Emergency
Response Times in University City
The
map below, obtained from the City of San Diego Fire Department,
shows average response times and numbers of calls from different
neighborhoods in the vicinity of Station 35 (Eastgate Mall) during
fiscal year 2003-04. Areas shown in red had average response times
above the desired threshold of six minutes. (From what we understand,
calls from this area are routed to Station 35, but the response
is from the closest available unit(s), which may be from Stations
9 (La Jolla Pkwy) or 27 (Clairemont Dr), for example.)
Emergency
response times have steadily increased throughout the city during
the past 20 years, owing to increases in population and vehicular
congestion. Station 35 in particular is apparently overextended,
and certain outlying areas, such as the area between Gilman Dr and
I-5, parts of South University City east of Genesee Ave, etc. have
slower than desired response times (i.e. above six minutes).
What
is the best way to improve response times? In our informal discussions
with Fire Department personnel, the preferred solution - and overwhelmingly
so - is to build more fire stations. A new station in the eastern
half of South University City would be the best way to improve emergency
services coverage to the area. Furthermore, a station located there
would be able to respond to incidents in North University City,
via Genesee Ave or I-805, and would provide increased coverage for
Clairemont as well. In North University City, a station along Gilman
Drive near I-5 would provide good coverage for the red areas on
either side of I-5.
A new
fire station costs about $5 million, including equipment. The difference
in estimated costs for the Regents Road bridge and either of the
Genesee Avene improvements (widening or grade separation) is about
$10 million -- equal to the cost of two new fire stations.
|
