DEPARTMENT: SAFD
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Regional Mutual Aid Agreement with the Alamo Area Fire Chiefs Association (AAFCA) for coordination of emergency fire response services during a disaster.
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the City to execute a Mutual Aid Agreement with AAFCA. This agreement allows for suitable arrangements for furnishing mutual aid during a disaster. Local jurisdictions are authorized to enter into such an agreement pursuant to various state statues including Chapter 791, Texas Government Code (Interlocal Cooperation Act), Chapter 418, Texas Government Code (Texas Disaster Act of 1975), Chapter 421, Texas Government Code (Homeland Security), Chapter 362, Texas Government Code and Executive Order No. RP-12 signed by the Governor of the State of Texas on Aril 3, 2002. This agreement compliments the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) Regional “all hazards” Mutual Aid Agreement that was approved by City Council on August 4, 2016 (Ordinance 2016-08-04-0552).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
AAFCA approved the Regional Mutual Aid Agreement on April 1, 2015. Since this time, 27 local fire departments have signed this agreement. Regional Mutual Aid Agreements are an acceptable practice for allowing governing officials representing various political sub-divisions to provide for the safety and protection of their residents by establishing procedures for requesting mutual aid during a disaster. This aid can be in the form of equipment, supplies, and personnel during the disaster and/or civil disturbance and during recovery.
Having a mutual aid agreement with other fire departments is a sound practice that provides clarity and direction during short and long term response and recovery. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also requires jurisdictions to operate under a signed mutual aid agreement to be eligible for financial recovery assistance from the federal government after a federally declared disaster.
ISSUE:
This action will allow the San Antonio Fire Department to automatically assist neighboring jurisdictions requesting mutual aid in responding and/or recovering from a fire or other disasters. In addition, the City will continue to have a mechanism for requesting mutual aid for similar events affecting our community. This agreement provides defined financial recovery process that should expedite future financial reimbursements.
ALTERNATIVES:
The alternative is not to participate in this regional Mutual Aid Agreement. This action could delay future deployment efforts and financial reimbursements for when assets and/or personnel are deployed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes a Mutual Aid Agreement with AAFCA for coordination of emergency fire response services during a disaster. No funds are directly encumbered by this action. In the event of a disaster, the party that receives aid from the City of San Antonio will reimburse the City for costs incurred.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance and execution of the Alamo Area Fire Chiefs Association Mutual Aid Agreement.