South Haven Area Emergency Services responded to a record number of calls during 2023, according to the department’s annual report.
Released this week, the report shows SHAES saw the number of calls increase for the tenth consecutive year in 2023. The agency responded to a total of 2,679 calls, 1,951 of which were medical.
Fire alarms decreased from 757 to 727 in 2023, while fire losses totaled $1.5 million. That’s compared to $846,000 in 2022.
The losses by community were $739,000 in Casco Township, $563,000 in South Haven Township, $273,000 in Geneva Township, and $7,550 in the city of South Haven. SHAES Chief Bandon Hinz says that last number is especially noteworthy, attributing it to rigorous inspections and community awareness.
There were no civilian fire-related deaths in 2023. There were two incidents in which a responder was injured either at an emergency scene or other work-related occurrence.
Marking its 27th year, SHAES serves the city of South Haven and the townships of Casco, Geneva, and South Haven. It’s comprised of 17 full-time staff and 30 paid-on-call firefighters protecting 97 square miles.
