Halloween Safety Tips

The nights are cooler and that means that Halloween is upon us. We want everyone to have a safe and fun time, free of accidents and mishaps this Halloween season. Please observe the following safety tips when trick-or-treating and celebrating:
· Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them.

· The best bet is to make sure that an adult is going with them. If you can't take them, see if another parent or a teen aged sibling can go along.

· Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions.
· Make sure you set a time that they should be home by. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time.

· Help your child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make it fire proof, with high visibility and with the eye holes large enough for good peripheral vision.

· If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure that they are far enough out of the way so that kids costumes won't accidentally be set on fire.

· Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.
· Teaching your kids basic everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing when the lights tell you to, will help make them safer when they are out Trick or Treating.
· Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
· Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire.

· Only approach homes that are well lit.

· Carry a flashlight or other light emitting device to increase visibility and to light your way while trick-or-treating.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!
(Source: Halloween-Safety.Com)

Man Electrocuted

Emergency crews responded to a reported injured patient on Highway 83 and Espejo Molina Rd just past nine o’clock last night. On arrival they found two Sherriff’s Deputies performing CPR on a male patient in the back of a pickup truck. The Sherriff Department initially responded to the call as the incident occurred in the Rio Bavo/El Cenizo area. Laredo Fire Department Emergency Medical Technicians quickly took over and transported him in critical condition to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The man, in his early forties, was electrocuted when he was working on a water heater at a nearby residence.

As a reminder, always shut-off electricity, read instruction manuals and consult an electrician as needed when working with electrical equipment.

MVA in Central Laredo

Three teens were sent to a local hospital after having an accident while driving eastbound on Plum St. The injuries were describes as non life threatening.

FIRE PREVENTION SAFTY TIPS (PART IV)

Did you know?
Smoke alarms are less likely to be present or operating in manufactured homes.
There is a higher fire death rate per one hundred manufactured homes as compared to other home fires.
Cooking is the leading cause of fires in manufactured homes.
Having a working smoke alarm reduces one's chance of dying in a fire by nearly a half.
By following today’s simple fire safety tips, survival rates are boosted dramatically. Please share them with your readers and viewers because knowledge is the best fire protection.


Manufactured Home Safety Life-Saving Tips
Have a minimum of two smoke alarms installed in your home regardless of sleeping space arrangements.
Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
Maintain your home heating system by having it serviced at least once a year by a professional.
Do not store combustibles or flammables near heat sources.
Never overload outlets, extension cords or electrical circuits. If the circuit breaker trips or fuses blow, immediately call a licensed electrician to check your system.
Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.
If there is a fire, get out immediately and stay out. Go to a neighbor's home and call the emergency phone number in your area. In most areas, the number is 911.
Space heaters need their space. Keep heaters at least three feet away from drapes, clothing or other combustible materials.
Install skirting material to keep leaves and other debris and combustible items from blowing under your manufactured home.
(Source: United States Fire Administration)

Fire Prevention Week III

Laredo, TX: It’s Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is “Prevent Home Fires”. In continuing with Fire Prevention Week efforts, we want to take this opportunity to offer today’s safety message
Did you know?
Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.
Each year about 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with fire.
Deaths due to children playing with fire are particularly preventable.
Having a working smoke alarm reduces one's chance of dying in a fire nearly one-half.
By following today’s simple fire safety tips, survival rates are boosted dramatically. Please share them with your readers and viewers because knowledge is the best fire protection.



Cooking Fires Life-Saving Tips
Never leave cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
· Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and heating elements.
Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
If a fire breaks out while cooking, put a lid on the pan to smother it. Never throw water on a grease fire.
Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease. Use extra caution when preparing deep-fried foods.
Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all small appliances are turned off.

Firefighters will conduct Fire Safety Presentations at the following schools today:
F. D. Roosevelt
3301 Sierra Vista
10/8/2008
9:00AM
Colonel Santos Benavides
10702 Kirby Dr.
10/8/2008
9:00AM
Bonnie Garcia
1453 Concord Hills Blvd
10/8/2008
1:15PM
Dovalina
1700 W Anna Avenue
10/8/2008
1:15PM

Fire Prevention Week part II

It’s Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is “Prevent Home Fires”. In continuing with Fire Prevention Week efforts, we want to take this opportunity to offer today’s safety message
Did you know?
Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.
Each year about 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with fire.
Deaths due to children playing with fire are particularly preventable.
Having a working smoke alarm reduces one's chance of dying in a fire nearly one-half.
By following today’s simple fire safety tips, survival rates are boosted dramatically. Please share them with your readers and viewers because knowledge is the best fire protection.



Children & Fire Life-Saving Tips
· Keep matches, lighters and other ignitables in a secured drawer or cabinet out of the reach of children.
· Teach your children to tell you when they find matches and lighters.
· Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call for help from another location.
Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay out.
Develop and practice a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Get out and stay out.
Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm.
· Demonstrate how to stop, drop to the ground, and roll if clothes catch fire.
· For more fire safety information for young children, visit www.usfaparents.gov.
Firefighters will conduct Fire Safety Presentations at the following schools today:
Farias
1510 Chicago St.
10/7/2008
9:00 AM
Honore Ligarde
2800 S. Canada
10/7/2008
9:00 AM
Prada
510 Soria Dr.
10/7/2008
1:15 PM
Santo Nino
2702 Bismark
10/7/2008
1:15 PM

IT’S FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Laredo, TX: It’s Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is “Prevent Home Fires”. Prevention is our best defense against any fire; this is why we would like to take this opportunity to raise fire prevention awareness in our community with the objective of avoiding a loss or tragedy.
The efforts will include fire safety presentations at local schools as well as distributing fire prevention tips throughout the week.
Today’s Fire Safety Tip is as follows:
Everyday Electrical Safety
Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as lamp shades, bedding, curtains, and clothing.
Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
Use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.
Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers,

Discolored or warm wall outlets, flickering lights or a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871. (Source: National Fire Protection Association)

City Opens Shelter for Hurricane Evacuees

Laredo, TX: In light of the imminent landfall of Hurricane Ike this weekend, many residents of the Texas Coast are evacuating to communities further inland. The City of Laredo is one such community that will be a host to those seeking emergency shelter from the storm.

Effective as of 8 P.M. tonight, the City will open the Cigarroa Recreation Center located at 2201 Zacatecas St and will be available to shelter out-of-town evacuees.

Auto Cycle accident and shootings mar weekend

Fire crews responded to two shootings and one autocyclist accident claiing a fatality this weekend.

The first incident was a shooting that occured on Ramirez Dr. Laredo Fire paramedics responded to a shooting where a male subject was shot in the lower extremity. The subject was in his early forties. The incident occured at about 2:45 am on Saturday morning.

The second shooting occured at about 5 minutes before 3 am on Saturday morning on Daniela Lp. It involved a male subject in his early thirties. Paramedics rushed to the scene to find the subject with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was transported in critical condition to a local hospital.

The third incident occured this morning a little past midnight. It involved a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. At about 12:15 am, fire crews responded to Hwy 83 north at the 12 mile marker for a reported accident. On arrival, crews found that the driver of the motorcycle was struck by a vehicle at a high rate of speed. He was found to have died as a result of his injuries at the scene. The motorcycle was part of a group of other motorcycles traveling northbound on hwy 83. Luckily, the other cyclists narrowley escaped being struck.

Stay tuned for more details

Tragic Labor Day Weekend on the Border

Sunday brought two fatalities in unrelated traffic accidents. The first occurred on IH 35 (N) at the 27 mile marker. The call came in at about 8 am and fire crews immediatley responded to assist. On arrival they found a deceased hispanic male in his 20's who apprently lost control of his ford maustang and struck a pole.

The second incident occured at the 1500 blk of Galveston when a mid sized four door sedan traveling with six teenagers lost control and ran into a house. The vehicle came to a halt in the dining room of the residence. Five of the peaople from the vehicle were transported to a local hospital. Two of the patients had to be extricated from the vehicle by fire crews with the Jaws of Life. Sadly, one patient died on scene as a result of the injuries sustained.

Fire Fighters Battle Warehouse Fire

: Fire crews were dispatched to a warehouse fire at the 3000 block of Guadalupe in the early hours of Monday morning at approximately 04:30 A.M. Witnesses stated that flames and smoke were visible from several blocks way. On arrival, the firefighters quickly positioned to contain and extinguish the blaze. The warehouse was confirmed to be vacant at the time and was reported to be the former facility of a local candle company. Merchandise and other items were still in the building which added to the fire load.

Two firefighters were reported to have been injured at the incident. One sustained second degree burns and the other succumbed to exertion as a result of intense efforts to fight the fire.

The fire response included the participation of six fire engines, two ladder trucks, two ambulances as well two district chiefs and Safety officers.

A of 1:30 P.M., units were still on scene extinguishing spot fires throughout the premises.

Mobile Home Fire in West Laredo

Fire crews responded to a mobile home fire at the 3200 block of Lee in west Laredo, Thursday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 A.M. and several fire units were immediately dispatched. Four fire trucks, an ambulance, an EMS Supervisor and a District Chief responded to the scene.

On arrival they discovered a mobile home with smoke billowing from the windows and roof of the residence. Hose lines were quickly deployed to contain the fire which appeared to be concentrated in the middle section of the home in the area of the kitchen. The home sustained some fire as well as smoke damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

No one was home at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported.

More Rain Expected

More rain is expected ver the next few days and we want to remind the public about the dangers of potential flooding of roadways. When approaching a flooded roadway, please remember these tips:
· Nearly 50 percent of all flash flood fatalities nationwide involve vehicles. Saving your life can be as easy as turning your car around when you see water on the road. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.· Even in relatively shallow water, tires can act as flotation devices, lifting up big vehicles and sending them downstream. It takes only two feet of water to float a 3,000-pound car.· Beware that water covering roadways may hide washed-out bridges or gouged-out roadbeds. If you attempt to drive across, you may not be driving on a road.· In rainy weather, be alert and stay tuned to local radio or TV.· If you are in a low-lying area when flooding is occurring, get to higher ground quickly. And be sure to avoid canyons and washes that can channel swift water.· Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or streams on foot. It can take as little as six inches of water to knock an adult off his or her feet. Furthermore, water may be flowing more rapidly than it appears.· Never allow children to play near ditches and storm drains.· During stormy weather, do not camp or park vehicles along streams or washes.· Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.
Also, when driving in wet weather, please keep in mind the following:
Drive SlowlySlowing down is the most important thing you can do when driving in slippery conditions. Driving slow keeps a greater amount of tread in contact with the ground, which gives you more stability and control. Keep a steady pace and avoid sudden turns, braking, and accelerating. You should also try not to pass other cars if possible.Keep a safe distance from the car in front of youIt could take you as much as three times longer to come to a complete stop when the road conditions are wet. Avoid tailgating whenever possible, and be on the watch out for brake lights in front of you and up the road. Leave your headlights on for the benefit of those driving around you.Know what to do when skidding or hydroplaningNever slam your brakes when you begin to lose control of your car on slick surfaces. You should press your breaks steadily and with slight firmness, while steering in the direction you are skidding. If you have anti-lock brakes you should apply more steady pressure and avoid pumping them.Hydroplaning is a result of hitting water on the road and gliding across it. When your car begins to hydroplane you should remove your foot from the gas, hold the steering wheel steady, and very lightly apply the brakes. With a manual transmission you should push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own.Don’t drive when tired or distractedDriving in wet road conditions, especially at night, requires your full attention. If you feel yourself getting drowsy while driving you should pull over until you feel alert again. Avoid anything that will take your attention from the road or your hands off the wheel. Especially things like eating, drinking, or talking on a cell phone.Prepare for wet weather by checking your tiresYou should check your tires with regularity for the proper amount of tread and tire pressure. Tread at less than 1/16th of an inch will be poor at handling wet road conditions. Use your owners manual to find out the proper tire pressure for your vehicle.

Young Woman Hit by Vehicle in parking Lot of Night Club

Laredo, TX: Fire and EMS crews responded to a reported auto pedestrian incident at 120 W. Village Boulevard at approximately 2:00 A.M. this morning. Firefighters found an unresponsive female in her early twenties who, according to witnesses, was hit by a vehicle at a high rate of speed. The incident occurred in the parking lot of a local nightclub.

Emergency crews immediately initiated life saving treatment and transported her to a local hospital in critical condition with multiple trauma injuries.

A second patient, who witnessed the incident, was transported by paramedics to a local hospital after noted to be visibly shaken up. This was done as a precautionary measure. He was reported to be a male in his late teens.

Man Struck by Vehicle While Attempting to Cross Highway

Last night, a man was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a busy highway. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 P.M. in the northbound lane of IH 35 at the 7900 block.

On arrival, fire and EMS crews found the patient, a male subject believed to be in his late twenties to early thirties, supine and unconscious on the highway. Treatment was immediately administered and he was prepared for transport shortly thereafter. Initial assessment revealed that he had sustained significant blunt force trauma as a result of the impact.

Despite efforts by the fire and EMS crews, the patient did not regain consciousness while in route to a local hospital for further treatment.

Firefighters Battle Blaze at Vacant Hotel

Crews contain blaze while Hwy 59 is closed Temporarily

At approximately 1:30 P.M, fire crews responded to a structure fire located at the 6000 block of US Highway 59. The place of business was reported to be “La Choza” Hotel. The building was vacant at the time of the incident. Fire crews found the building fully engulfed in flames as they prepared for the initial attack with the hose lines. The fire was contained to the property and adjacent homes and business were not affected.

Six fire trucks, an ambulance and a district chief were on scene to manage the incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and nobody was displaced being that the entire structure was unoccupied at the time.

The cause and origin of the fire is currently under investigation by fire department investigators.

For more information, you may contact Eloy Vega, LFD PIO at 956/(Office) or 956/(cell). Feel free to call should you need to set up an interview or need additional information. Remember to visit laredofire@blogspot.com for up to date Fire/EMS info.

Firecadets pass test

Fire Academy Cadets recently passed the National Emergency Medical Technician test as part of the Fire Department’s requirement to serve our community as a Laredo firefighter. All of the cadets passed the test on the first attempt.

According to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, the national passing rate average is 70% and in Texas, the passing rate is 65%.

“This exemplifies the commitment of the cadets as well as the EMS instructors to produce quality firefighters certified as EMT’s to serve our community”, Interim Fire Chief, David Piton, said.

The cadets undergo a training process that includes firefighting training as well as emergency medical technician training to prepare for service to the citizens and visitors to the City of Laredo. The rigorous training can last up to a year of classroom and hands-on instruction.

The Fire Department remains loyal to its promise and motto to remain “Ready for Duty” to serve our community.

Firecadets pass test

Fire Academy Cadets recently passed the National Emergency Medical Technician test as part of the Fire Department’s requirement to serve our community as a Laredo firefighter. All of the cadets passed the test on the first attempt.

According to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, the national passing rate average is 70% and in Texas, the passing rate is 65%.

“This exemplifies the commitment of the cadets as well as the EMS instructors to produce quality firefighters certified as EMT’s to serve our community”, Interim Fire Chief, David Piton, said.

The cadets undergo a training process that includes firefighting training as well as emergency medical technician training to prepare for service to the citizens and visitors to the City of Laredo. The rigorous training can last up to a year of classroom and hands-on instruction.

The Fire Department remains loyal to its promise and motto to remain “Ready for Duty” to serve our community.

Local Candle Company goes up in flames

Fire crews rushed to the scene of a reported business on fire in the early morning hours. Crews arrived to find a wharehouse engulfed in flames and quickly positioned to extinguish.

It took 5 fire trucks and more than 20 fire fighters approximatley 5 hours to exntinguish and contain the blaze.

Fire crews respond to auto fatality at local lake

Fire crews respond to an incident at Lake Casa Blanca where they found a driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the Lake.

Two off duty firefighters were firts on scene to attempt a rescue.

Fire crews arrived shortly thereafter and discovered that a male subject in his late 40's or early 50's perished in the crash possibly as a result of the injuries sustained in the incident.

Crews extrictated the subject and turned him over to the medical examiner. The scene was turned over to law enforcement officials for investigation. It took a heavy duty wrecker to pull the vehicle from the lake.

City hosts Emergency Preparedness Excercise

The City of Laredo will host an Emergency Preparedness Exercise sponsored by the Texas Engineering Extension (TEEX). The purpose of the exercise is to test regional first responder radio operations under emergency conditions. “The ability for different agencies and jurisdictions to communicate in an emergency is crucial in managing an emergency,” said Acting Assistant Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator, Steve Landin.

During the two-day event, the City’s Emergency Management Center (EOC) will be activated and staffed by City emergency management team staff as well as representatives from other local, state and federal agencies. Once the exercise is underway and the EOC


is activated, the participants will have the opportunity to test the skills and resources available to successfully complete the operation.

The region-wide exercise will include representatives from Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg ad Starr counties.

The event hub will be at the City’s EOC located at 5512 Thomas Avenue and will commence at 08:00 A.M. on April 15, 2008. It will conclude in Zapata, TX with an after exercise briefing at 2:00P.m.

Four Motorcycle accidents reported over the weekend

Fire Department reports four separate incidents involving motorcycle accidents vs passenger vehicles. Three of the motorcyclists required treatment and transport and one refused treatment and transport. Three of the accidents occured during daylight hours and in favorable weather conditions.

Man Shot in Western Division of City

Paramedic and emergency crewsresponded to a reported shooting at he 1700 blk of Burnside. A male subject of about 24 yo was shot at close range by an unknown gunman, according to bystanders. He was treated and transported by fire/medic crews from fire station no. 3 to a local hospital in serious condition.

Bomb Threats reported at International Bridges

An anonymous caller called in a bomb threat to two of the four international bridges in Laredo, TX. Fire crews responded to investigate as bridge traffic was halted due to closures on both bridges.
Crews inspected the bridges and found nothing suspicous. The bridges were openes after 45 minutes.

Grass fires continue to plague City

High winds and dry conditions persisit in the area causing several wildland fires to burn throughout Laredo and Webb County. Fire crews worked around the clock to extinguish the fires.

One fire damaged vehicles in a junkyard close to the riverbanks in the western part of the city. twenty vehicles and four motorcycles were destroyed.

Also, a powerplant close to th river was forced to shut down when wildland fires approached rapidly and threatened the facility.

High winds pummel area

High winds caused damage in several areas of the city on Tuesday. Roofs, light poles, trees were among some of the items that were damaged. In addition, the winds caused the rapid spread of brush fires in various parts of laredo and Webb County.

Fire crews worked diligently around the clock to battle the blazes until the flames were under control.

Grass fires plague the area

At least three large grass fires were reported in the area on Saturday. Consistent dry conditions and high winds contributed to the rapid sprad of the fires.

The first was reported at Artesia Wells, TX. Laredo Fire units were requested by state emergency management authorities to assist at a large wildland fire that consumed at least 1000 acres. Two fire trucks and a District Chief were dispatched to the scene.

A second wildland fire was reported at Las Lomas Subdivison and Highway 359. Several acres were consumed, threatening several rural homes. Crews fought the fires and made every attemot to save the many structures in the area. Three fire engines and a district Chief were on scene to fight the blaze.

Another brush fire was beleived to be the cause of fire damage to a mobile home in South Laredo. Eyewitness state that a grass fire started on the east side of the home that eventually made its way to the home, casusing to be partially burnt. Fire investigators were dispatched to the scene to investigate how the fire started.

House fire at 1900 blk of San Jorge

Fire crews responde to a fire at the 1900 block of San Jorge. Stand by for more details.

LFD trains with new equipment

Firefighters and paramedics train with recently acquired rescue equipment. This equipment, commonly refered to as the "Jaws of Life", was purchased with grant funding from from the Department of Homeland Security throught the Governor's Division of Emergency Management. Rescue crews will train today at Cabello's wrecker and junk yard on previously wrecked vehicles. This will give our crews the necessay challenges to perform the operation.

Simulations will include extrication of seriously injured patients.

Busy weekend for LFD

Fire and emergency crews were kept busy this weekend as there were numerous responses to different emergencies. Of note were the following:

Motor Vehicle accident at a quarter before midnight Saturday at the 15 mile marker of Hwy 359. Two ambulances and a fire engine respond to the traffic accident. At least two patients were transported to a local hospital in serious condition.

Auto pedestrian accident at ten minutes before midnight on Saturday, involving a motorcycle that struck a male teenager. Fire and emergency crews responded to aid the victim. He was treayed on scene and in enroute to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Motor vehicle accident at Saunders and Springfield reported at ten minutes after midnight. Crews report multiple victims with various injuries transported to a local hospital.

Motor vehicle accident at IH 35 N and international at 3:30 am Sunday morning. Black expediton impacts concrete wall traping victims inside. Fire crews rescue victims and transport to local hospial with serious injuries.

Contact PIO Vega for more details.

FD Testifies at Homeland Security Hearing

Acting assistant Fire Chief, Steve Landin, testified today before a congresional panel on Homeland Security chaired by Congressman Henry Cuellar. The hearing, entitled, "The State of Emergency Comunications Along the Texas Border" was held today at TAMIU before an audience of first responders to discuss the many challenges faced along the border rgarding interoperable and cross border communications.

Members of the Homeland Security Panel included Congressman Cuellar, Congresman McCall and Congressman Dent.

Introductions were made by Mayor Salinas.

Firefighters battle wildland fire

LAREDO, Texas – Fire crews responded to a wild land fire that threatened nearby homes in the Cheyenne Subdivision as well as warehouses near Aguila Azteca Rd. The fire was contained in a tract of land between Clark Blvd and Highway 359. Four fire trucks and 12 twelve firefighters were successful in containing the blaze before it could cause any damage to nearby structures.

Rough terrain and dry, thick brush presented a challenge to the crews in their efforts to fight the fire. It took firefighters four hours to finally extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries or material damages were reported.


-END-

Five die in mobile home fire

At approximately a quarter before two am, the fire department received an alarm for a mobile home on fire.

Fire dispatch advised that there were victims inside according to the caller reporting the incident.

Crews arrived shortly there after to find a mobile home fully engulfed in flames. The fire crews immediately started search and rescue as well fire suppression operations.

Our worst nightmare was confirmed when crews located several bodies inside the gutted structure. It was confirmed that there were 5 fatalities, including 4 children and one adult.


Meanwhile, EMS crews transported a total of 6 patients that included four children and two adults, who suffered smoke inhalation injuries and various lacerations to a local hospital where they are expected to recover.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time as the fire department arson division conducts an investigation.

The thoughts and prayers of the fire department go out to the families affected by this tragic event.

As a reminder, please ensure that you have smoke alarms in your homes and ensure that they are in working order. Also, remember to practice fire safety and prevention measures in the home.

Morning Briefing for 01/08/08

The following events took place over the weekend:
01/05/08 - 04:45 - Gunshot - 2000 Quail Creek - Two individuls shot one transported with two gunshot wounds to local hospital in sable condition.

01/06/08 - 10:47 - Motor Vehicle Accident - Ranch Viejo at Potranca - One vehicle accident involving a passenger vehicle and a chain link fence. Driver loses control and collides with fence. Driver extricated and transported to local hospital.