National Terror Alert

Maritme Security

Monday, January 29, 2007

Two vehicle accident damages house

Fire Rescue crews responded to an accident at Seymour and Guerrero involving two vehicles. An SUV and another vehicle collided and one ended up damaging the garage of a house at the corner.

The jaws of life were used to extricate the female driver of the SUV. She was transported in stable condition to LMC. The other driver refused treatment and transport.

Sunday, January 28, 2007

LFD assists at Major car accident in Hebbronville

Laredo Fire Dept sends to ambulances And an EMS supervisor to hebbronville to assist at a major vehicle accident. Initial Reports of a van rollover with 13 passengers are cominig in over the radio. More details to come...

Local hospitals advised to remain on standby to receive patients...

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Car collides with house; fatality reported

A vehicle lost control and collided with a house at the corner of meadow and willow. One person who was asleep at the time died as a result of the injuries sustained because of the accident. Two injured patients were transported to LMC.

Fire reported at Sanders and Lyon

Fire crews rsponded to the scene of a house fire at the corner of Lyon and Sanders. Crews commenced to attacked the fire with handlines. All occupants were evacuated.

More details to come..

Arson team dispatched to investigate the scene.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Candle Safety Tips

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) reports that candle fires account for an estimated 5% of all home fires. In 2002, candles were the cause of 18,000 reported home fires, resulting in 130 civilian deaths, 1350 civilian injuries, and an estimated $333 million in direct property loss. Fires caused by unattended candles are very common in our City. We encourage citizens of Laredo and surrounding areas to follow the following safety tips. Remember, fires are preventable.

Candle Safety Tips:

Place candles in sturdy, nonflammable holders (metal, glass, ceramic) that are large enough to collect dripping wax.

Always keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

Always attend burning candles. Extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Do not carry a lit candle during a power outage; use a flashlight instead.

Keep candle wicks trimmed to ¼ inch and extinguish when the flame gets too high. Once the candle cools down, re-trim the wick to ¼ inch. This keeps the candle burning slower and with less smoke.

Do not use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree.

Consider using flameless candles. This alternative to traditional candles allows you to enjoy the glow of a real candle without the hazards of smoke, melting wax, or fire. Battery-powered flameless candles can be practically indistinguishable from real candles to the casual observer, with options including real wax, flickering glow, and a variety of pleasing scents.

House fire @ 1100 blk of Tilden

The alarm sounded for a house on fire at the 1100 blk of Tilden. Fire crews from district 1 and district 2 responded totaling 4 fire engines, 2 ambulances and EMS supervissor and a District Chief.

Crews arrived and evacuated a male subject. He was taken to an ambulance where paramedics treated him for minor smoke inhalation. He was then transported to LMC for further evaluation as a precautionary measure.

Crews worked the scene for about an hour when it was then declared under control. Firefighters were able to save the majority of the home from further damage.

More details to come....

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental by arson investigators..

Monday, January 22, 2007

Hit and Run on Hwy 359

A hit and run accient that sent 3 people to the hospital was reported this morning. The male driver of a late model camaro hit a vehicle at the corner of 359 and Las misiones. The driver and passenger of the impacted vehicle were checked on scene by paramedics and did not require transport to the hospital.

The driver of the camaro left the scene after the impact and ran over two people on Coronado st. a few blocks from the original scene. The victims included a female minor on her way to school. The car then crashed into a parked truck sending it several feet into the opposite direction.

Warehouse fire on Hwy 359

Fire crew responded to a warehouse fire on Hwy 359 two miles east of the City Landfill. The blaze was quickly controlled and no injuries were reported. The point of origin was found to be on the southern part of building. Hwy 359 was closed temporarily during the operation. The closure lasted approxiamtly 25 minutes.


The cause is being investigated by the Arson Division.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Injury reported @ 9500 blk of Mines

Fire Rescue crews responded to assist an injured patient at the 9500 block of Mines..... Engine 9, ResQ 9 and an EMS supervisor responed.
Cause of accident unknown...more details will be provided as they become available.

Crews arrived to find an unresponsive male. Advanced life support treatment was initiated by paramedics. All attempts are currently being made by Fire dept personnel to improve patients status.

More details to come....

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Car accident on IH 35 Southbound lane @ Calton

Ambulance crews respond to a vehicle accident on IH 35 just past calton rd in fron of Taco Palenque. Minor injuries reported. Patients treated on scene and refused transport to the hospital. Cause of the accident is unknown at the time.

Car accident at Mile Mkr 25 on IH35

Reports of a motor vehicle accident at the 25 mile marker 25 on IH35 came in over the radio this afternoon. Five victims were in the vehicle at the time including 3 children and one pregnant female and a male driver. Two ambulances, a fire engine and a district chief were dispatched to the scene.

More details to come as they become available....

All five patients were transported in to Dr's hospital for treatement.

The car veered off the bridge while traveling east and ended up in the brush approximatly 60 feet from the roadway.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Wet weather driving tips

The Laredo Fire Department would like to offer the following safety tips due to the recent rains.
Driving in the rain can be a safety challenge. According to the National Safety Council, losing control of a vehicle is avoidable by following these preventative measures.
Prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When slowing or stopping, don't brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.
If the car begins to skid, remain calm, ease off the gas pedal and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using the brakes. This procedure, known as "steering into the skid," will bring the back end of the car in line with the front. If the car has anti-lock brakes, brake firmly as you "steer into the skid."To avoid hydroplaning, keep tires properly inflated, maintain good tread and replace them when necessary. Slow down when roads are wet and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.
If the car is hydroplaning, don't brake or turn suddenly. This could cause the car to skid. Ease off of the gas pedal until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If the car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally; the car's computer will mimic a pumping action, when necessary.
Stay safe on the roadways and always use caution when driving in inclement weather.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

City resumes operation

The City of Laredo resumes normal operation after cold front releases grip on South Texas. City officials decided to close city offices on Wednesday 17th, 2007 due to the unusually colder weather. All non-essential personnel were asked to remain home. Concerns of hazardous conditions throughout the city prompted the decision to scale back operations in the interest of public safety. International bridges remained open and El Metro buses ran according to normal schedules. Fire and Police personnel worked their normal assignments and remained ready, as always, to respond to weather related or any other emergency.

City officials prepared for this event by taking these precautionary measures and others to ensure that action was taken to protect the citizens of Laredo. The consequences of failing to plan and prepare can lead to negative outcomes as we have learned from other cities and states.
As a result of this preparation, no injuries nor deaths have been reported.
-End-

Microwave causes short circuit

Reports of a microwave that caused a short circuit came in over the radio on Thursday. The incident occured at the 2400 Guatemozin. The occupants were eveacuated and no injuries were reported. The short caused as small fire and minimum damaged was noted. Fire personnel quickly controlled the incident.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Emergency Shelters re-open

Due to the cold weather that we are experiencing, the City is re-opening two (2) shelters that will offer refuge to those that are seeking protection from the cold. The locations are as follows:

Shelter 1: Laredo Civic Center 2400 San Bernardo

Shelter 2: Salvador Garcia Middle School 499 Pena Dr. (Rio Bravo, TX)

Both shelters will open at 5 pm and will have Laredo Fire Dept. Paramedics standing for those that need emergency medical attention

Cold weather safety tips

The city of Laredo is experiencing colder than usual temperatures for this time of year. Freezing may occur as a result of the low temperatures. With this in mind the Fire Department has the following safety tips for the citizens of Laredo and surrounding areas:
*Do not venture out if you do not have to. If you do need to go out, limit your exposure, and know your limitations. Dress in several layers, and wear a waterproof and or windproof outer layer.
*Should your clothes become wet, remove your self from the environment and remove the wet clothing immediately.
*Finger tips, earlobes and noses tend to be highly susceptible to frostnip and frostbite. Keep these areas covered while out in the cold weather. The body loses approximately 40% of its heat through the head. Wearing a hat will help conserve body heat.
Frostnip is a common and reversible result of exposure to the cold. Persons suffering from Frostnip can easily rewarm cold fingers, toes or nose by gently rubbing these areas briskly.
Frostbite however is a more serious condition caused by long exposure to the cold. This, if left untreated may result in the actual freezing of an extremity, digit or nose. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REWARM A FROSTBITTEN EXTREMITY BY RUBBING IT. Re-warming must be done gradually and in an Emergency Department.
*The very young, the elderly and or infirmed also tend to be prone to cold related injuries. It is important to monitor children, and to regularly check on elderly relatives or neighbors
*If you anticipate being out in the elements for an extended period of time do not smoke or consume alcohol. These items cause changes in the circulatory system making the body even colder.
*Make sure you have a working smoke detector in every bedroom and on every level. Check and change the batteries often.
*Do not attempt to heat your home with the oven. Burning gas in a closed house or apartment uses up oxygen and produces deadly carbon monoxide gases
*Kerosene heaters are dangerous. Make sure that electric heaters and blankets are U.L. or F.M. rated, and kept away from any combustible materials such as draperies and linens. Unplug electric blankets and portable electric heaters when not in use.

Emergency Shelters close temporarily

The cold weather emergency shelters will temporarily close. Emergency Management officials will continue to monitor the weather through the day to determine if re-opening is necessary. Should the shelters re-open, a press release will be distributed.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Two rollovers on IH 35

Two rollovers were reported on IH35 during the early evening hours. The first occured at 5pm at IH35 and calton inthe south bound lane. The injured were transported to LMC.

The second occurd at 9pm also in the south bound lane at chicago.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Car Crash on IH35 at Loop 20

A car caccident was reported at Loop 20 and IH35. A passenger vehicle and tractor trailer were invloved. Paramedics arrived and found one female patient injured as a result of the accident.

Cyclist hit by car

A male subject was hit by a vehicle driven by a male at the 3000 block of E San Jose. Paramedics responded to assist the injured cyclist. The driver of the vehicle was reported to have fled.

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Body spotted in river by Bridge 2

Witness spotted a body floating in the river by bridge number two. Fire crews were dispatched to investigate. More details will be made available as soon as possible.

Bus accident on Shiloh

Report of an El Metro bus accident at the 500 block of Shiloh came in over the radio this evening. Minor injuries reported. Cause of accident unknown at this time.

Monday, January 8, 2007

Rollover on IH35 at Mann exit

Fire department emergency crews responded to a rollover on IH35 at the Mann exit infront of the Tacotote restaurant. Firefighters found the four occupupants of the vehicle in need of treatment. One adult male was treated and refused transport to the hospital. Three others, an adult female and two minors required transport to LMC.

It is not known what caused the accident and only one vehicle was noted to be involved.

Dog Bites mailman

Fire crews responded to a dogbite incident at the 1700 block of Flores. Crews arrived to find that a mailman had been the victim of the dogbite. Police and Animal control were also dispatched to the scene.

Ambulance crew #3 treated the pt.

Man Down at 300 Garden

Fire crews responded to a man dow at the 300 block of Garden. Crews arrived and found a male patient with difficulty breathing. It was soon discovered that he accidently overdosed. Advanced life support was administered and pt. revived. he was subsequently transported to LMC.

Man Down in front of Wendy's on Mc Pherson

Report of a man down at the Wendy's in front Doctor's on MC Pherson. Crews responded and found a 25 yo male pt regaining consciousness and disoriented. It is not known why the pt lost consciousness.

Car Accident @ San Jorge & Houston

Fire crews responded to a two vehicle collisop at the intersection of San Jorge and Houston. One patient was injured with minor lacerations. Crews from Fire Sta. One and Sta. Four. Pt was transported to LMC for evaluation.

Friday, January 5, 2007

Stabbing in South Laredo

Emergency crews responded to the scene of a stabbing at the 3200 block of Guadalupe. Crews arrived to find a 23 male victim with a wound to the neck. Paramedics treated and transported the pt to LMC.

More City info

For more info regarding our fair City, you can visit www.cityoflaredo.com, www.lmtonline.com, www.laredocalendar.com, www.pro8news.com

Car accident at Springfieldand Del Mar

Fire crews responded to a car accident at Springfield and Del Mar. Crews arrived and determined that it was minor. One person was treated and transported with minor injuries to Dr.s Hospital.

FD responds to LCC for an activated fire alarm

Fire crews responded to a resported fire alarm activation at the LCC Fine Arts building. Crews arrived onscene to investigate. Minimum damage was reported. The case is under investigation. LCC campus police were on scene to investigate as well. Maintenance personnel arrived and the scen was turned over to the supervisor.

Thursday, January 4, 2007

Rollover at Mile Mkr 31 on IH 35

Fire Engine 10 and Ambulances 9 & 8 responded to a vehicle rollover on IH 35 at the 31 milemarker. Initial reports of 5 injuries were conveyed. Crews are enroute to assess and treat the injured. More info will be posted as it becomes available.

EMS Supervisor dispatched and additional Ambulance for assistance.

Smoke inside a residence in South Laredo

Fire crews responded to a residence located at the 3100 block of Fiesta Lp. Firefighters found light evaporation eminating from the roof due to the humidity levels in the atmosphhere. No fire nor smoke damage was noted. Crews were returned back to service.

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

DPS vehicle involved in accident

A DPS vehicle was reported to have been involved in an accident at the 4300 block of Pan American located in the Mines road area of town. Emergency crews arrived on scene to find a pt requiring urgent transportation to the hospital. Ambulance crew #9 transported the patient to Doctor's hospital. It is unknown how the accident occured nor if the patient was a DPS trooper. More info will be posted as details become available.

Car accident at Mile Mkr 21 on IH35

A single vehicle accident was reported at the 21 mile marker on ih35 on the access road. The car was seen to have veered off the road and rested in a ditch. The driver of the vehicle complained of pain to the arm. Emergency crews responded to aid the patient. Pt was transported to Doctor's Hospital.

Car Accident reported at Mile Marker 20 on IH35

Emergency crews respondede to a car accident at the 20mile marker on IH 35. Rain conditions are thought to have contributed to the inciednt. One person was reported injured.

Crews arrived and found no accident. It turned out to be an 18 wheeler that was stuck in the mud on the side of the road.

FD cautions drivers during wet weather

Just a reminder to everyone that wet weather creates hazardous road conditions for motorists. Please drive with caution and remember to slow down. Rain creates slippery surfaces which increase the potential for accidents.

Warehouse fire in downtown Laredo

Fire crews responded in the early morning hours to a reported warehouse fire. Emergency personnel quikly deployed handlines and prepared for the attack. Meanwhile, a separate team suuccesfully gained access to the building which with power saws and other entry tools.

Once inside the fire crews proceeded to extinguish the fire. The roof was ventilated to allow for the smoke and heat to escape thus allowing for safer working conditions inside. The warehouse is priavtly owned.

Adjacent buildings belonging to LISD sustained some damage. A small, empty storage building sustained the most damage localized to the roof. A larger building, which was also empty at the time sustained smoke light smoke damage.

No injuries were reported.

The call came in at approximatley 4:30 am this morning. It took about an hour to extinguish the blaze. Crews remain on scene to ensure that all of the fire is extinguished and that the scene is safe to turn over to the owners. The cause of fire is unknown and under investigation.

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

FD responds to car fire on Shiloh

Fire Engine 10 responded to a reprted car on fire at the car wash located close to the corner of Mc Pherson and Shiloh. Fire crews quickly arrived to extingush the blaze. No injuries reported.
Cause of fire unknown and under investigation.