IDAHO FALLS - The fire chief for the Idaho Falls Fire Department says the department is unable to keep up with basic safety inspections in the city and Bonneville County.

Chief Dale Ellis says the department has a three-person prevention team.

He says the department hasn't grown along with the city and the Bonneville County Fire Protection District No. 1.

Some things that are being left undone include testing fire hydrants, inspecting buildings and businesses, and creating plans of attack for some buildings if they were to catch fire.

Earlier this month, the fire district's commissioners voted to hire a contractor to do many of the tasks.