Fire Call Summary November 2011
The Turlock Fire Department responded to a total of 452 incidents during the month of November, which includes a total of 287 emergency medical service calls.
Turlock Fire responded to 16 motor vehicle accidents, and 18 commercial/ residential fire alarms. There were a total of 19 fire type calls classified as: two building fires, two vehicle fires, four unauthorized burning, one cooking fire, three vegetation and/or rubbish fires, two Dumpster fires, one excessive heat-scorch burn, one arcing-shorted electrical fire, one authorized control burn, and two chimney or flue fires.
The remaining incidents consisted of public assists, power lines down, assist to police, extrication of victim, animal rescue, person in distress, smoke checks, gas leaks, and a hazmat investigation.
Noteworthy events in November included a residential house fire. Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke issuing from the residence. After entering the residence, crews found the fire to be located in a bedroom. Crews had the fire under control within about 10 minutes and the fire completely out at the 30 minute marker. Crews remained on scene assisting the homeowner with clean up before clearing the incident. A total of four engine companies, a Battalion Chief, and the Fire Marshal responded to the incident for a total of 14 fire personnel.
Another noteworthy call was a reported chimney fire. Upon arrival, there was fire showing from the top of the chimney. Crews investigated inside to find wood in the fireplace producing minimal heat after the homeowner had extinguished the wood with a fire extinguisher. Crews laddered the house and from the roof, extinguished the fire in the chimney with a hoseline. Crews inside used a thermal imagining camera to search for any hidden fire in the attic or walls around the fireplace. Once the fire was out, crews found a buildup of material inside the chimney and notified homeowner that before using the fireplace again they would need to get it cleaned and checked. A total of three engine companies and a Battalion Chief responded for a total of 10 personnel on scene.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please have your fireplace checked and cleaned annually by a professional to prevent buildups that can cause fires.

SAFETY TIP
Keep your holidays fire free
• When purchasing a Christmas tree, check for freshness. A dry tree is highly flammable.
• Try this test - hold a branch 6 inches from the tip; pull the branch allowing it to slip through your fingers. If the tree is fresh, very few green needles will come off.
• Choose a tree stand that is designed to not tip over and that can hold plenty of water, check water daily.
• Before placing tree in stand, cut about 6 inches off the trunk and soak tree in a bucket of water over night.
• Do not place tree near the fireplace, furnace vents, television, or any other heat sources.
• When choosing lights, buy lights labeled by a recognized testing laboratory and check annually for frayed or damaged cords.
• On Christmas trees, use small lights that stay cool to the touch or LED lights that also save energy.
• For outside decorations, use only outdoor lights. Never use indoor lights outside.
• Always unplug all decorative lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Don't overload electrical outlets with multiple plug adaptors.
• Use caution with extension cords, make sure they're placed where people won't trip and avoid running them under carpets or rugs.