Fire Dept. 300+ wind storm calls

The Arcadia Fire Department responded to a variety of emergency calls during the week of Sunday, Nov. 27 – Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. The following is a breakdown of incident types for this time period:

Incident / Type/ Count Fire:                                      18 EMS/Rescue:                     82 Hazardous Condition:  151 Good Intent Call:             28 Service Call:                      14 False Alarm:                     26 Severe Weather:              12

Total Incident Count:  331

Wind storm-related calls Wednesday, Nov. 30 – Saturday, Dec. 3: The total number of recorded and unrecorded responses to incidents or investigations during this and the three days following exceeded 300, ranging in type from fire, medical, hazardous conditions, and false alarms to general service calls.

The estimated fire damage is $20,000, resulting from the following: • 4 structure fires caused by downed electrical wires • 6 vegetation fires caused by downed electrical lines • 4 “other” type fires which include rubbish, cooking, chimney and outside electrical equipment Additional responses included: • 4 natural gas leaks • Approximately 200 electrical power line investigations • Approximately 30 investigations of hazardous conditions, including trees into a structure or vehicle, water problems, vehicle accidents, and other type hazards. • 69 medical assists During the course of the event, Fire Department personnel supplemented the Public Works Department in investigating and/or clearing approximately 45 locations for emergency vehicle access on City streets. All apparatus are equipped with chain saws and, whenever necessary, fire personnel removed downed tree limbs that impeded emergency vehicle access.

Additionally, the fire personnel set barricades at 36 locations and established stop signs at various intersections. An additional 24 locations were investigated by fire personnel at the request of the Public Works Department to provide updated damage assessment.

One injury occurred to a Fire Department member during the course of tree removal operations. A significant laceration to the thigh of a firefighter was sustained during use of a chain saw. The injury was evaluated and treated by emergency room personnel at Arcadia Methodist Hospital. A full recovery is anticipated.

Sunday, November 27

* At 10:29 a.m., Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 400 block of East Diamond Street. Fire crews evaluated an elderly female patient complaining of head pain from a trip and fall. The patient was treated on scene with Basic Life Support measures and transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Monday, Nov. 28 * At 12:13 p.m., Engine 106, Engine 107, Truck 105, Rescue Ambulance 106, Battalion 105, with units from Monrovia Fire, responded to an appliance fire in the 100 block of West Magna Vista Avenue. Fire crews investigated a small kitchen fire out on arrival with light smoke inside of the structure. Truck 105 provided horizontal ventilation to clear the smoke from the structure while Engine 106 personnel utilized a Thermal Imaging Camera to check for any fire extension. Paramedics were requested to evaluate an occupant who was experiencing shortness of breath. The patient received Advanced Life Support measures on scene including oxygen therapy, intravenous access and a breathing treatment. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Tuesday, Nov. 29 At 1:12 p.m., Engine 106 responded to a reported sheared hydrant at the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and Palm Drive. Upon arrival, fire personnel found a single vehicle accident that had sheared a hydrant. The fire crew assisted Arcadia Water Department with shutting off the water and assessed the driver for injuries. The driver denied any complaints and denied the request for Paramedics to treat him.

Fire Prevention Bureau

Plan Checks 3 Commercial Building Plan Checks 3 Fire Sprinkler Plan Checks 1 Hood & Duct Plan Check 2 Solar Panel Plan Checks

Construction Inspections

2 Fire Sprinkler Inspections

Other Inspections 77 Annual Life & Fire Safety Re-inspection 11 Permit Inspections 5 Business License Inspections 2 Complaint Investigations 2 5 -Year Sprinkler Certification Inspections

Training During the reporting period, the Arcadia Fire Department conducted a total of 559 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.

Volunteer Weekly Activity Report During the reporting period, the Arcadia Fire Department had a total of 17 hours of volunteer activities. Specifically, volunteers from the community donated their valuable time last week in assisting the Department with administrative duties in the Fire Prevention Bureau and processing emergency medical services forms and paramedic reports. It is worth noting that all volunteers and Department personnel who have access to emergency medical services forms and paramedic reports are trained on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule.