Fire Call Summary, March 2011

The Turlock Fire Department responded to a total of 402 incidents in the month of March. These included a total of 271 emergency medical service calls. In addition, Turlock Fire responded to 12 motor vehicle accidents, and 19 commercial/residential fire alarms. Turlock Fire encountered five hazardous material calls, in which crews were able to identify hazards and mitigate the situation.

There were a total of nine fire type calls: two building fires, two vehicle fires, one unauthorized burning fire; three cooking fires and one in structure “other.”

Remaining incidents consisted of public assists, assist to police, MCI/extraction, smoke checks, etc. Due to several days of bad weather, engine companies responded to numerous calls where tree limbs had fallen resulting in down power lines. One particular call had engine companies remain on scene to secure and isolate an area where live power lines had fallen until TID could arrive and cut power. In addition to bad weather calls, Turlock Fire responded to a vehicle accident that was declared a multiple causality injury incident, which involved more resources to assist with the emergency. There were a total of six patients with one needing to be extricated by utilizing the “Jaws of Life.”

FIRE SAFETY TIP

BARBEQUE FIRE SAFETY

With sunny weather returning, it’s important to review these tips on barbeque safety before starting up that grill.

·         Clean your grill thoroughly and check for leaks, cracking or brittleness before using it. Clean out the tubes that lead into the burner.

·         Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from your house, garage or trees.

·         Store and use your grill on a flat surface that cannot burn. DO NOT use grills in an enclosed area, such as a garage or on top of any surface that can catch fire (porch, deck, etc).

·         Keep children away from fire and grills. Create a safety zone around the grill and instruct children to remain outside that zone.

·         Have a fire extinguisher, garden hose, bucket of water or sand nearby.

·         DO NOT wear loose clothing that might catch fire.

·         Use long handled barbecue tools and/or flame resistant mitts.

·         NEVER use any flammable liquid other than a barbecue starter fluid. NEVER pour starter fluid onto an open flame.

·         NEVER leave the grill unattended.

·         Keep your grill clean and free of grease buildup that may lead to a fire and ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and storing instructions that accompany the grill.