LABOR REP : TRAVIS AGUIRRE BY BOB MACK ( RJM )
RON WALLS ASSISTANT CHIEF
SUMMER 2016 IS HEATING UP IN DIVISION 2
Once again Division 2 shows what it means to be an all-risk fire agency . In this edition of Division News , you will see a snapshot of various types of calls that the men and women of the north desert respond to on a daily basis .
INCIDENTS
HESPERIA GARAGE FIRE
Just after midnight on June 26 , SBCoFD received numerous reports of a structure fire in the 9400 block of Cottonwood Ave . in Hesperia . Initial reports stated smoke and flames were visible from a detached garage . Responding units indicated fire visible from one mile out .
Medic Engine 302 arrived on scene 10 minutes after dispatch and reported a well-involved detached garage with threats to surrounding vegetation and a nearby motorhome . Crews went into the attack mode and deployed a hose line in an effort to minimize fire spread to the exposures . Subsequent arriving crews deployed additional hose lines and secured a fire hydrant located approximating 800 feet from the incident .
The fire was knocked down in approximately 20 minutes . The nearby motorhome did sustain damage but fire spread to the surrounding vegetation was minimal . There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the office of the fire marshal . County Fire responded with three paramedic engines and one paramedic truck , a battalion chief and a fire investigator for a total of 14 personnel .
LUCERNE VALLEY HOUSE FIRE
On April 19 , SBCoFD responded to multiple reports of a residential structure fire in the 9800 block of Mesa Road in Lucerne Valley . 911 callers reported that there were elderly residents possibly unable to evacuate from the home .
The first engine company arrived to find heavy smoke and fire engulfing half of a 1400 square-foot single family structure . One resident was located outside of the home and was treated by fire department paramedics .
San Bernardino County firefighters made entry into the house to find “ hoarder ” conditions , which both contributed to the spread of the blaze and slowed the crew ’ s progression toward the seat of the fire . During the attack , the roof collapsed over the suspected room of origin . It ultimately took just over 30 minutes to bring the fire under control .
While conducting a search for victims , an elderly female was located , deceased , in a bedroom believed to be where the fire started . An elderly male resident who was initially found outside the residence was treated for smoke inhalation and burns and flown to a regional burn center for definitive treatment of his injuries . Additionally , one dozen cats had been located deceased inside the structure , though firefighters expected that number to climb as overhaul efforts continued through all of the debris .
Five engine companies , one paramedic ambulance and a chief officer were on scene of the incident . County Fire received assistance from both the Apple Valley Fire Protection District and CalFire .
The cause of the fire remains under investigation through County Fire ’ s Office of the Fire Marshal and the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department .
PHELAN
In early April , San Bernardino County Fire received reports of a garage fire in the 8600 block of Lori Court in the community of Phelan . Initial reports stated there was smoke coming from a residence with loud popping sounds .
Division 2 hosted a multi-agency wildland fire training drill in April . Crews drilled on “ bump and run ” techniques , practicing structure protection in neighborhoods in Phelan .
The first arriving unit found light smoke coming from the garage . Firefighters had difficulty making access due to hoarder conditions . Upon making entry , firefighters located a small fire in the corner of the garage and made an aggressive attack . Crews were able to keep the fire from spreading despite access issues and no water source in the area .
8 FIREWIRE • Summer 2016