Ultimately the Jerome Police Department is in charge of evacuations. However, the Jerome Police Department and the Jerome Fire Department work very closely together making us a more effective team.
We are unable to post a dedicated plan for every potential wildfire or emergency situation that could occur. Every single fire or other event must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, looking at factors such as the location of the fire’s source, how fast it is moving, if it is moving towards or away from the town, how widespread the event is, how many first responders are available, how quickly we can get mutual aid and how busy we currently are fighting the fire or mitigating another situation. During these events, it will be up to the Jerome Police Department on scene to direct people and traffic to the areas safest for them. In most cases, this will be towards the fire station or the 300 Level parking lot, or down the mountain and out of town.
The town siren is tested every Thursday evening at 6 PM as well as every day at 11:45PM. If it goes off at any other time and for an extended period, then we have a potential emergency event occurring that citizens need to be aware of. All available police and fire personnel will be dealing with the current situation and assisting in the evacuation of citizens where possible. If the Fire Department and Police Department are given any kind of forewarning of a fire or similar event that is threatening the town, then we will post on every media platform available to us, including the Town website and Facebook page, as well as spread the word around town by whatever means are possible and feasible at the time. To prevent chaos and hysteria, we urge every individual to remain calm, assess their situation, and do what is best for their safety.
The Jerome Fire Department and Jerome Police department will do everything in their power to reduce damages, protect life and property and keep the town and citizens as safe as we can. The Town of Jerome’s citizens have a strong sense of community along with Jerome Police and Fire. In the event of a catastrophe, we trust that we would have the assistance of every trained able-bodied resident in order to help out as many as possible.
Rusty Blair
Fire Chief
