Explanation why multiple fire departments are dispatched to structure fires

In recent months, many people following press releases and social media have observed that the Iowa County 911 Center is dispatching multiple fire departments to structure fires. This practice has led to questions from the community, prompting an explanation of the process. The implementation of this automatic aid system was influenced by information gained during a routine ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating audit conducted on an Iowa County Fire Department recently. After discussions among the Iowa County Fire Chiefs, it was decided that any call reporting a structure fire or smoke visibly coming from a dwelling would trigger automatic aid to enhance fire response efficiency.

So, what does automatic aid mean in practical terms? When a call meets the established criteria for a structure fire, the dispatch team pages the fire department responsible for that specific property. Simultaneously, they send out an additional engine from the nearest municipality to help the responsible department. In cases where the fire is in a rural area that does not have fire hydrants available to supply water, a tender from a third fire department will also be dispatched to ensure an adequate water supply at the scene. This streamlined approach allows for a more coordinated and effective response to fire emergencies...

(See the rest of this story in the January 9, 2025 Chronicle issue)