The Turlock Fire Department responded to a total of 405 incidents during the month of February, which includes a total of 263 emergency medical service calls.
Turlock Fire responded to 12 motor vehicle accidents, and 15 commercial/ residential fire alarms. There were a total of 20 fire type calls classified as: two building fires, one vehicle fire, six unauthorized burnings, two cooking fires, three vegetation and/or rubbish fires, one chimney flue fire, one excessive heat-scorch burn, one "special type" outside fire, two authorized control fires, and one fire classified as "other." The remaining incidents consisted of public assists, assist to police, person in distress, smoke checks, gas leaks, water problem, building structural damage, and service calls.
Noteworthy events in February consisted of a residential structure fire. Fire crews responded to an early morning residential structure fire. When crews arrived on scene they found moderate smoke coming from the back corner of the house. The occupants of the home were alerted in the morning hour by the sounding of their smoke detectors. All occupants of the house self evacuated and waited for fire crews to arrive. Fire crews were able to control the fire within 10 minutes and completely extinguish the fire in 40 minutes. Firefighters had to gain access through the crawl space under the home to stop the fire. The four occupants in the home were displaced and stayed in a local hotel while repairs could be made. Turlock Firefighters Local 2434, Random Acts of Kindness program was created for these situations when families are in need and provided financial assistance to help take care of the accommodations. Turlock Fire Engine 31, 32, 33, 34 and Battalion Chief 1 all responded to this incident for a total of 13 firefighters.

FRIENDLY REMINDER
Make sure you have smoke detectors installed in your home and check them monthly to be sure they are working. They will save your life. For questions regarding Turlock Fire Department's smoke detector program or any other programs, contact fire administration at 668-5580 or stop in to the 900 N. Palm location.

FIRE SAFETY: FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Important information to remember when using fire extinguishers:
• If a fire breaks out, your first step is to call the fire department and get everyone out of the house. If the fire is not spreading and is confined to a small area, use the appropriate type extinguisher for the fire. Know both your limits and the fire extinguisher's limits.
• Periodically inspect your extinguishers to determine if they need to be recharged or replaced monthly. Extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced after each use - even if you haven't used the entire extinguishing agent.
• When using a fire extinguisher, keep your back to an unobstructed exit that is free from fire.
• When using fire extinguishers follow along with the acronym P. A. S. S.
P - PULL THE PIN FROM THE HANDLE
A - AIM THE EXTINGUISHER NOZZLE AT THE BASE OF THE FIRE
S - SQUEEZE THE HANDLE TO SPRAY THE CONTENTS
S - SWEEP BACK AND FORTH AS YOU SPRAY THE BASE OF THE FIRE