Fire Department Weekly Report - week of July 3 – 9, 2022

The Arcadia Fire Department responded to a variety of emergency calls during the week of July 3 – 9, 2022. The following is a breakdown of incident types recorded for this time period:

Sunday, July 3 At 8:32 a.m., Truck 105, Rescue Ambulance 105, and Battalion 105 responded to the intersection of Golden West Avenue and Ardendale Avenue to assist Los Angeles County fire units with a residential structure fire. Arcadia fire personnel were assigned to vertical ventilation to remove heavy smoke and super-heated gases from the structure as a reported victim was inside. The fire was quickly knocked down and no persons were trapped or hurt during this incident.

Monday, July 4 At 10:18 p.m., Engine 105 responded to the 1700 block of Mayflower Avenue for a reported vegetation fire in a rear yard. Fire crews arrived to find a large area in the backyard of a vacant home that was burning. The fire was quickly extinguished and no damage to adjacent structures occurred. The cause of this was from fireworks being set off in the neighborhood. Tuesday, July 5 At 9:34 a.m., Engine 107 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 1000 block of Don Diablo Drive. Upon arrival, fire personnel evaluated an 81-year-old female patient who was suffering from an altered level of consciousness. The patient received advanced life support including 12-lead cardiac monitoring, glucose check, and intravenous access. The patient was transported to USC Arcadia Hospital (formerly Arcadia Methodist Hospital) for further evaluation and treatment.

Wednesday, July 6 At 6:12 p.m., Truck 105, Engine 107, Engine 105, Rescue Ambulance 105, and Battalion 105 assisted units from Sierra Madre Fire Department on a structure fire in the 1900 block of Santa Anita Avenue in the city of Sierra Madre. Upon arrival, fire personnel found a heavily involved attic within a single-story residential structure. Fire crews aggressively extinguished the fire and contained it to the attic area. In addition, fire crews searched for potential victims, protected exposures, ventilated the structure, and provided for firefighter safety. The cause of the incident is still under investigation by Sierra Madre Fire Department.

Thursday, July 7 At 11:34 p.m., Engine 105, Engine 107, Monrovia Engine 102, Truck 105, Monrovia Truck 101, Rescue Ambulance 105, Monrovia Battalion 10, and Battalion 105 responded to the 200 block of Colorado Boulevard for a reported residential structure fire. Fire crews arrived to find a well involved structure fire. A transitional fire attack was initiated followed by crews continuing with an aggressive interior attack on the fire to safely complete a search for potential victims in the structure. No victims were found, no injuries occurred, and the fire remains under investigation.

Friday, July 8 At 7:47 a.m., Engine 106 responded to the 600 block of Lemon Avenue for a reported power line down. Firefighters arrived to find a communication line down. The line was safely removed with high voltage safety equipment. No injuries and no further damage occurred. Saturday, July 9 At 8:33 p.m., Engine 106 and Battalion 105 responded to the 200 block of West Huntington Drive for a report of overcrowding. Upon investigation, fire personnel found a public area of assembly reaching its capacity. No additional patrons were allowed to enter, and the overcrowding situation resolved itself by patrons leaving the facility. This response ensured codes and regulations were followed for public safety.

Personnel Update One additional Fire Engineer accepted a promotional opportunity with the city of Montebello Fire Department. With his departure, one additional Fire Engineer vacancy was created, totaling three. With the successful Fire Engineer examination, two of the candidates will be promoted into these positions mid to late July. The third position will be left open temporarily to allow the Department to onboard new firefighters. The Fire Department is also preparing to hire three additional firefighters in August, which will total nine new firefighters progressing through different stages of their probation. The Training Captain position has already taken off and busy with training new Fire Engineer candidates and new firefighters. This position will prove to be instrumental in our succession planning.

Training During the reporting period, the Arcadia Fire Department conducted a total of 370 hours of training. Some of the subjects include: Hose Evolutions, Ladder Evolutions, Ventilation, 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.