National Terror Alert

Maritme Security

Monday, August 25, 2008

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.

Friday, August 22, 2008

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.

Monday, August 18, 2008

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.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

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.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

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.

Monday, August 11, 2008

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.