The Arcadia Fire Department responded to a variety of emergency calls during the week of July 18-24, 2010. The following is a breakdown of incident types for this time period:
Incident / Type / Count Fire:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2 EMS/Rescue:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 61 Hazardous Material:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8 Public Service Assistance:Â Â Â 1 Good Intent Call:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 11 False Alarm:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6 Total Incident Count:Â Â Â Â Â Â 89
Sunday, July 18 At 10:23 a.m., Engine 106 and Engine 107 responded with the Pasadena Fire Department on an automatic aid assignment to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of North Halstead Street. Upon arrival, fire personnel found a large two-story fitness center with people evacuating and light smoke coming from the basement. After further investigation, fire personnel found smoke coming from a mal-functioning air conditioner. Mechanical smoke removal machines were used to remove the smoke, allowing the occupants to re-enter the structure. Monday, July 19 At 11:21 p.m., Engine 105, Engine 106, Engine 107, Rescue Ambulance 105, Rescue Ambulance 106, Battalion 105 with units from Monrovia, San Marino, Glendale and Burbank Fire Departments responded to a hazardous materials incident in the 400 block of South Santa Anita Avenue.
Units arrived on scene to a reported chemical leak into a large recreational swimming pool. The alleged cause of the leak was a malfunction of the pump that automatically distributes chlorine into the swimming pool. The pump reportedly experienced a back up in the system causing a backpressure of chlorine. Once the backpressure cleared, a large quantity of chlorine was distributed into the pool.
Swimmers in the pool experienced reactions to the excessive chlorine. Symptoms included burning eyes and mouth, shortness of breath and altered mental status. Approximately 34 patients were evaluated on scene, 17 of which were transported to Arcadia Methodist and Huntington Memorial Hospitals for further evaluation and treatment.
A Mass Casualty Incident was declared. Los Angeles County EMS Agency Medical Alert Center was contacted for hospital and emergency room availability.
Truck 105 was assigned HazMat Group with Hazardous Materials Teams from Glendale and Burbank Fire Departments. The HazMat Team made entry into the swim facility, found that the chlorine leak only affected the swimming pool and that no chlorine gas was released into the structure. The entry team found that swimming pool personnel had previously shut off the pumps, the entry team turned off power to the pumps by shutting down the electrical breakers.
With the swimming pool area and faculty completely evacuated and the chlorine leak neutralized, the Los Angeles County Swimming Facility was turned over to Los Angeles County Health HazMat for further investigation into the cause. The pool remains closed at this time.
Tuesday, July 20 At 2:10 p.m., Engine 106 responded to a hazardous condition in the 1400 block of South Magnolia Avenue in the City of Monrovia. Upon arrival, fire personnel found an odor of natural gas within the structure. Fire personnel found a loose connection behind the stove causing a slow leak of natural gas. Fire personnel tightened the connection stopping the leak and windows were opened to remove the residual gas.
Wednesday, July 21 12:25 p.m., Engine 105 responded to a vehicle leaking fuel in a parking lot in the 400 block of East Huntington Drive. Upon arrival, fire personnel found gasoline leaking from the engine compartment of a parked car. Fire personnel controlled the leak and used absorbent to soak up the spilled fuel. Once the leak subsided, the owner of the vehicle had the car towed to a repair facility.
Thursday, July 22 At 3:14 p.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the 600 block of West Duarte Road. Upon arrival, fire personnel found a female patient experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. The patient received advanced life support measures at the scene including a 12-lead electro cardio gram and breathing treatment. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for evaluation and medical treatment.
Friday, July 23 At 10:39 a.m., Engine 105, Engine 106, Engine 107 Truck 105, Rescue Ambulance 106, Battalion 105, with units from Monrovia and Los Angeles County Fire Departments, responded to reported fire near a structure in the 600 block of West Duarte Road.  Upon arrival, fire personnel discovered a small vegetation fire at the rear of a structure from the intentional burning of vegetation waste. The fire was extinguished and the vegetation was overhauled. The resident was instructed to refrain from burning any vegetation or waste in the future.
Saturday, July 24 At 11:38 a.m., Rescue Ambulance 105, with units from the Monrovia Fire Department, responded to a medical assist in the 12000 block of Lower Azusa Road. Upon arrival, fire personnel found a male patient who’s arm was crushed in a hydraulic tailgate. The patient received advanced life support measures, including narcotics for pain management. The patient was placed in shock position and transported to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center for additional evaluation and medical treatment.
Fire Prevention Bureau 1   Residential Building Plan Checks               2   Fire Sprinkler Plan Checks 1   Tank Removal Plan Check                  1   Solar Panel Plan Check 8   Fire Sprinkler Inspections                     2   Hood and Duct Inspections 9   Permit Inspections                           7   Business License Inspections 15   Annual Life Safety Inspections
Training During the reporting period, the Arcadia Fire Department conducted a total of 275 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 6 hours of volunteer activities. Specifically, volunteers from the community donated their valuable time last week in assisting the department with administrative duties at 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.