Firefighters extinguish controlled burns in new training building
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I have had several individuals inquire if local firefighters are using the new training facility. The answer is yes, we are. It is a very wonderful facility that was given to the volunteers by assistant chief Richard Salmela.
As shown by the picture at left, fires have been started and firefighters have been given the opportunity to enter a burning building in full gear, under controlled conditions. These conditions simulate real conditions found in a burning building.
In February, firefighters responded to 21 incidents, compared to 30 incidents in the month of January. Don’t forget February is a month with fewer days.
There was an average of .75 calls daily in February with almost one call per day in January.
The 21 incidents in February consisted of the following: seven false alarms/alarm malfunctions, two smoke investigations, two hazmat incidents, eight ambulance assists/extrications and two structure fires.
The 30 incidents in January consisted of the following: four investigations, 11 ambulance assists/extrications, one hazmat incident, three carbon monoxide alarms, five alarm malfunction/false alarm, one other, one electrical, one gas leak, two vehicle fires and one smoke investigation.
There were a total of 473 firefighter man-hours expended for the incidents in January and 400 man-hours expended for the incidents in February. There were also 320 man-hours used for training for the two months.
The most man-hours were used on a 42-vehicle pileup east of the Kemmerer exchange on Interstate 80. Fortunately, the speed limit had been lowered to 45 mph, and people obeyed the change. This, in my opinion, helped to reduce the number and severity of the injuries.
The fire department stayed on scene until all vehicles were removed. This was to ensure there were no people trapped or injured in any vehicles that were not seen on the first inspection.
Please beware of driving conditions. With the weather continually changing, roads can become suddenly slick and hazardous. Being alert can prevent a wreck or injury.
