VIDEO: The Chico Fire Department (CFD) is utilizing a new alert system they say can cut down their response time when called to emergency situations.
The new system, called MACH Alert, will make the dispatching process consistent across all fire stations in Chico, and create a more rapid response to calls.
The system lights up the interior of the station in red lights, plays tones, and audibly describes the type of incident and location to firefighters in the station. Chico Fire Chief Steve Standridge says the time from call to alert is less than one minute.
“It gives our crews an understanding of what they’re getting into potentially. That information is a critical piece that the dispatchers are able to glean out of a call, and then transmit it to crews to make our operations safer, more efficient, and more effective when we get on scene," said Chief Standridge.