing number of high-rise buildings. Currently, the AFD operates with 13 aerial trucks, a number that has not increased despite the city's significant growth in high-rise structures over the past 30 years.

Council members expressed concerns about the implications of inadequate response times, particularly in light of the increasing density of housing and the potential for emergencies in high-rise buildings. They discussed the necessity of aligning the city's fire response capabilities with those of peer cities, which generally report faster response times.

In response to questions about the feasibility of acquiring additional aerial trucks, Chief Byers indicated that the process could take 18 to 36 months due to supply chain issues. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve response times through traffic signal preemption systems, which would help clear the way for emergency vehicles.

As the meeting progressed, the council decided to pause the discussion on fire response times to allow for public communication, indicating a commitment to engage with community concerns and feedback. The session was set to resume later in the day to continue deliberations on the fire department's needs and strategies for improving public safety in Austin.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for the city to address the challenges facing the AFD in order to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents as Austin continues to grow.