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According to a white paper published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fire Administration National Fire Data Center, certain factors correlate with city fire rates.

The study found that parental presence, good education, adequate income and home ownership showed a negative correlation with fire rates, meaning that as these values increased, the fire rates decreased.

Equally, variables like housing vacancy and age of housing showed a positive correlation with fire rates, indicating that as the percentage of impoverished persons in a census tract increased, fire rates also increased.

In Minnesota, the Task Force on Housing revealed that the state needed 50,000 housing units to meet demand and projected that a surge in construction would be necessary to address the deficit by 2024. As we progress in 2024, the state faces a housing deficit of 106,000 units, with three-quarters of this shortage concentrated in the greater Twin Cities metro area.

According to a recent estimate, the Bemidji community needs approximately 1,160 affordable housing units. Affordable housing is defined as housing that a household can afford while still having enough money left over for necessities, usually no more than 30% of their gross income, including utilities.

Several trends suggest that the general housing condition will continue to deteriorate, and the number of households living in inadequate units in these areas will increase.

Items identified are as follows:

1. Cuts in income assistance programs for low-income families make it challenging to afford housing. Millions of low-income families are residing in substandard housing. Living in an old, poorly maintained housing unit raises the likelihood of experiencing a fire for several reasons.

Regular maintenance is necessary for older heating, plumbing, and electrical systems to function safely. Many apartment buildings have not received adequate maintenance, heightening the risk of mechanical failures and the potential for fires.

2. The electrical systems in many older homes and apartments can be a fire hazard. Outdated wiring wasn't made to handle the electricity needed for modern appliances like microwaves, TVs, and stereos. Overloading the system can lead to electrical fires.

In addition, residents in older apartments may try to solve the problem of inadequate electrical systems by using extension cords and putting too much strain on limited electrical outlets. This can overload a socket or circuit and cause an electrical fire.

3. Another factor contributing to increased fire risk for homes is when occupants attempt to address insufficient heating in the building by using temporary solutions like space heaters. In numerous ways, space heaters and other alternative heating devices can heighten the risk of fire: specifically, if they are older and have not been properly serviced, are used incorrectly, placed too close to flammable materials, or lack proper ventilation.

These combined efforts greatly reduce fire risks and enhance Bemidji residents' overall safety. In listening to our city council discussions on housing, I know that a significant amount of state money is available to support and assist in housing development and rehabilitation.

The city must position itself to apply for and receive as many funds as possible. These funds are being used not just for new construction but also for the rehabilitation of older housing stock.

This encourages development by strengthening partnerships with developers and nonprofit agencies. There has also been discussion about our city using financial tools to increase affordable housing; city leaders hope to use financial tools like fee reduction, tax incremental financing and tax reduction to lower project costs for developers, particularly those who accept rental assistance programs.

Our city will review and update its comprehensive land-use plan and zoning ordinances with the goal of promoting housing development to remain competitive with neighboring areas. Recent progress includes adding new housing units at several locations, such as Taber’s Bait and Conifer Estates. I am hopeful that we continue this momentum and build on these successes.

In conclusion, our commitment to life safety drives this call for action and underscores our dedication to developing a safer community. Critical data indicates the need for affordable housing in the Bemidji area. New and updated housing in our city follows strict building and fire codes, ensuring the adequate installation of smoke alarms, sprinkler systems and the provision of fire extinguishers.

Well-designed housing incorporates clear escape routes, fire-resistant materials, and regular maintenance of safety equipment. Furthermore, our city leaders and public safety officials will continue collaborating on public education campaigns to inform residents about fire prevention and emergency procedures. These combined efforts greatly reduce fire risks and enhance Bemidji residents' safety.

Justin Sherwood is the fire chief at the Bemidji Fire Department. He can be reached at (218) 751-8001 or firechief@ci.bemidji.mn.us.