VIDEO: Boise is growing up and out, which is making for more homes and more fires for our firefighters to battle. So, is all the growth making you less safe? We talked to Boise's Fire Chief to find out.
Growth is a fact of life in the Boise area. The population exploded by more than 50% in the past two decades. It means more apartments, taller buildings, and a denser downtown. Does that mean firefighters' tactics are having to change to keep up with the changing skyline? Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer said they're ready to fight any fire anywhere. But there is a pretty big problem with all this growth. "We're always learning new techniques, but the core components of fighting those fires really haven't changed, even with the growth,” said Chief Niemeyer.