The Arcadia Fire Department responded to a variety of emergency calls during the week of May 15 – 21, 2022. The following is a breakdown of incident types recorded for this time period:
Sunday, May 15 At 4:08 p.m., Engine 107 responded to a reported outdoor fire. Fire crews arrived to find no active or fire issue. Upon further investigation, the reporting party was found to be suffering from a mental health episode. Arcadia Police Department responded to assist this individual. Monday, May 16 At 8:16 p.m., Truck 105 responded to the 5400 block of Cogswell Avenue for a reported person locked inside. Firefighters arrived to find a delivery person that entered into a commercial property and tried to leave after hours. The delivery person found the electric gate system was turned off for security measures. Firefighters assisted in opening the gate and no damage occurred to the location. Tuesday, May 17 At 3:25 p.m., Truck 105 and Engine 107 responded to a major flooded condition. Firefighters arrived to find water flowing from the front of the structure. Firefighters quickly shut down the incoming water supply and assisted with property conservation and water removal. The incident was released to the property manager to further remedy the water damage to the building and its contents. Wednesday, May 18 At 4:12 p.m., Engine 107 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 600 block of West Foothill Boulevard. Upon arrival, fire personnel evaluated a 25- year-old female patient who was suffering from a possible psychological issue. The patient received advanced life support including 12-lead cardiac monitoring, intravenous access, and blood glucose monitoring. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Thursday, May 19 At 5:26 p.m., Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the first block of First Avenue. Upon arrival, fire personnel evaluated a 71-year-old male patient who was suffering from general weakness. The patient received advanced life support including 12-lead cardiac monitoring, intravenous access with medications, and blood glucose monitoring. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Friday, May 20 At 10:20 a.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a report of a medical incident in the 600 block of West Duarte Road. Upon arrival, there was a 67-year-old patient with a complaint of weakness and chest pain. Fire personnel performed a full medical evaluation which included intravenous access, blood pressure check, and electrocardiogram. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further treatment. Saturday, May 21 At 1:51 p.m., Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a report of a medical incident in the 1800 block of Stonehouse Road. Upon arrival, there was a 63-year-old patient with a complaint of back pain after a fall. Fire personnel performed a full medical evaluation which included intravenous access, blood pressure check, and electrocardiogram. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further treatment.
Training During the reporting period, the Arcadia Fire Department conducted a total of 464 hours of training. Some of the subjects covered were: Hose Evolutions, Ladder Evolutions, Ventilation Techniques, Salvage and Overhaul Techniques, Tiller Certification, Defensive Driving, Engine Company Equipment, Search and Rescue, Communications, EOC Operations, Records Management, Fire Suppression Tactics, Power Tools, Hand Tools, Truck Operations, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic Continuing Education, Hazardous Materials, Lighting Operations, Rope Rescue, Incident Command, Pre- Incident Planning, Supervision and Management, and Standard Operating Guideline Review. Personnel Update Arcadia Fire Department (AFD) personnel continue to dedicate countless hours in preparing fire engineer candidates for the upcoming promotional examination. Aside from driver’s training and practice, candidates focused on pump operations and hydraulic calculation. One additional fire engineer advised AFD that he has accepted a Fire Captain position with Montebello Fire Department. This creates a third Fire Engineer vacancy. With the recent drought conditions, AFD was able to procure a water recirculating device from PumpPod USA to conserve water during training evolutions. AFD is also preparing for the upcoming onboarding of three new firefighters, starting May 31.
Strike Team Deployment With the raging wildfires in New Mexico, the interstate mutual aid system was activated and a strike team from our local area was sent to assist. One battalion chief as the Strike Team Leader and one three-person crew were sent to the New Mexico fires along with four other agencies from Southern California. They were deployed in the state-owned CalOES Type VI vehicles, which are more agile and smaller, but has a lower capacity pump. With the fire season looming for the state of California, members are preparing for it by conducting the annual required wildland refresher training.
