(Estherville)– The Estherville City Council Tuesday evening adopted a resolution allowing the Fire Department to charge fees when responding to hazardous material calls, such as marked natural gas lines that are struck by contractors. The fees would NOT apply to homeowner calls for reports of a smell of natural gas coming from faulty appliances or service lines. City Administrator Penny Clayton…
Estherville Fire Chief Travis Sheridan says his department responded to three such calls in June for a total of 137 man hours and one call alone on August 1st that totaled 88 man hours. He says the reimbursement is also needed to help cover the cost of wear and tear on equipment.
Under the policy, who ever is found to be responsible for the incident will receive the bill.
