SANFORD — Sanford Fire Department needs two ambulances on the road, all the time. Sometimes, officials say, there’s a need for a third.

So the department is looking undertaking an internal audit of all of its operations to determine how best to serve citizens. Ultimately, that may ”“ or may not ”“ include a recommendation for shuttering South Sanford Fire Station.

“We have three stations, and we’re working with not enough people in each,” said Fire Chief Steve Benotti.

The internal operations audit will look at the current distribution of personnel and equipment to determine if there’s a better way to divvy up those assets.

“We’re looking at alternatives, to see if we can regroup,” said Benotti on Tuesday. “One option may be two stations, rather than three.”

Sanford Fire Department currently operates Central Station, located near downtown core; Springvale station, located on Oak Street in the hub of the village area and south station, near Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport and the industrial parks.

Currently, the southern station is staffed with two people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The building was constructed 25 years ago, Benotti estimated, and there’s rust in the floor as well as rust and mold in the attic.

Overall, the Sanford Fire Department has 40 positions ”“ including captains, lieutenants, firefighters and paramedics. In addition there’s the fire chief, assistant chief, and an administrative assistant. There are 10 people assigned to each shift, but through an agreement with Sanford Firefighters Association Local 1624, the department runs with nine people on a shift most of the time.

Benotti acknowledged if the department could operate with 10 people all of the time, rather than 9, it would make a difference.

While statistics weren’t available Tuesday, Benotti estimated the ambulances are running 8-10 calls a day and he said his estimate could be low.

“Medical calls are through the roof,” said Benotti. He estimated Sanford’s medical runs would be on a par with the volume in Biddeford, and five times more than those of the smaller towns surrounding Sanford.

Not only are the ambulances running constantly, but the initial response with a fire engine has two people aboard on average, when national standards call for 3 to 4 to be effective at a fire scene, said Benotti.

Any plan that is forthcoming would require the support of the city manager and the city council.

Councilor Joseph Hanslip, who chairs the council’s public safety subcommittee, said he, as an individual councilor, believes the fire department shifts are understaffed, and have been for some time.

“It’s an economic reality,” he said Tuesday.

Hanslip said he hadn’t heard of any consideration of possibly closing south Sanford station.

“Before any decisions are made, the public safety committee will be looking at data and will have an informed discussion about that or other options that might exist,” Hanslip said. “I am aware that we have experienced a sharp increase in ambulance calls in the past few years. But before we make a major decision such as closing a station, we need to explore every option.”

Benotti said management meets with union personnel monthly and that officials who represent Sanford’s firefighters and emergency medical personnel are aware of the internal audit.

Union president Eric Beecher pointed out that the audit has not been completed, and therefore it’s early to comment. He did note the union’s relationship with management is stronger than it has been in years. He said he’s proud of the staff at Sanford Fire Department, who work high stress jobs.

“We do an outstanding job with the people we have,” he said.

Benotti said he expects the audit will be complete by the end of the summer.

“There’s a lot more talking to do before any plan is forthcoming,” the fire chief said. “We’re looking at all available options.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.