KFD reports no fire related deaths in 2021
The Kingsport Fire Department responded to more than 8,300 incidents last year with the vast majority (6,461) being medical related calls. Kingsport saw an increase in the number of structure and vehicle fires in 2021, but no fire related deaths took place within the city last year.
Over the past five years, the KFD reports only one fire related death has occurred within the city.
“Any time someone loses a home or a vehicle to fire, we understand that’s a major hardship,” said KFD Chief Scott Boyd. “But thankfully, no one lost their lives to fire last year. That’s always a good statistic to report.”
The Kingsport Fire Department recently issued its annual report, which gives a breakdown on the types and number of incidents firefighters responded to last year and how those numbers have changed since 2020.
The report also gives a brief history of the department, the highlights and major accomplishments from the previous year along with the short term and long term goals of the department.
Major accomplishments by the KFD in 2021:
- Construction began on a new training facility in June 2021 and opened earlier this year.
- Two pumper trucks were also purchased last year and are expected to be in service by the fall of this year.
- Inspector Chris Vandergriff was promoted to Fire Marshall in November following the retirement of Robert Sluss in October after 26 years of service to the department.
- The department was reaccredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
Statistical information:
- Firefighters responded to 8,363 incidents.
- Number of structure fires – 105 (estimated loss $1.76 million)
- Number of vehicle fires – 56 (estimated loss $2.16 million)
- Number of medical calls – 6,461
- Number of fire related deaths – 0
- Average response time – 8:36
- Total fire loss – nearly $4 million
Kingsport is one of 32 communities across the state that enjoys an ISO rating of 2. Only seven communities in Tennessee has an ISO rating of 1.
As of December 2021, the Kingsport Fire Department had 122 personnel working in eight fire stations, serving a population of more than 55,400 residents living within 54 square miles. Kingsport’s ISO rating is 2 and 2Y.
For more information, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov.