The Wheeling Fire Department released its annual statistics for 2023 today. All departmental incidents for the last year totaled 7,512 – a 10% decrease from the prior 12-month period.
“After a record-breaking year in 2022, we saw lower numbers across the board, making 2023 a more average year for us,” said Fire Chief Jim Blazier. “Having no major weather-related incidents attributed to a lesser call volume as well as a reduction in structure fires and fewer false alarm calls. Overall, I am proud of our personnel and look forward to serving our citizens in 2024.”
Calls for service are categorized in nine areas by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) Code Guide: Fires, Overpressure/Overheat (or no fire), Medical/EMS calls, Hazardous Conditions, Service Calls, Good Intent Calls, False Alarm/False Calls, Severe Weather and Special Incidents. All categories decreased except one – overpressure/overheat by just four calls.
Medical/EMS calls – which account for roughly 66% of all departmental-related incidents decreased for the first time in three years. A total of 5,001 calls were recorded for 2023, a 7% reduction from the year before.
Fire calls were down about 32% last year but were around the ‘average’ number after seeking a small spike in 2022. (95 in 2023 vs. 139 in 2022). On average, the WFD responds to about 100 fire-related calls a year.
Other accomplishments in 2023 included improvements to several fire stations. Major structural repairs were made to Station 2 in North Wheeling and to Station 10 in the Edgwood neighborhood. Station 4 in South Wheeling also had HVAC and electrical enhancements. WFD also welcomed Delta, the department’s first therapy dog in November.
This year, the department will be doing significant internet upgrades to all fire stations and accept the delivery of a new rescue truck in the fall. The department also anticipates the completion and opening of its new headquarters, located at the corner of 17th and Wood Streets in East Wheeling sometime this spring.
TOTAL INCIDENTS: 7,512
- Fire – 95
- Overpressure/Overheat (no fire) – 38
- Medical/EMS/Rescue – 5,001
- Hazardous Condition – 130
- Service Calls – 957
- Good Intent Calls – 516
- False Alarms/False Calls – 768
- Severe Weather – 1
- Special Incidents – 6
