Incident Statistics

In January, the Mt. Vernon Fire Department responded to 359 incidents. The majority (72.7%) were Rescue & Emergency Medical Service calls, totaling 261 incidents. Other notable incident categories included 15 fires (4.18%), 10 hazardous conditions (2.79%), 23 service calls (6.41%), 27 good intent calls (7.52%), and 23 false alarms (6.41%).

The department provided six instances of mutual aid to other agencies and received three instances of mutual aid in return. Additionally, 128 calls (35.65%) overlapped, requiring simultaneous resource management.

Average response times varied by station, with EMS calls averaging 4 minutes and 12 seconds from dispatch to arrival. Fire-related incidents had longer response times, with Station 1 averaging 9 minutes and 16 seconds. The department’s average time on scene was 30 minutes and 15 seconds.

Fire-related damages in January amounted to an estimated $115,500 in losses, with a pre-incident value of $380,000. There was one reported carbon monoxide incident during the month.

Overall, the department maintained efficient response times and provided crucial emergency services throughout the community.

January Incident Statistics Report

The Mt. Vernon Fire Department had a historic 2024. The department made more calls for service than ever in its rich history, answering 4,416 calls, over 400 more calls than our previous record in 2021. The operations side of the FD was over our previous highs in every category. 

Operations

The fire department responded to 3,218 incidents that were related to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and 1,198 Fire-related incidents. In all calls, the FD had an average response time of 3 minutes and 48 seconds! The average turnout time (turnout out time is the time from when the call is dispatched to the members are in the truck responding), was 47 seconds!!!

The FD responded to 75 structure fires in 2024. There was a total of $6,098,200 pre-incident value of these structures with an approximate loss of $685,300. This equates to a $5,412,900 property value saved. There were 4 civilian injuries related to structure fires. 

Platoon 1 made 1527 calls, making them the hot shift of 2024. Station 1 ran 2171 calls, making that station the hot station of 2024. 

Mutual Aid

Mt. Vernon is a proud member of MABAS Division 47 and has worked diligently to maintain a positive relationship with all our mutual aid partners. The FD has given mutual aid on 68 occasions. These responses range from Automatic Fire alarms to structure fires to vehicle extrications. The FD ran a mutual aid call to every county that borders Jefferson County in 2024.

Prevention/Inspection/Training

The fire department conducted 11 plan reviews, 23 consults, and 9 business inspections. The FD conducted 15 fire drills, 44 public education events, and 7 car seat installations. The FD will be hosting a car seat installation course in March of 2025. There has been a steady increase in requests for car seat installations, so the department will meet that need with 12 new car seat install technicians.

The fire department continues to take an aggressive approach to training. The department has accumulated over 5000 man-hours of training in all aspects of Fire, EMS, Rescue, and Hazmat. The department sent members to the Illinois Fire Service Institute for Advanced Firefighter, Company Fire Officer, Fire Instructor I, Responder Intervention Technician, Responder Intervention Team Chief, Fireground Command School, and Fire Apparatus Engineer. The department will continue to push a very aggressive approach to Fire/EMS/Rescue/Hazmat training in 2025

The fire department had several retirees in 2024. Leading the way was Fire Chief Kevin Sargent, along with Captain Dan Plumb, Lt. Scott Pennington, and Firefighter Casey McCommons. The department welcomed Probationary Firefighters Jon Reichert, Jacob Rapp, Brantley Lanham, and Trevontae Wilborn.

The FD placed into service new battery-powered extrication equipment, which enables the department more flexibility and mobility during motor vehicle collisions and other rescue situations that require a heavy hydraulic tool. We also placed into service 6 Responder Intervention Team bags, that allow members to rescue downed firefighters and provide needed air when trapped or out of air.

2025

The Mt. Vernon Fire Department will continue to build a proactive approach to protecting our fellow citizens and those who pass through, work, or visit Mt. Vernon. We will continue to solidify our relationships and foster new ones for the betterment of the city. On behalf of myself, Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Jennings, and Administrative Assistant Sara Hayes…we thank you for the opportunity to lead this great department.

Chris Yenne

Fire Chief, City of Mt. Vernon

“We help people…any call, anywhere, anytime.”

The Mt. Vernon Fire Department responded to 366 incidents in December 2024. Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) made up the majority of calls with 281 incidents (76.78%), followed by 16 fires (4.37%), 24 good intent calls (6.56%), 21 service calls (5.74%), and 18 false alarms or false calls (4.92%). The remaining six incidents involved hazardous conditions with no fire (1.64%). Notably, fire responses included seven building fires and three passenger vehicle fires, while EMS calls primarily consisted of 255 medical calls and 15 motor vehicle accidents with injuries.

Station activity was distributed with Station 1 handling 165 incidents, Station 3 managing 31, and Station 4 responding to 170. Overlapping calls accounted for 29.51% of incidents, showcasing the department's ability to effectively manage simultaneous emergencies. The department also provided mutual aid eight times while receiving aid twice.

Response times were efficient, with an average of 4 minutes and 1 second from dispatch to arrival and 47 seconds for turnout time. The department demonstrated strong operational readiness despite the high volume of calls, maintaining prompt responses to a wide range of emergencies.

December Incident Statistics Report

n November 2024, the Mt. Vernon Fire Department handled 340 incidents. Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) accounted for 232 calls (68.24%), while 15 fire-related incidents (4.41%) were reported. Additionally, there were 38 good intent calls (11.18%), 13 service calls (3.82%), 32 false alarms or false calls (9.41%), and 10 hazardous condition incidents with no fire (2.94%). Notable fire responses included six building fires, three outside rubbish fires, and one natural vegetation fire.

The calls were distributed among stations as follows: Station 1 responded to 170 incidents, Station 3 handled 21, Station 4 responded to 147, and Station O assisted with two. Overlapping incidents made up 30.88% of the total, demonstrating the department's efficiency in managing concurrent emergencies. The department also provided mutual aid five times and received aid twice.

Response times averaged 3 minutes and 48 seconds from dispatch to arrival, while the average turnout time was 45 seconds. Despite the high call volume, the department maintained strong operational efficiency.

Pre-incident property losses were valued at $305,000, with $125,000 in recorded losses. The department's commitment to public safety in November is evident in its effective response to a diverse range of emergencies.

November Incident Statistics Report

The month of October is traditionally our busiest month of the year, and this year did not disappoint. Over 400 calls for service and 17 Fire Prevention activities. AC Jennings has been busy with EMA related activities to include an initial after-action review of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. AC Jennings has also begun conducting Life Safety Planning with businesses, Assisted Living Centers and Hospitals that need or request that service.

413 calls for service, 15 fire related calls to include 6 Mutual Aid given calls. 270 EMS calls and 17 Motor Vehicle Collision calls. The MVFD had simultaneous calls 29.76% of the time.

We had 17 Fire Prevention related activities, mostly related to school fire prevention activities. We had 3 Inspection related consults. 2 with Manner Polymer and 1 with the new Marshalls.

We roll into November and that brings out the turkey fryers. We recommend following the manufacturer instructions on using outdoor fryers. These are NOT to be used in garages or near any structures. Please pre-measure your volume of oil needed for your turkey before using it. Also, we understand that there is a lot going on in the kitchen but, please do not unplug or remove smoke detectors while cooking.

Have a safe Thanksgiving Month, and thank you to those who have served this country in the Armed Forces. Celebrate Veterans Day with a Veteran. 

October Incident Statistics Report

The month of September was busy for the fire department. 401 total calls for service. A quick breakdown shows 304 EMS-related calls and 97 Fire-related calls. Platoon 2 was the busiest shift and 5131 was the hot truck of the month. The department responded to 26 false alarms.

Out of the 97 Fire calls, 4 were structure fires in the city, plus 4 mutual aid given calls. Out of the 307 EMS calls, 22 were motor vehicle related.

September Incident Statistics Report

The fire department responded to a total of 393 calls in August. A quick breakdown shows 288 EMS-related calls and 105 Fire-related calls. Platoon 2 was the busiest shift and 5131 was the hot truck of the month. The department responded to 26 false alarms. 

Out of the 105 Fire calls, 6 were structure fires in the city and 1 was vehicle related. Out of the 288 EMS calls, 15 were motor vehicle related. MVFD gave mutual aid on 3 occasions and received mutual aid on 1 occasion. Total property value was estimated at $5,000.00 with a loss of $4,000.00.

August Incident Statistics Report

The month of July was busy for the fire department. 397 total calls for service. A quick breakdown shows 288 EMS-related calls and 109 Fire-related calls. Platoon 1 was the busiest shift and 5131 was the hot truck of the month. The department responded to 25 false alarms.

Out of the 109 Fire calls, 5 were structure fires in the city, plus 2 mutual aid given calls. Out of the 288 EMS calls, 19 were motor vehicle related. The call overlap dropped slightly to 22.92%

There were 6 business consultations and 4 Public Education events for the administration. 

As we roll into August, we would like to remind everyone that school is beginning across Jefferson County and Mt. Vernon. It is illegal to pass a school bus when the arm is activated. Please watch for children crossing the street and in front of the mechanical arm of the bus.

July Incident Statistics Report

The Fire Department responded to a total of 370 calls for service in June.  Station 1 responded to 179, Station 3 responded to 26, and Station 4 responded to 165. Of the 370 calls, they were broken down into the following: 18 fire-related calls, 269 EMS calls, 14 Hazardous conditions, and 19 false alarms.

The administration performed 3 consultations, 2 inspections, 2 public education events, and 7 car seat installations.

The 6-month review breaks down as follows: 1,514 EMS calls, 49 structure fires which include Mutual Aid, 5 extrications, and a total of 2100 calls for service. Our overlapping calls (calls that happen simultaneously) are 107 or occurring 28.92% during a call for emergency services.

June Incident Statistics Report

6-Month Review

The Fire Department responded to a total of 390 calls for service in May. Station 1 responded to 191 calls, Station 3 responded to 31 calls and Station 4 responded to 168 calls. Of the calls for service, 21 were fire related, 280 were EMS, 28 Hazardous Conditions, 12 Service Calls, 33 Good Intent and 16 False Alarm or False Calls

Total property value was estimated at $281,000.00 with a loss of $38,100.00. There were 3 structure fires with 1 being confined to the container, 1 vehicle fire, 3 grass fires, 11 Hazardous Materials related calls to include gas leaks and CO incidents. MVFD gave mutual aid on 3 occasions.

The Administration reported 5 consultations, 1 inspection, 1 fire drill, and 3 school visits for fire and storm related discussions.

May Incident Statistics Report

The Fire Department responded to a total of 328 alarms and calls during the month of April. The City Hall station answered 149 alarms, the Airport Station answered 20 alarms, and the 42nd St. station answered 159 alarms. Of the responses, 15 of the responses were recorded as fire related, 242 were recorded as EMS related calls, 7 of the responses were recorded as hazardous conditions related, 17 were listed as Service Call, 25 listed as good intent, 21 listed as false alarm & false calls. Total property value was estimated at $2,798,000.00; total property saved was estimated at $2,798,000.00; total property value lost was estimated at $106,000.00. There were 5
reported structure fires, 2 fire other, 1 fire in structure other than a building, 1 passenger vehicle fire and 6 Grass/ rubbish fires for the month of April. MVFD gave mutual aid on 4 calls for the month.

The Administration Division reports the following activities for the month of April. The inspection division performed 1 business site inspection, 4 consultations, 1 plan review and 1 Fire Drill for the month. 

As summer approaches, we will see more bicyclists and motorcyclists out and around. May is Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety Month. We ask that motorists pay attention to both cyclist groups and making sure that you are aware of the size and visibility of riders is important. Also, it is a good idea to know how to anticipate and respond to both rider groups. By raising motorists' awareness, both drivers and riders will be safer sharing the road.

April Incident Statistics Report

The Fire Department responded to a total of 335 alarms and calls during the month of March. The City Hall station answered 180 alarms, the Airport Station answered 27 alarms, and the 42nd St. station answered 128 alarms. Of the responses, 26 of the responses were recorded as fire related, 2 Overpressure Rupture related, 223 were recorded as EMS related calls, 18 of the responses were recorded as hazardous conditions related, 11 were listed as Service Call, 33 listed as Good Intent, 21 listed as false alarm & false calls and 1 Severe Weather-related call. Total property pre incident value was $143,200 and total losses estimated were $126,200 resulting in $17,000.00 in saved property. There was 7 reported Structure Fires, 1 Trash Fire, 4 Vehicle Fires, 1 Heavy Equipment Fire, 13 Trash Rubbish Fire and responded to 7 CO calls for the month of March. MVFD gave mutual aid on 10 calls and received Mutual Aid 1 times for the month.    

MVFD Administration reports the following activities for the month; 3 business site inspections, 2 consultations and 2 Plan Review, 1 fire drill, 1 educational in-service for the month.

April brings us chances of severe weather and we want to remind residents to stay alert and aware of potential storms. Always have a NOAA weather radio available to warn you of any severe weather. We remind residents to stay tuned to your local forecaster for any changes in the weather. Warnings means that weather is imminent, watches means that the conditions exist for severe weather. Always remember that a watch can turn to a warning at any time. Stay safe during this storm season.  

March Incident Statistics Report