One of the most notable, unusual facts about December was the weather.  There was no snow! Warm temperatures and a lack of precipitation reduced the stress level for everyone.  For the firefighters, the warmer temperatures and a lack of snow meant easier driving when responding, all scene operations and training were easier without the cold and ice, and there was less time spent cleaning the apparatus and gear after each call.  Perhaps, many will dream of a brown Christmas from now on. 

On Christmas Eve, an all call was dispatched for a warehouse shipping center in Blaine that was reported to be on fire.  The call was initially dispatched to Lexington fire.  Upon arrival, crews observed one semi that was fully involved with fire with fire extending to a second semi and to the warehouse.   Battalion Chief 7 assumed command and directed Engine 1 to attack the fire with a 1000gpm mounted deck gun.   Lexington Fire established a water supply to Engine 1. Ladder 12 was set up at the corner of the building to investigate and extinguish any fire that had spread to the roof of the building.  Tanker 3 and Lexington Engine 1’s crew made entry into the building to check for fire extension and to obtain an all clear of occupants.  Fire damage to the building was contained to the exterior portions.  The cause is under investigation.   

Burning on the Horizon: On the morning of December 16 response to an auto aid dispatch for a manufactured home on fire in the city of Lexington, SBM Battalion Chief 3 arrived first and assumed command of a working structure fire.  SBM Tanker 3 arrived as the first engine and was assigned with search, rescue, and fire control.   They set up for entry into the structure.  SBM Engine 11 was assigned to back up Tanker 3.  Lexington Engine 1 established a water supply to Tanker 3.  Centennial Aerial 21 and Engine 11 were assigned to on-deck positions.  The fire was knocked down.  An investigation team was requested.  Lexington Chief 1 arrived and command was transferred to him.  Unfortunately, crews returned to the same structure later that night to extinguish another fire.

Holiday Fire Data In his monthly newsletter, State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl writes, “During the past 20 years in Minnesota, there have been 13 fire deaths during the four-day Thanksgiving Holiday period and 40 fire deaths during the nine-day Christmas Eve-to-New Year’s Day period. These deaths occurred in an average of 80 structure fires per Thanksgiving Holiday and an average of 189 structure fires per Christmas Holiday. This data makes it clear that the holidays are a dangerous time for fire.”
Every year in the news, there is a family highlighted because of a fire that occurred in which they lost everything including the Christmas Gifts.  The harsh reality surrounding most of these fires is the solidity that they were preventable.  Added to the busyness of the season should be the important task of taking preventative steps towards reducing the likeness of a fire.  Some suggestions include the following.  When cooking, stay in the kitchen to monitor the stovetop and oven.  Keep flammable materials away from stove cooktops.  If burning candles, ensure that the entirety of the candle can be contained within a glass container and keep the candle on a stable surface and away from other flammable materials such as curtains. If smoking cigarettes or cigars, be sure to fully extinguish them in water and place cigarette and cigar butts into a non-flammable container.    Do not smoke in bed.  Be sure that any area within 3 feet of a furnace or water is free from combustible materials.  These are just a few of the many tips that can help prevent fires within the home and they are applicable all year round.
Unusual:  In this monthly report, the unusual is that which is lacking.  At the top of the list is cooking fires.  There we no reported cooking fires within the month of November.  The number of cooking fires in 2011 is down by 10 when compared to this time last year.  That is fantastic.  Hopefully, that trend will continue. 

The busy trend of 2011 continued through the month of October.  Call volume for October was more than 20 calls over the previous four year average.  To date, call volume is up by almost 8 percent over a 5 year average.  There were two significant fires in October.  Both occurred on the same day but were not related.
The first was dispatched on October 6 to a home in Blaine.  The initial dispatch was for a deck on fire.  Chief 5 arrived on scene and observed a deck and three season porch located on the back of the house fully involved with fire.  In addition, there was moderate smoke coming from the eaves of the house.  One of the two occupants that had evacuated the house went into a full cardiac arrest on the neighbor’s lawn.  Blaine police tended to her while fire personal focused on extinguishing the fire.  Engine 5 arrived and used a pre-connected attack line to attack the fire through the windows of the 3 season porch.  Engine 2 arrived, pulled a second pre-connected attack line, and made entry into the home through a side door.  Engine 2 knocked down the fire that remained inside the kitchen.  The fire had spread to the kitchen and dining area but did not extend into the attic.  Crews from Engine 1, Ladder 12, Ladder 17 and Engine 8 assisted with overhauling the fire.  Fire investigators were called to the scene to determine cause and origin.  The occupant who had gone into cardiac arrest was revived and transported to the hospital. 
The second fire occurred later that day at a residence in Spring Lake Park.  An all-call with auto aid from Fridley was dispatched for a detached garage fire.  Chief 5 arrived and reported a fully involved, detached garage fire that had extended to the house at the address and was starting to spread to the neighbor’s house.  Engine 1 arrived and the crew used a truck mounted deck gun to knock down the main fire in the garage, a pre-connected attack line to knock down the fire on the exterior of the house at the address, and a pre-connected attack line to douse the melting siding on the neighbor’s house.  Engine 5 and Ladder 17 arrived and assisted Engine 1 with the fire that had extended into the house at the address as well as final extinguishment of the fire in the garage.  All other units, including an engine and rescue company from Fridley, assisted with overhaul.  Fire investigators were called to the scene to confirm the cause and origin which was reported by the homeowner as welding in the garage. 
While the department responded to an average number of personal injury accidents, one third of the calls to date requiring the use of hydraulic tools commonly known as the Jaws of Life occurred in October. 
On October 31 a female driving a Jeep Wrangler overcorrected in steering causing the vehicle to roll.  The Wrangler rolled into the bed of a pick-up traveling southbound on Central Ave, fell off the pickup and landed upright.  Engine 2 arrived with the driver of the Wrangler still in the driver’s seat.  Engine 2 back boarded the driver and placed her in the ambulance.  No one else was injured as a result of the accident.

Even with 101 calls, September was a relatively quiet month.  The most significant fire to which crews responded occurred in Shoreview.  Crew’s responded to a mutual aid request with an Engine and the air truck.  Crews were on scene assisting with fire control and overhaul for approximately four hours.

A common theme for September was deck fires.   On September 28 at a home in Spring Lake Park, one of the occupants took the garbage to the curb when they noticed black smoke coming from the back of the house.  Upon further investigation, the occupant located a fire on their deck.  The occupant rolled a riding lawn mower out from under the deck and used a garden hose to extinguish the fire.  Engine 1 crew checked to ensure that the fire was completely out.

The next day, at an apartment complex in Mounds View, Station One was dispatched to a small fire on a balcony.  They arrived to a fire out situation.  Police had used an extinguisher to put out the fire.  Engine 1 crew wet down the burned area and checked for fire extension into the wall. 

A Bright Balcony August 4 Station Three was dispatched to an apartment complex in Blaine where a coffee can was burning on a third story balcony.  Units were updated while enroute that the fire had spread from the coffee can to the balcony.  Upon arrival, Engine 5 observed an active fire on the third story balcony extending from the balcony floor to the roofline of the apartment building.  Damage was contained to the balcony.  The reported coffee can turned out to be a clay pot that had been used as an ashtray.

A Lot of Fire Leaves Very Little Shed: August 16 an all call was dispatched for a possible house fire in Mounds View.  Chief 7 arrived first and observed a 12’ X 12’ shed fully engulfed in fire.  The fire spread from the shed to a vehicle parked alongside.  Also burned were a street light pole and a utility trailer.  Investigators were called to the scene to investigate the fire which is assumed to be arson related. 

July 31 A drunk driver drove off the road, through a garage, and up against separate house.  He was arrested at the scene.  Fortunately, the vehicle stopped where it did.  An infant was sleeping just above the point of impact on the house. 

More Lightning:  On the morning of July 21, another summer storm passed through the area bringing with it a lot of lightning.  One strike entered into the electrical grid sending a surge back through the system to the transfer station.  As a result, two businesses within ½ mile of each other suffered damage.

At the Harley Davidson dealer, the high voltage power line snapped and landed on the roof of the business.  One employee who was investigating the problem was shocked and fell through the scuttle hole. He was transported to the hospital.  The live power line did start the roof on fire, due to water on the roof and building construction type, the fire was contained to a small area.  This was fortunate due to the fact that fire crews were unable to mitigate the effects of the fire until after the power line was removed from the roof.

   Pop Goes the Breaker: June 4 An All-Call was dispatched for the roof fire at a residence in Blaine.  The fire was small enough that an aggressive, quick attack would limit damage to a small portion of the roof and attic.  Engine 1 arrived, extended a pre-connected attack line and made entry for fire control.  Engine 1 crew accessed the attic space through the scuttle hole from which they were able to extinguish a small fire burning around a roof vent.  Fire damage was limited to the roof materials, a small amount of insulation, and the bathroom ceiling which was opened to locate the fire.  The homeowner stated that she heard a breaker pop.  She was in the process of searching the house for the source of the popped breaker when she saw her neighbors attempting to get her attention from their yard.  They informed her that her roof was on fire.  She evacuated the home and called 911. 

Pills should be ingested, not smoked:  June 14 Chief 6 was dispatched to a fire out situation on a stove top that had created a lot of smoke.  The resident requested assistance resetting the fire alarm.  Police advised that smoke extraction was necessary.  Engine 1 responded and established ventilation in the hallway.  Police did request an ambulance routine to assess the homeowner who had inhaled some smoke.  She was checked and released. The resident stated that she had heard the cat knock something over.  When she investigated, she noticed her plastic pill case burning on the stove top.  She extinguished the fire with a glass of water.  Half of the pill case and most of a "target" containing cat food had burned.  The occupant stated her belief that the cat had accidentally turned the burner on with its paw. 

Safety Message:  Nothing should be stored on the stove top including pans.

Burning to Build:  June 14 Station One was alerted to three individuals attempting to extinguish a fire in a driveway in Spring Lake Park. Engine 1 arrived and observed three males outside with a 5-gallon container of gasoline. There was an area about 4 feet in diameter burning on the asphalt surface adjacent to Highway 65.  Engine 1 extinguished the burning asphalt located in a large pot hole.  The three individuals stated that they piled broken pieces of asphalt in the pot hole, poured gasoline into the pot hole, and ignited the gasoline to heat up and melt the crumbled asphalt in an attempt to patch the pothole.  Chief 6 asked the three individuals if this was a common practice for them.  They stated that they were not professionals and that they were attempting to patch the potholes themselves.  Chief 6 asked where they had learned the practice of repairing pot holes by melting crumbled, recycled asphalt with ignited gasoline.  They stated that they had learned it on the internet.  The individuals were instructed not to attempt the activity in the future.

Safety Message:  Gasoline is designed to burn within an internal combustion engine.  Gasoline should never be burned in any other manner.  The potential for burns relating to igniting pools of gasoline is extreme. 

May Activity

From the Ground Up, It Comes Down Then, on May 27, an all call was dispatched that required all SBM and Mutual Aid crews for a house fire that spread from some mulch near the foundation, up the posts and wall of the entryway, and into the attic.  Crews made entry to battle the blaze located in the attic but later had to abandon interior efforts for fear of a roof collapse.  A crew on Ladder 12 used the aerial ladder stream to extinguish the remaining fire. The fire resulted from the homeowner discarding a cigarette butt into the mulch near the foundation of the front porch.  The homes on both sides of the house were damaged by the fire. 

SAFETY MESSAGE:  Fires that start on the outside of a structure can be extremely dangerous to occupants and firefighters.  These fires can spread quickly into the attic.  For the occupants, the danger is increased because the fire is above interior smoke detectors.  The fire is able to increase and spread without detection.  For firefighters, attic fires are dangerous due to the limited access into attic spaces which are often filled with high levels of exposed lumber all of which increase the likelihood of roof collapse.  Common combustibles like wood mulch, firewood, and even some plantings located near the foundation of the house increase the likelihood of an exterior fire that can spread quickly into an attic.  

Heat Tape Becomes Too Hot:  April 5 an all-call was dispatched for smoke filling a manufactured home.  Rescue 14 and Chief 6 arrived to a manufactured home with light smoke showing.  Engine 1 arrived, established a hydrant line, and parked in front of the residence.  Rescue 14 gained access through the skirting to the underside of the manufactured home.  Engine 11 crew checked the floor of the interior with the Thermal Imaging Camera.  A small fire had occurred due to a failure of aged heat tape installed on water lines underneath the trailer.   Rescue 14 and Engine 11 performed overhaul before all units cleared the scene.    Responding Units:  Rescue 14, Engine 1, Engine 11, Engine 8, Ladder 12, Tanker 3, Chief 6, Utility 16.  

Safety Message:  Heat tape should be inspected annually and replaced every 5 years. 

Crews Battle Basement Blaze: April 5 an all-call was dispatched for a fire in the basement of a Spring Lake Park residence. Upon arrival, Chief 7 observed heavy smoke visible from the front door and flames visible from a basement window.  A male resident was found by the garage door.  He stated that a candle had gotten away from him.   Chief 7 requested an ambulance to evaluate the male. He was transported to HCMC. Engine 1 and Ladder 12 arrived and worked together to attack the fire, as additional crews arrived, a water supply was established and fire attack was transitioned to the offensive strategy.  Engine 1 crew made entry, located the stairwell and fully extinguished the fire located in basement. Incoming crews checked for fire extension into the attic and garage and assisted with the extensive overhaul

 Safety Message:  If burning candles, the following tips will increase safety:   Extinguish candles prior to leaving the building.  Place candles in a non-combustible container that is deep enough to contain all of the wax should the candle burn incorrectly and quickly melt.  Candles should never be burned when near combustibles such as curtains or wall decorations.  Candle should have several feet of clearance above the flame. 

Thankfully, That Only Left a Small Mark: March 12 response to a report of an unknown source of smoke inside the house.  Tanker 3 arrived and observed light smoke in the house.  Upon further investigation, crew members located an extension cord that had shorted out and had partially melted.  A portion of the carpet and wall were blackened.  Engine 11’s crew set up fans to ventilate. 

Safety Message:  Extension cords should not be used as a permanent or extended source of electricity.  The fire danger they pose is not worth the convenience they provide.  However, the numerous electronics in the most homes outnumber the number of electrical outlets leaving the homeowner with a challenge when it comes to “plugging in.”  Instead of using the less expensive extension cords, a UL tested and approved power strip with a surge protector is a better choice for power sources that remain in place for a period of time.
 
One Mess Leads to Another: March 18 An all-call was dispatched for several phone reports of smoke in the hallways at an apartment building in Mounds View.  While enroute, Chief 6 was advised by police that the smoke was the result of burnt food, Chief 6 requested Station One to continue and held all others at the station.  Upon arrival, Engine 1 assumed command and confirmed that there was no fire problem.  Engine 1 established ventilation to clear the smoke from the apartment and hallways.  Chief 6 silenced and reset the alarm.  The occupants had been cooking garlic bread in the oven.  The bread ignited causing a lot of smoke.  The occupants used a dry-chemical extinguisher to extinguish the burning pieces of bread in the oven.  Dust from the extinguisher had permeated the entire apartment. 

Safety Message:  Ovens are designed to safely contain heat.  If a fire occurs in an oven, it is best to leave the oven closed and call the fire department.  If an oven is kept clean, any fire resulting from overcooking food is not likely to spread beyond the oven. 

Child’s Play with Heavy Consequence: March 24 response to a structure fire in south Blaine. Chief 5 arrived within three minutes and reported a working kitchen fire with flames visible. He assumed command and declared an offensive strategy which alerted incoming crews that they would be conducting an interior fire attack.

Safety Message:  Fire is alluring to many youth.  It is, however, nothing to be played with.   An important step for parents and adults towards averting fire play by children is to remove or secure any form of lighter, lighter fluid, gun powder, aerosol can, gasoline, or any product that may be used as a source of ignition or an accelerant.  In addition, communicating the clear expectation that playing, or interacting with fire in any form is unacceptable.  For parents who have children that continue to play with fire despite efforts to limit access or clearly communicated expectations to stop the behavior, there are county programs which address juvenile fire setter behaviors. 

Fresh, Clean, and Smelling Like Smoke:  March 25 All Stations were dispatched to an unknown source of smoke inside a home.  Chief 2 arrived and had the owner evacuate while investigating the source of a defined smell of smoke.   The odor of smoke was traced to a laundry basket in a back bedroom.  The basket which was placed on a bed contained smoldering towels.   Engine 11 was directed to remove the basket from the house.   While the towels were being removed from the basket, the towels ignited.   The owner said she had removed the towels from the dryer a half hour prior to noticing the smoke. 

February 2, Stations One, Two and Four responded to a kitchen fire in a manufactured home located in Mounds View. While units were in route, dispatch advised that all residents were out.  Engine 1 and Chief 7 arrived and observed heavy smoke from back side of the manufactured home.  A neighbor approached Chief 7 and stated that the son had ran out of home and sped away in a van and the mother was possibly still inside. Engine 1 crew was updated and directed to complete a primary search. The fire was knocked down quickly and a primary search of the residence was completed.  No occupants were found.   Additional crews assisted with salvage and overhaul.  The actions of the son were first considered suspicious until further investigation revealed that the son had fled the burning structure in his underwear and drove just one block away to get away from the crowds of people.  His actions were deemed appropriate.  Preliminary findings put the fire cause as a burner left on after cooking had occurred

February 15 Station Three, Two, and One, responded to a kitchen fire at a home in Blaine. 
The female occupant was yelling for the male occupant to exit the structure.  Engine 11 arrived, pulled a pre-connected attack line, and made entry for fire attack.  They were able to quickly extinguish a small amount of fire in the cabinets above the stove.  The homeowners had fried chicken for dinner but left the burner on.  They had fallen asleep and were awakened by the smoke detectors.  By that time, flames were to the ceiling above the stove.  The male resident grabbed a bucket and tried throwing snow from the back patio onto the stove while the female called 911.   

Safety Message:  In both cases, a burner left on after cooking resulted in a kitchen fire.  Most people know that leaving a burner on is an unsafe act.  Forgetting to turn a burner off is common especially for people with busy schedules.  To avoid unintentionally leaving a stovetop burner on you should clear the stovetop of everything when done cooking. This act will increase the likelihood that an active burner will be discovered and turned off.   It is also a good practice to ensure that all knobs for the stove and oven are in the off position before leaving the kitchen and again before leaving the house.  Finally, keep countertops clear within three feet of the stovetop.  Curing forgetfulness is difficult.  By following these steps, the threat of fire will be reduced when forgetfulness occurs.     

Another safety issue worth addressing is the timeliness in which the occupants exited their homes.  In the first case, the residents exited quickly and stayed out of the house.  This is the best practice and is absolutely necessary for occupants in manufactured homes.  In the second instance, the homeowner attempted to extinguish a fire that had extended to the cabinets.  In doing so, he placed himself in extreme danger and unduly risked his life.  Fire damage to structures occurs very quickly. The homeowners efforts did very little to limit the damage caused by the fire.  The smoke produced by the fire quickly permeated the entire upper level and the fire was hot enough to cause the ceiling fan in the kitchen to fall onto the kitchen table.  It is always a best practice to quickly exit any structure in which a fire is occurring.  In rare instances, a fire extinguisher can be used to extinguish a fire before exiting the structure.  Typically, fire extinguishers can be used to extinguish fires that occur when occupants are in the room of origin.   When occupants are alerted to a fire that occurs within another room, the best practice is to get out of the structure as quickly, and safely as possible.

Resourcefulness Results in Remodeling
February 26, District Chief 7 was dispatched to a transformer that had exploded and landed on a garage.  Upon arrival, Chief 7 observed that all of the transformers in the area were present and working properly.  A resident in the area directed Chief 7’s attention to a neighbor’s garage which had a cylindrical object on the roof.  Upon further investigation, Chief 7 discovered that the object on the roof of the garage was a hot-water heater.  The homeowner had converted the hot water heater into an air compressor several years back.  That morning, the tank failed causing a non-incendiary explosion which sent the tank through the roof of the garage.  The tank had traveled above the garage and then arced back and landed on the roof of the garage.  The explosion had displaced most of the contents of the garage to one corner and had blown out the bottom two feet of one wall.  The female occupant at the residence had heard the explosion and frantically called her husband.  He returned home and was able to explain to police and fire the reason for the hot water tank on the roof of his garage.  Fortunately, nobody was injured. 

Two Sad
February 19 A family member concerned for the welfare of their loved ones in a Mounds View home paid a visit.  To her dismay, she discovered the bodies of her loved ones inside the home.  The fire department was called to check for high levels of CO within the home due to past reports of CO issues within the home.  High levels of CO can incapacitate emergency workers who respond for help.  Chief 6 responded and requested Station One to be dispatched.  Upon arrival, Chief 6 monitored the air inside the home and determined that there was no CO.  The cause of death was not due to foul play and is assumed to be related to narcotic use.  

Helping in Ham Lake

You Can’t Hear what’s Not There!  December 4  An all-call was dispatched to a possible structure fire in Blaine.  Upon arrival, Chief 2 did not observe any smoke.  He was advised by police that everyone was out of the house except for the dog.  Chief 2 investigated and observed light smoke inside the home.  The remnants of a fire were discovered in the front bedroom.  Tanker 3 crew made entry to confirm that the fire was out.   Engine 4 crew set up ventilation.  Tanker 3 crew removed a partially burned mattress and box spring from the front bedroom.  Chief 2 was informed by the homeowner that her 8 year old son had started the fire with a lighter.   She had extinguished the fire with an extinguisher.  The 8 year old stated that he had taken a lighter from his mother’s purse and started the fire.  The home had no working smoke alarms so one was installed in the front hallway. 

SAFETY MESSAGE:  While the juvenile fire play is of grave concern, the most significant safety concern from this incident is the lack of working smoke detectors in the home.  Relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, smoke detectors are the leading means of life protection in residential structures.  A smoke detector should be installed on every level and in every bedroom of every residence. 

My Dinner is Still Cold  December 10– An all-call was dispatched to a possible apartment fire in Blaine.  Engine 11 and Chief 7 arrived simultaneously.  Captain 30 took command.  Engine 11 crew observed light smoke on the first floor hallway.  The fire alarms had not yet activated.  Engine 11 confirmed a fire out situation and cleared all other incoming units.  Captain 30 spoke with the occupant of apartment 103 who sated that she was cooking on the electric stove top and had turned on the wrong burner.  Sitting on the burner was the top from a plastic container.  The plastic melted on the burner and created a considerable amount of smoke but never caught fire.  She had turned the burner off and removed the lid from the stove top and then called 911.  Engine 11 crew set up electric fans to ventilate floors 1 & 2. Once ventilation was complete all remaining units cleared. 

SAFETY MESSAGE:  Stovetops should never be used for storage.  Except for the pots and/or pans in use, stovetops should be kept clear.  Any counter space within 3 feet of the stovetop should also be kept clear. 

Protect Yourself From the Unknown: December 25 Station Two was dispatched to a report of a strange odor inside a house leaving a strange taste in the mouth and request to check by the occupant. Upon arrival, Engine 2 checked the interior areas of the townhome type dwelling. Meters indicated a reading of 60 parts per million of Carbon Monoxide inside the home.  Levels are considered high at 34ppm.  The home did not have a Carbon Monoxide Alarm installed. The occupants had been away most of the day.  Engine 2 opened the door and windows to ventilate the home. The smell which generated the call may have been unrelated to the presence of Carbon Monoxide.

November 3 An All-Call was dispatched for a house fire in Spring Lake Park.  While Units were enroute, police on scene advised that the fire was not the house but a trash receptacle. Chief 7 and Engine 1 continued while all other units canceled .Upon arrival, crews observed a pile of yard debris smoldering next to a wood fence that had partially burnt. The homeowner stated that she had emptied ashes from fire pit into the plastic garbage receptacle earlier that day.   A passerby had noticed flames from rear of home and notified residents. Residents used buckets of water to knock flames down.  Engine 1 crew extended a pre-connected fire line to overhaul the debris pile, fence, and burnt grass area. The area then was checked with Thermal Imager to ensure complete extinguishment.

Safety Message:  Any form of ash may cause a cause an unwanted fire.  Ashes may smolder for several days.  It is best to place ashes from cigarettes, fireplaces, or fire pits into a noncombustible container such as a glass ashtray or metal can.  Before moving ashes from a noncombustible container to a combustible trash receptacle, it is best to douse the ashes with water. 

November 4 A resident in Spring Lake Park called for the Fire Department when her personal oxygen machine caught fire.  Engine 1 responded. Upon arrival, Engine 1’s crew observed some burned plastic line that supplied oxygen from the tank to the patient.  The user had been smoking when the fire occurred.

Safety Message:  When supplied by pure oxygen, fires can burn very intensely.  Every year, severe injury and death occur among individuals who smoke while they are on a personal oxygen supply.  Typically, individuals who use personal oxygen supplies have mobility issues which prevent them from evacuating quickly when a fire occurs.  The individual’s clothing or furniture they are on or near may ignite and the resulting smoke could quickly overtake them. 

November 17 An all call was dispatched for smoke present at a shop in a Blaine strip mall.  Upon arrival, Chief 6 observed moderate grey smoke inside the unit left of center in the 4 unit strip mall.  Engine 11 with a crew of 4 arrived and was instructed to gain access to the unit and make entry for search, rescue, and fire control.  Chief 7 was assigned to assist with a backup line.  Engine 11 made entry and quickly located and extinguished the fire which was located towards the rear of the shop.  The shops on either side of the fire were entered to check for smoke extension. Both had to be ventilated due to a smoke haze.    An investigator was requested for a cause and origin investigation.  .  The cause of the fire is likely to have been a candle which was left unattended. 

Safety Message:  While often used to create a more peaceful or pleasant atmosphere, candles pose a significant threat to life and safety.  Every year life and property are lost as the result of unattended or improper candle use.  If burning candles, extinguish them prior to leaving the building.  Candles should always be placed in a non-combustible container that is deep enough to contain all of the wax should the candle burn incorrectly causing the majority of wax to quickly melt away.  In such cases, flames can extend several feet into the air.  Candles should never be burned when near hanging combustibles such as curtains or wall decorations.  Candle users should always ensure that there are several feet of clearance above the flame.    

November 19 An All-Call was dispatched for a garage fire and automobile explosion.  Engine 11 arrived to a fully involved, attached garage fire of which the roof was beginning to collapse.   Engine 11’s crew extended a pre-connect attack line to keep the fire from extending from the garage to the house. Chief 7 arrived and established Command.  Engine 11 used a 1000 gpm deck gun to extinguish the fire in the garage. Engine 11’s crew then made entry into the house for search, rescue and fire control.   Arial 17 crew established secondary line. The primary search completed with an all clear and report that fire had not breached into residence. Later, a report that the 12 year old daughter was unaccounted for and thought to still be inside.  Engine 1 and Aerial 12 crews combined to form a search and rescue team.  It was later confirmed that the daughter had been staying with relatives at the time of the fire.   The family dog did perish in the fire.  Crews conducted the significant overhaul. An investigator was requested to conduct a cause and origin investigation.  The American Red Cross was requested for 2 adults and 3 kids.  The fire occurred when the homeowner was working on the fuel injectors of his vehicle inside the garage.

Safety Message:  SAFETY MESSAGE:  Any activity involving the potential for gasoline fumes to be released into the open air should be accomplished outside any enclosed structure. 

October Activity

Unwanted Excitement from Mundane Task:  October 25 an all call was dispatched for a dryer fire at a residence in Blaine.  Engine 8 made entry, located and extinguished a fire in the dryer, and called for ventilation.  Ladder 17 vented the windows and then set up ventilation fans at the front door.  Engine 8 advised that the fire was contained to the dryer.  While there was no structural fire damage, there was moderate smoke damage throughout the home.  

SAFETY MESSAGE:  The flexible foil dryer vent was almost completely plugged.  A plugged or partially plugged dryer vent may cause a fire.  Over time, lint can build up inside a vent pipe.  Due to the numerous ridges that collect lint, the use of flexible foil vent pipe is discouraged.  The best and safest vent pipe is rigid metal vent pipe.  In addition to a periodic check of the vent pipe, the screen or damper at the end of the vent pipe should be cleaned regularly.  Cleaning out the lint trap after each load of laundry will help reduce lint buildup in the vent pipe and damper. 

An Historic Day:  On October 26 a massive storm system that stretched from the Dakotas to the eastern Great Lakes brought high winds that were sustained for more than 30 hours.  According to MSNBC.COM, “The unusual system mesmerized meteorologists because of its size and because it had barometric pressure similar to a Category 3 hurricane, but with much less destructive power. Both Wisconsin and Minnesota set record lows for barometric pressure.”  Similar systems caused the Armistice Day Blizzard in November of 1940 which dumped 27 inches and caused 154 deaths and the 1991 Halloween blizzard which dumped up to 36 inches of snow and caused 22 deaths.  This time, the temperatures did not fall below freezing.   For the cities of Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Mounds View, damage from the storm was limited to power outages, downed trees, and a couple of structures damaged by falling trees.  Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, the fire department responded to 23 calls, the majority of those relating to downed power lines.   Frustrations were high as residents who reported downed or arcing power lines were informed that there was little that could be done until the power company could dispatch personnel and equipment.  Due to the size of the storm, electric companies were estimating that some problems would not be addressed for up to two days.  Fortunately, no structure fires occurred. 

Chimney’s Don’t Make Good Abodes: An all call was dispatched for two separate chimney fires.  Both occurred in Blaine.  At the first, the resident attempted to use the fireplace when smoke filled the house and flames extended out the top of the chimney.  In that situation, a bird had built a nest in the chimney.  The nest caused smoke to back up into the house and then eventually ignited sending flames out the top of the chimney.  At the second, a similar situation occurred as the result of a wasp nest.   In addition to the wasp nest, unburned newspaper used to start fires in the fireplace had collected inside and plugged the screen over the top of the chimney.   Damage was negligible in both cases.

They Will Grow Back: August 11 while in the process of moving his mother out of a manufactured home in Mounds View, a son attempted to pull the stove away from the wall.  In the process, the gas line to the stove ruptured.  In an attempt to shut the gas off at the stove, the gas ignited causing a small explosion.  The occupants evacuated the home and called 911.  The son shut off the gas at the meter.  Upon arrival, Engine 1 crew observed light smoke coming from the front door.  Further investigation revealed that there was a small fire on the stove.    The son suffered minor burns to his face and lost his eyebrows and eye lashes. 

SAFETY MESSAGE:  When moving a gas appliance, gas to the appliance should be shut off prior.  If an active gas line ruptures, evacuate the building immediately.  Call 911 from a remote location.  If easily accessible, shut off the gas at the gas meter located on the exterior of the building. 

A Nifty Neighbor Notifies: August 30 the son of a homeowner in Blaine finished off a cigarette near the back door to the garage.  The cigarette was thrown to the ground near a woodpile that was stacked against the back side of the garage.  Sustained winds in excess of 20mph pushed the cigarette into the wood pile.  Eventually, the smoldering cigarette started the woodpile on fire which grew quickly as a result of the wind.  A neighbor across the back yard from the residence noticed the fire which had spread to the garage and alerted the occupants of the home.  The homeowner and neighbor both grabbed hoses and were able to extinguish the majority of the fire prior to the arrival of the Fire Department.  Upon arrival, Chief 6 observed smoke inside the open attic of the garage and significant charring

SAFETY MESSAGE:  Discarded cigarettes can cause structure fires.  Cigarette butts should always be discarded into a fireproof container or ashtray.  It is safest to immerse the cigarette into water before discarding. 

July 3 an all-call for a structure fire in Blaine, District Chiefs 5 and 7, Stations Three, Two, and One responded.  Police arrived on scene and advised of heavy smoke coming from the structure.  They also indicated that the home had been fully evacuated.   A mutual aid Engine Company from Coon Rapids Fire Department was requested.   Chief 5 and Engine 8 arrived and observed smoke and flames visible from the sides of a manufactured home.  Fire, Smoke, heat, and water damage was significant throughout the residence.  Investigators as well as Red Cross were requested to scene.

“Dust Bomb”    July 3 an All Call was dispatched for the report of a "burning odor and light haze" in the structure. Further investigation of reporting party’s residence revealed that dust had collected in HVAC the dust within the duct work likely ignited from static electricity causing a flash fire resulting in a haze and smoke smell. Electrical power was shut off to furnace and A/C. Resident was advised to call building owner and arrange for service/cleaning of heat and cooling system.

“Lightening Hole” July 27   an auto aid was dispatched to a house fire which resulted from lightning.  SBM, Centennial, and Lexington all responded.  SBM District Chief 2 arrived and was met in the driveway by the homeowner reporting the house had been hit by lightning on the C/D corner of the roof/wall.  Chief 6 investigated the C/D corner and observed a hole in the siding with light smoke present.  The homeowner had a ladder up against the wall and had been using a garden hose to extinguish the fire.  No fire was found in the attic.  One electrical wire was located that had been burned through.  Engine 4 crew checked the rest of the house for potential electrical issues with none being found.  The circuit breaker panel had 4 breakers tripped with the main being one of them.  The efforts of the homeowner made a significant difference in the outcome of this fire. 

“Recreational Fire Thrown Away” July 31 A reported structure fire in South Blaine.  Chief 5 responded along with Engines 2 and 1.  Upon arrival, crews observed Police on the scene using a garden hose to knock down the fire.  The smoldering wood siding and underlying built-rite was removed to check for extension. Once overhaul was complete crews covered up the exposed affected structural areas with a tarp. The cause of the fire was fire debris from a recreational fire pit being placed into a plastic garbage container located next to the rear of the home.

June Activity
Smokin’ Hot Dance Music:  June 8 - An all-call was dispatched at a local Bar and Grill for smoke coming from the DJ's booth.  Rescue 14 arrived and observed smoke inside the building as the result of a speaker in the DJ's booth which was on fire.  Crews used a dry chemical extinguisher to extinguish the fire. 

Flip Flopped into a Building:  June 15 - Station Two was dispatched to a vehicle that had crashed into a building on University in Blaine.   Engine 8 responded.  Upon arrival, the crew observed a vehicle buried to the windshield into the wall of the business. The female driver was out of vehicle and being checked for injuries by ambulance crew.  The vehicle had crashed through the wall of a walk-in, flower cooler. Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the accident.  The accident occurred when the flip-flop worn by the female driver became lodged between the vehicle accelerator pedal and the floor.  With the accelerator locked in the full forward position, the driver swerved to avoid traffic but was unable to avoid the building. 

That Spot Wasn’t There When I Left:  June 16– An All-Call was dispatched for smoke alarms sounding and smoke coming from under a door at an apartment building in Spring Lake Park.  Upon arrival, crews could hear the alarm sounding inside the partially evacuated building. Inside a first floor apartment, crews observed a small burnt area of carpet next to end table and in front of a couch. Light smoke was present throughout the apartment. The resident of the apartment was not home at the time of the fire.  The cause was undermined but assumed to be related to smoking materials. 

Way Off The Beaten Path:  June 20- Station One was dispatched for a roll over on the westbound County 10 ramp from northbound Hwy 65. Engine 1 arrived and observed a car approximately 100 yards out in the open space between hwy 65 and County 10.

May 4 Station One was called to a 53 year old male down and not breathing.  Engine 1 responded with a crew of two, upon arrival found Allina on the scene with a police officer performing CPR on the patient in the garage. Engine 1 took over doing CPR and assisting Medics.  Patient regained breathing and a pulse, was loaded into the ambulance. 

May 18 An All-Call was dispatched for the report of a car fire inside a garage, as crews were leaving Station Three they observed a column of smoke.  Upon arrival, Engine 8 crew observed a fully involved attached garage on the north side of a four-plex, town house.  Engine 8 crew, declared a defensive strategy, established a water supply and attempted an initial knockdown with a mounted deck gun.  Ladder 17 arrived and was assigned to search, rescue and extension control inside the main fire unit.  Other arriving crews were assigned search and extension control in exposures.  Engine 1 and Ladder 17 stood by while investigators performed their work inside the garage of the main fire unit.  Overhaul was completed and all units cleared. 

May 25 Report of a detached garage fire, Engine 1 was first on scene and found smoke coming from a detached garage.  Engine 1 laid a preconnect hose line and prepared for an offensive attack.  Captain 10 took command.  Ladder 12 arrived and pulled a hydrant line from Engine 1, then they pulled a second preconnect line and proceeded to the garage as a backup.  Engine 4 crew did the initial overhaul and left the fire area alone for the investigators to look at. 

May 29 Station Two was alerted to a vehicle fire on Westbound US Highway 10 just East of Highway 65. Engine 2 responded and while enroute Blaine Police on scene advised fully involved and they had shut down the Highway.  Engine 2 arrived and found a working car fire pulled over to the inside shoulder with fire inside the engine compartment, passenger compartment and trunk. Engine 2 extinguished the fire.

Watch What You Heat: April 11 - An All-Call was dispatched for a report of alarms sounding and smoke showing on the 3rd floor of an apartment building in Blaine. While enroute, police advised crews that it the smoke was from burned food on the stove and that only ventilation was needed. Chief 3 had Engine 2 continue emergency and all other units hold at quarters. Engine 2 made entry to check for extension and found nothing. Ventilation was accomplished and all units cleared.

April 14 -District Chief 7, Fire Marshal 6 and Engine 1 responded to a report of smoke in a residence from a fire on the stove. District Chief 7 arrived and observed heavy gray smoke blowing out the main doorway of a manufactured home. The resident stated that he had been cooking sausage in pan on stove top. He left the cooking food unattended while he stepped outside to talk with neighbor. When resident returned to kitchen he noticed fire on stove. The resident removed pan from home and placed outside on patio. Upon arrival, Engine 1 crew set-up ventilation at rear door of residence. Home was cleared of smoke, and no fire damage to the area around stove was noticed.

April 21 –Station Two was dispatched to a fire out situation on the kitchen stove at a residence in Blaine. Engine 2 arrived and confirmed a fire out. The home owner had been heating a pan of oil for cooking chicken; the home owner had left the kitchen to go to the bathroom at which time the pan of oil caught fire. The smoke activated the smoke alarms. The home owner returned to the kitchen and observed fire in the pan on the stove top. The homeowner extinguished the fire. Engine 2 crew used the Thermal Imaging Camera to check for hot spots and set up a fan for ventilation. Engine 2 also separated the vent hood from the cupboard to check for extension up the vent pipe. No hot spots or extension was found.
SAFETY MESSAGE – In all three cases, unattended cooking resulted in a fire on the stovetop. Cooking should never be left unattended. In the case of hot oil, this is absolutely true. Never leave hot oil over an active burner. In addition, a matching lid for the pan in use should be readily available to place over the pan if the oil does ignite.

March Activity
Recent Fire Department Activity
On the busy Wednesday of March 17, an employee at local restaurant in Blaine was removing a trap from beneath a CO2 canister when his arm brushed against a valve at the bottom of the tank.  That contact was enough to open the valve causing a leak from the tank which had been filled the day before.  The tank contained 450psi of CO2.  After trying to fix the leak for a couple minutes, the employee followed protocol, advised management, and had the restaurant evacuated.  Station Three was dispatched.  Engine 8 arrived on scene and found the building evacuated. A white vapor cloud was emitting from the service door located on the side of building.   The cloud was also observed throughout the interior of the building.  Ventilation fans were set-up District Chief 2 arrived and assumed command.  Crew members donned full Personal Protection Equipment and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and attempted to secure the valves on top of Co2 tank but exited the building after approximately 3 minutes. The temperature differentiation caused by the leaking CO2 was causing the crew’s boots to freeze to the floor.  The decision was made to allow the tank to vent.  Eventually, the leak slowed enough to allow crew members to access the valve at the bottom of the tank.  The leak was secured, and the Health department was contacted.   The significant safety issues relating to CO2 are oxygen displacement and cryogenic properties.  An individual who does not evacuate from a structure with a significant CO2 leak could pass out from the lack of oxygen.  Once on the floor, they would likely freeze solid.  Oxygen levels inside the restaurant had dropped below 19% creating an environment that was highly dangerous to life and health. 

Breakfast Was Especially Hot Today

February Activity

Working Hard Just Before Lunch
Just before lunch on February 3, an All Call was dispatched for a residential structure fire in Blaine. Captain 31, who was in the area at the time of the call, responded to the scene and assumed command. He observed heavy smoke showing in all windows of a manufactured home. He could not determine if the home was occupied. As crews arrived, an offensive fire attack was implemented. As Engine 8's crew was making entry through the front door, the fire vented through the windows. Engine 8's crew encountered and extinguished fire in the living room located in the center portion of the structure. They continued down the hallway to search the back bedrooms in which they encountered more fire. While extinguishing the fire in the rear portion of the structure, fire in the living room rekindled. A backup crew from David Base used a 2nd pre-connected attack line to extinguish that fire. Fire damage was extensive throughout the structure. The homeowner was not home at the time of the blaze. Two cats
did perish in the fire. The fire is under investigation. Improperly
discarded smoking materials are likely the cause.

SAFETY MESSAGE: There were no working smoke detectors within this home. Working smoke detectors remain to be the leading means by which lives are saved when fire occurs within occupied structures. Search and rescue by fire personnel remains to be the least effective means by which lives are saved. Properly installed and maintained smoke detectors are an inexpensive and effective means for protecting life from the dangers of fire.

A Well Protected Garage
In the early morning hours of February 17, an All Call was dispatched for an attached garage fire at a residence located on the east side of Blaine. Upon arrival, Chief 2 observed moderate smoke emanating from the last stall of a 3 stall garage. Upon arrival, Engine 4's crew surveyed the interior conditions of the home and determined that the fire had not spread from the garage. Engine 4's crew forced open the overhead door of the 3rd stall and observed a truck on fire. The crew knocked down the fire with a pre-connected attack line. The garage stall had sheetrock on the walls and ceiling. There was no fire extension from the vehicle to the structure of
the garage. Engine 1, Ladder 12, and Ladder 17's crews assisted with ventilation and cleanup. A fire investigation was conducted with the cause of the fire pinpointed be a faulty wiring harness within the electrical system of the truck.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Building materials and building construction play a significant role in life safety. Sheet rock, which does
withstand heat and fire for a period of time, kept the occupants of the home safe. In spaces like garages, basements, or utility rooms where wood studs or rafters are left exposed, fire can spread quickly. If the rafters of the garage had been exposed in this early morning incident, fire would have spread quickly into the attic and above smoke detectors subsequently placing the occupants in extreme danger while they slept.

Hot Delivery
At a home in Blaine on a Wednesday evening, the parents and children of the home venture outside for a time of play. Before leaving, the homeowner placed a UPS package onto the surface of the stove. When the family ambled back into the house, they were astonished to see and smell smoke. The package on the stove was on fire. The burner had been left on. The homeowner called 911 and then moved the package from the stovetop to a snow bank outside. Crews from Station Three were the first to arrive. They
observe fire damage in the form of melted plastic on the microwave above the stove but quickly determine that the fire was out. Fans were used to remove the smoke.

SAFETY MESSAGE: In many homes, any flat surface is quickly filled with the stuff of daily life. A stovetop should never be used for storage, not even for pots and pans.

Those Calories Could go Straight to Your Attic
Burned microwave popcorn is a reality that many people can associate with. The smell, the smoke, and the frustration are common elements that occur on a regular basis. On February 20, a Blaine resident experienced this common occurrence when the desire to enjoy an evening snack had to be set aside to clear the house of smoke. As part of the cleanup, this resident took the charred bag of microwave popcorn out to the garage and placed it on top of the plastic trash receptacle. A couple of hours later, her husband smelled
smoke, he checked the garage and encountered flames. He called 911 and reported an attached garage fire. An all call was dispatched. The first arriving District Chief observed a working fire amidst the contents located in the middle of the garage. Smoke was emanating from the eves but with minimal velocity. Engine 8 arrived and the crew forced open the garage door and extinguished the contents fire with a pre-connect attack line. The remainder of the structure was inspected. There was no fire extension to the structure. The popcorn bag very likely contained hot embers which burned through the bag and ignited the garbage can on which the bag was set.
The garbage can was one of three which burned. The empty cans burned in a fashion similar to a candle. The heat from this type of fire was not enough to extend fire into the exposed attic rafters. Crews removed the burned contents from the garage, ventilated the home, and cleared the scene.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Any item that has been on fire may contain hot embers that can smolder for a long period of time. If enough oxygen and fuel are present, a hot ember could cause a significant fire. Anything that has been on fire should be completely wetted down before being placed in the presence of other combustibles.

No Rest for the Weary
On February 15th, a male teen on his way to basketball practice at Spring Lake Park High School was struck by a car as he crossed 81st Ave. Engine 1 responded and arrived on scene simultaneously with police. Engine 1 crew observed a small sedan in the middle of the roadway with the drivers half of the windshield completely smashed in. In front of the car was the teen boy who was lying face down. Much to the crew's surprise, the teen was conscious and alert. The teen very calmly advised that his major complaint
was pain in his lower left leg. Engine 1 crew and police assessed, collared, back boarded, and placed him into the ambulance which had arrived. A firefighter rode in the ambulance to assist with patient care. At the hospital, X-rays revealed a fracture in his left leg. They also revealed a broken pelvis, ribs, and collar bone. His mother, rushed to the bedside of her son. The firefighter and paramedics complimented the mother for her son's polite respectfulness demonstrated throughout their experience with him. With her son lying in the bed aching throughout his broken body, she strongly asserted, "He better have shown you respect."

SAFETY MESSAGE: A high level of caution should be implemented whenever crossing a roadway as a pedestrian. Taking the time to walk to a controlled crosswalk is worth the effort. And finally, Mom's advise to change your skivvies daily and show respect to all people is valuable advice indeed.

December Activity

December 12 Chief 2 was dispatched to home in Blaine to assist with smoke alarms that had sounded due to a
cooking fire which had been put out. Upon arrival, Chief 2 observed that the Police had the front door open to
vent smoke. The owner had been frying chicken when the grease caught fire. To put the fire out, the owner
placed a kitchen rug over the pan. The owner had a fire extinguisher that was located on the lower level of the
home. Chief 2 advised to have the fire extinguisher moved from the basement to upstairs.
December 17 an all-call was dispatched to a microwave fire at a home in Blaine. Upon arrival, Chief 3 observed
a fire out situation with light smoke within the house. Engine 11 and Engine 8 arrived on scene and all others
were canceled. Engine 11 and Engine 8 used positive pressure ventilation to clear out the smoke. The female
home owner had made lunch but forgot to turn off the burner under a pan of grease. She smelled something
burning and returned to the kitchen and observed smoke and flames coming from the pan. She was unable to
locate the fire extinguisher. She poured baking soda on the grease and then tried flour. Flames were still present,
so she grabbed and oversized lid and placed it over the pan. Smoke continued to billow out. By this time, the
plastic on the microwave mounted above the stove had melted and began to burn. The homeowner grabbed the
pan and placed it outside the dining room on a snow covered wood deck. She then evacuated the home and called
911.
Safety Message: When cooking, especially with hot grease, a matching lid should be kept available to place over
a pot or pan in which the contents have caught fire. When placing a lid, a hand fully encapsulated in an oven mitt
or sturdy thongs should be used to slide the lid across the opening of the pan. In the first grease fire listed, by
placing a kitchen rug over the grease fire, the owner added more combustibles to the fire. The result could have
been disastrous had the rug ignited. The fire would have spread quickly to the cabinetry and beyond. In the
second incident listed, the home owner eventually did place an oversized lid over the pan. However, the time
spent trying to extinguish the fire with various powders allowed the fire to extend to the microwave. Just a few
added seconds would have resulted in the entire kitchen being involved in fire.
While the desire and motivation to remove a smoking pan from the residence is understandable, such an action is
extremely dangerous. A hot or slippery handle could cause an individual to drop the pan allowing the hot grease
to burn their body, spill onto the floor and cabinetry, and possibly re-ignite. The hot pan on a wood deck could
also have ignited the deck.

 November 23 - An all-call was dispatched for a garage fire located in an attached garage of a town home in Blaine. Upon arrival, Chief 6 observed no signs of fire from the exterior of the structure. Through the interior service door to the garage, Chief 6 heard an active sprinkler head and observed heavy smoke. The homeowner advised an SUV and lots of storage in boxes inside the garage. Engine 8 arrived, and extinguished the fire located in the northeastern corner of the garage. The cause of the fire was determined to be hot ashes that were placed in the garbage receptacle located in the NE corner of the garage. The occupants had participated in a bon fire 24 hours prior. The male occupant had placed the ashes in the trash receptacle earlier that day. He thought the ashes were safe because the fire ring was cold to the touch and it had rained lightly that day. Remnants of a bon fire were located at the bottom of the trash receptacle. In this case, a single sprinkler head limited the fire damage to the trash receptacle and a plastic collapsible table leaning against the wall. The sprinkler was effective in protecting 7 residential units that otherwise would have suffered fire damage.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Hot ashes from charcoal grills or fireplaces are dangerous. These ashes and coals should be stored for disposal in metal containers until they are cool. Ashes can stay hot for several days. To keep home and family safe, place all ashes in a metal container with a cover. These cans should be kept outside for several days before final disposal of the ashes. Ashes created by smoking materials create a level of danger as well. While the time needed to cool these ashes may be significantly less than ashes from a grill or fireplace, the measures taken for safe disposal are the same. As an added level of safety protection, all ashes should be fully wet down prior to being placed in proximity to common combustibles.

Dangerous Recycling November 3 A District Chief was dispatched to the report of a CO alarm sounding with no one ill. Chief 3 arrived and checked the interior of the residence with a CO detector. Levels of CO between 20 and 30 ppm were detected throughout the house. Chief 3 requested Centerpoint Energy to the scene. The source the CO was traced to a gas dryer which had a recirculator on the exhaust vent blowing into the laundry room. The husband had been doing laundry throughout the day. Chief 3 informed the homeowners that Centerpoint was enroute and advised them to stay in their vehicle outside with the baby until Centerpoint arrived.

Safety Message: Carbon Monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Only a CO detector can alert occupants to the danger. A CO detector should be placed within 10 feet of any bedroom. In this case, the residents were protected by a CO detector which alerted them to the danger while they slept. This is especially fortunate for the infant who would have suffered the consequences of CO poisoning much more quickly than the parents Recirculators which allow exhaust to be released into an occupancy are a cause for concern. In theory, they allow the heat generated by the dryer to be used as a source of heat for a home. According to Centerpoint Energy, this type of device should never be used on a gas appliance. It is unclear if the use of recirculators is safe for use on an electric dryer. These devises, in addition to pumping CO into an occupancy, increase humidity and cause a buildup of dust and lint. Local building and fire codes covering rental properties and multifamily dwellings do not allow the use of these devices. Instead, all appliances with exhaust, including a clothes dryer, require a hard, smooth metal pipe for venting purposes.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Fire grows exponentially. Evacuate the structure and call 911 at the first signs of fire. (i.e. – Visible smoke, visible flames, or a smell of burning). For fireplace chimneys: The National Fire Protection Association also recommends that all chimneys are inspected on an annual basis. For older homes, that inspection should include the use of camera on the inside of the chimney.

Smoked Turkey for Thanksgiving November 26 dispatched to an oven fire at the residence. Upon arrival, Chief 6 observed light smoke coming from the open front door. Chief 6 made entry into the home with a fire extinguisher, no flames were observed, only smoke from the oven. Chief 6 continued Engine 8 emergency and slowed all other units to routine. Engine 8 arrived, secured gas to the stove, removed the stove, and checked for any visible extension. The Thermal Imaging Camera was used to check for any hot spots in the cabinetry and surrounding wall. Fire was contained to the Turkey roasting pan and oven. The fire occurred when grease from the turkey pan spilled onto the bottom of the oven during removal.

October Activity

Structure Fires: There were three reported structure fires in the month of October all of which were minor fires having major potential for injury or death. 

October 1, A resident in North Central Blaine attempted to place frozen pork chops into a pan of heated oil.  The result was a flash fire that extended up from the pan into the microwave and cabinets.  Damage was limited to melted portions on the microwave and minor smoke damage to the cabinets and kitchen walls.

SAFETY MESSAGE:  Water in any form reacts violently with heated oil.  Before placing into heated oil, all food items must be fully thawed and dried by patting with paper towels.  Failure to thaw or dry food items prior to placing them into heated oil could result in a fire ball that has the potential to roll up from the pan, up the wall, and across a room via the ceiling.  The resulting fire ball has the potential to seriously burn any occupants and spread to combustible items that are in the path of travel.

October 23, A resident of a home in northern Blaine emptied an ashtray into the small plastic garbage can beside a couch and went upstairs to use the bathroom. Once upstairs the resident heard the smoke alarm.  A return downstairs revealed a fire within the garbage can. The resident carried the garbage can to the kitchen sink and extinguished the fire. 

Safety Messages:  Smoke detectors save lives!  – Care must be given to how and where smoking materials are discarded.  The best practice is to immerse the smoking material in water and then place it in a non-combustible ashtray or container.  The contents of an ashtray should be wet down prior to being placed in a container with other combustibles.  Finally, flaming objects should not be moved.  While the actions of the resident may appear to be quick and decisive, the potential of injury to themselves or the spread of fire along the path of travel outweigh the benefit.

September Activity

Three significant fires - Two of them occurring within an hour of each other.
On September 6, there was a reported attached garage fire, Chief 5 arrived on scene within 3 minutes and found a fully involved garage fire with fire spreading into the house. In addition, there were several vehicles burning in the driveway. The homeowners were standing in the street and stated that everyone was out of the house. The male homeowner had sustained serious burns to his right arm. Engines 8, 2, 1 and 4 along with Ladder 17, Utility 16, Grass 13, Allina and Ham Lake Engine 1 responded to the scene.
The fire attack was initially defensive mode. Engine 8 employed their deck gun to knock down a large body of fire in the garage. An interior attack was then attempted through the front door, but had to pull out due to the loss of the staircase to the upper level. Investigators and Salvation Army were requested. Several Fire Corps members responded to assist SBM Investigators. Fire crews remained on scene until overhaul was completed.

This fire occurred when the owner dropped a shop light near some gasoline fumes. The bulb burst and the resulting spark ignited the fumes causing fire to spread to the vehicle and eventually to the garage and house.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Any activity involving the potential for gasoline fumes to be released into the open air should be accomplished outside any enclosed structure.

While all stations were working at the house fire in Blaine, another report of an attached garage fire in Mounds View. Chief 3 was released from the Blaine fire and responded to the Mounds View fire. Fridley Fire had been requested to staff Station One with SBM Captain 10. Fridley Engine 1 responded along with SBM Ladder 12. New Brighton and Lake Johanna Fire Departments each responded with an engine. Ladder 12 arrived and reported a fully involved attached garage fire with fire extending into the house and attic. Fridley Engine 1 nosed into a hydrant for water supply and then pulled a 2 1/2 inch line back to the house and made an initial attack on the garage and a van that was in the driveway. All units assisted in extensive salvage and overhaul. Salvation Army was relocated from the Blaine fire to provide food and water for crews. The Red Cross was also sent down to assist the family. Investigators along with Fire Corps assisted in investigation and after care of the victims. The seat of the fire was determined to be in the garage but a cause could not be determined.

Hot Clothes On September 8, a report of smoke in the basement of a residence in Spring Lake Park, Chief 2 responded and assumed command. Engine 1 crew detected a burning odor and a light smoke haze in the basement. The problem was traced to a small fire inside electric clothes dryer. Chief 2 cancelled all other responding units and had Engine 1 crew remove the dryer from the home. Once removed, Engine 1's crew observed a plugged ventilation pipe from the dryer. The vent cover on the exterior of the home had a screen covering that caused the lint to build up and completely block the vent pipe.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Vent pipes leading from a dryer to the exterior of the home must be non-combustible. The safest venting system is made of the hard sections of vent pipe, not the accordion type in which lint can gather inside the pleats. The vent mounted on the exterior of the home should allow air to flow freely. Louvers are acceptable but must be checked regularly for lint build up. A screen covering the opening is not acceptable and could cause lint to build up and block the pipe.

On September 15, response to a reported structure fire in Blaine. Chief's 5, 6 and 7 responded along with Engines 1, 2, 5, 8, Ladder 17, and Utility 16. Chief 6 arrived on scene first and reported a large fire on the side of the structure, with flames extending into the interior of the home. Chief 6 also advised that the occupants were out of the house. Chief 5 arrived and assumed command. Engine 8's crew was ordered to catch a hydrant and begin a defensive exterior attack. Ladder 17's crew pulled a pre-connect to the front door to prepare for an interior attack. Once the fire was placed under control all units on scene assisted with extensive overhaul operations. SBM investigators were notified as was the Red Cross. The homeowner was transported to Mercy Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and burns. The fire was determined to have started as the result of discarded smoking materials.

- SAFETY MESSAGE - Care must be given to how and where smoking materials are discarded. The best practice is to immerse the smoking material in water and then place it in a non-combustible ashtray or container. Smoking materials should never be thrown on the ground.

If you don't like my driving, Get off the Sidewalk Riding a bike or walking near a roadway was dangerous in the month of September. There were five separate pedestrian/bicyclists accidents this month. On September 6, Station Two was dispatched to a Pedestrian Personal Injury accident at County Road 10 and Jefferson Street. The pedestrian had minor injuries.
On September 9, Station One was alerted and responded with Chief 7, this accident resulted in a fatality. On September 13, Station One was dispatched for a bike vs. car at Central Ave and 85th. Engine 1 arrived assisted with patient care. On September 15, Station One was dispatched to a bicyclist hit by a city bus at Highway 10 and Able. Upon arrival, Engine 1 was informed that the bicyclist had ridden his bike into the side of a school bus. His injuries were minor. On September 22, Station Three was dispatched to a car vs. bike accident near 109th and Central. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and his injuries were minor.

August Activity

Wasps Suspected of Retaliation On August 3 A all call was toned for a report of a fire in the wall of a detached garage. Police advised smoke but no flames seen. Chief 7 arrived and observed light smoke in the garage and determined that one Engine Company could handle the problem. Engine 1 crew used thermal imager to locate a fire at the base of the exterior wall of the garage. Engine 1 crew opened up the wall and extinguished the smoldering fire with a pre-connect attack line. The Homeowner had used lighter fluid to burn up a wasp nest that was attached to the side of the garage. Some smoldering portions of the nest dropped to the ground and started leaves on fire which extended to the built-rite and base plate of the exterior wall. The adult daughter had gone into the garage, notice smoke, and then called the Fire Dept.

Teenager Mows Lawn and Accidently Installs Sunroof in Garage On August 5, Station One responded on an Auto-Aid tone for a structure fire in Fridley. Engine 1 and Chief 7 responded. Engine 1 arrived on scene and advised of a working garage fire. Engine1 crew laid a pre-connected attack line to the rear of garage and knocked down exterior flames. A 2nd pre-connect was laid for back-up. Fridley (Chief 2) arrived and took command. The fire occurred after the teenage boy had filled the hot mower with fuel. Inside the garage, the fumes from the gas spilled during re-fueling increased enough to be ignited. The fire spread to the rear wall of the garage and eventually through the roof.

SAFETY MESSAGE – When finished using gas powered yard machines, always re-fuel outside of any enclosed structure. It is a better practice to wait until the machine has cooled down prior to re-fueling.

Fish Fry Gone Awry August 6, an all call was toned for an attached garage fire in Blaine. Police arrived on scene and stated that the fire appeared to be out. All units slowed to routine. Upon arrival, Chief 6 observed fire damage on the exterior siding above the garage of Unit B. Located in front of the garage just 3 feet from the building was a deep fryer that had significant fire damage. Chief 6 observed a light haze in the upper portions of the open garage. Engine 8 continued emergency Ladder 17 slowed to routine, and all other units canceled. Engine 8 made access into the storage space above the garage, pulled the soffits above the garage door, and checked the attic over the main living space. No signs of fire were found. Engine 8’s crew removed the unburned portions of the damaged siding and checked for hot spots. The fryer was new to the owner who had set it up for a fish fry. He was inside the house
when the oil in the fryer ignited.

SAFETY MESSAGE: When using portable fryers, be sure to keep them at least 15 feet from any structure. Fryers should not be placed on decks or patios made of wood or other common combustible materials. Be sure to read the manufacturers manual, use a large dial thermostat to help regulate the heat, and NEVER leave the unit unattended. Finally, the hose between the fryer and the fuel source should be long enough to allow for the fuel to be safely shut off in the case of a fire in the vat.

A Search for Danger August 11, Stations Three and Four along with the David Base crew and Chief 5 responded to a police request for assistance in searching for a missing weapon that was used in the commission of a homicide. The Lexington Fire Department also assisted in the search. All personnel on scene conducted ground searches of several areas in and adjacent to areas in Blaine and Lexington. While this is not a normal activity for the Fire Department, concern that a child or juvenile might find the discarded murder weapon created a life-safety concern significant enough to warrant their involvement.

Driver Parks in the Drink August 15, Station Two was dispatched to a vehicle that had driven off the road and into a pond near Hwy 65 and US Hwy 10. Further updates stated that the drive was not getting out of the vehicle. Crews arrived and observed a Chevy Blazer with its front tires in the drainage pond located on the Northeast corner of the Central Ave and US 10 On/Off ramp intersection. Engine 2’s crew assisted with patient care. Crews stood by until the vehicle was towed. The accident occurred when the driver traveling Northbound on Hwy 65 careened off the road, down the embankment, and into the pond. A significant amount of mud reduced the speed of the Blazer enough to keep it from traveling further into the pond.

Arsonist Strikes Close to Home August 23; an all call was toned for a report of a manufactured home on fire with someone still possible inside. There had been a domestic at the house earlier in the morning and police had been out at the scene. Police arrived on scene to a working kitchen fire. Police made entry into the back portion of the residence, crawled low underneath the smoke, and pulled a male resident to safety. Another officer stooped down and entered the front door and knocked down a majority of the fire with a garden hose. Chief 3 arrived and found moderate smoke. Engine 1 and Ladder 12 continue emergency and all other units slowed to routine. The fire was contained to the kitchen. Investigators determined that two fires were set by the resident who then relocated to the back bedroom. His girl friend arrived shortly after, discovered the fire, and called 911.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Avoid starting your own house on fire.

Fire Spreads Quickly and Destroys Home August 26, Engine 11 responded to an Auto-Aid call to the City of Ham Lake. Upon arrival Engine 11's crew reported to Ham Lake Command and was assigned suppression and overhaul duties as outlined by the on scene Incident Command. Engine 11 was released, despite the efforts by firefighters from several departments the house was a total loss.

July Activity

Cooking Bad Enough to Kill July 21, along with Fridley Fire (Auto Aid) responded to a reported structure fire at a residence in Spring Lake Park.   Engine 1 arrived on scene and reported the house was full of smoke. Chief 5 then arrived on scene, assumed command and conducted a scene size up and found heavy smoke inside the home on the main level. Engine 8 crew made entry and found a pan of burned food on the stove. Engine 8's crew ventilated the home and forced entry into a basement area bathroom which was locked to verify an all clear. The fire was contained to the interior of the pan, and there was no fire extension to the structure.  The homeowner accidently left the burner on when she left for work.  At work, she called her sister who lived in the area to check the stove.  Meanwhile, with the house filling with smoke, her sleeping children woke up, evacuated the home, and called 911.  There were no working smoke detectors in the home.  This incident had the potential for the loss of life. 

Dangerous Play On July 25, responded to a reported attached garage fire at a home in Blaine. Chief 5 along with Stations Three, Two, and One responded to the scene.  Chief 5 arrived on scene and observed a working fire in the attached garage and was advised by police that the home was fully evacuated. Chief 5 was able to knock down the fire with a dry chemical extinguisher prior to Engine 8 arriving on scene. Engine 8 crew completed extinguishment and to checked for extension. Engine 8's crew also began ventilation of the home as the house was full of smoke.  Engine 2 arrived and assisted with ventilation and checking for hot spots. The fire resulted from juveniles playing with fire and gasoline in the driveway.  During their play, the fire on a fan they had ignited intensified more rapidly than they had anticipated.  In a hasty move prompted by fear, one of the juveniles kicked the fan in an attempt to extinguish the flames.  The ignited fan flew into the garage and spread fire to some piled materials.  The 5 juveniles involved ranged from age 6 to 18. 

June Activity

A Whole Lot of the Same Old Stuff To date, call volume is higher than average for 2009. At the end of March, call volume was approximately 30 calls below average which equals about a 2.5% decrease. At the end of June, call volume is approximately 20 calls above average which equals about a 2% increase. Like April, June was a busy month with 126 calls. However, from the perspective of serious and unusual, there is little to report. There was one minor attic fire, one serious personal injury accident requiring extrication, one interesting transport trailer fire, two cooking fires, and a spike in CO alarms that raise the eyebrows of those who like to examine data and trends.

CO Alarms Cry "Wolf" As would be expected dispatched CO alarm calls are high in the winter months due to natural gas furnaces constantly running inside structures that are sealed up against the cold temperatures. In June, CO alarm calls spiked to nearly double the typical volume for winter months.
One might assume that the heat of the summer caused many to seal up their homes in an attempt to keep the heat out and the air conditioned air in resulting in CO levels rising from cooking and hot water heaters. However, the major majority of the CO calls in June were false alarms. One recurring reasons for CO false alarms is a low battery. Many people are not aware that there is a battery backup on all plug-in CO alarms that allows continued monitoring of CO in the case of a power outage. In the case of a low battery alarm, the detector sounds off with one beep every 30 seconds.
To avoid these incessant nuisance reminders, replace the battery on the CO detector when replacing the batteries in smoke detectors. A good time to change these batteries is when changing the clocks for daylight savings.
Another regular cause of CO false alarms is the use of aerosol cans within the home. Aerosols can result in a CO alarm sounding off with a full alarm accompanied by a digital readout.
Air fresheners, bug sprays, spray on sun screen, cooking sprays, and disinfectants can cause CO alarms to sound a false alarm. In combination CO/GAS alarms, the digital readout will falsely alert the occupant to presence of explosive gas. As a result, some residents with fresh smelling, disinfected homes, who are well protected against the harmful UV rays and blood sucking bugs, and who can flip their pancakes with ease, are left in a
frazzled condition due to the shrill, high pitched sound of a CO alarm. To
avoid these disconcerting false alarms, avoid the use of aerosols within an enclosed structure. If aerosols are used, allow air movement by opening doors and windows. One could also apply sunscreens and bug sprays outside.

No-Nuisance Fire Alarms Nearly 25% of the call volume consists of false alarms. These false alarms occur for various reasons such as dirty detectors, malfunctioning equipment, prank pulls, and burned food while occupants are home. With so many false alarms, there is the potential that occupants and responders could become complacent in their reaction to an alarm sounding. Every alarm should be considered legitimate until proven otherwise. On June 9, two alarm systems sounded and likely helped to avert significant damage to the structures they monitored. In both cases, food was left cooking on the stove. At the first which was near mid morning, at a home in Blaine, the resident placed some meat into a large soup pot filled with broth. A child needing attention caused the resident to forget turning down the flame under the pot prior to leaving the house. Nearly 3 hours later, the fire alarm sounded after all of the liquid in the pot had boiled away. As the responding fire marshal arrived, additional alarm trips were being reported. A ladder company was dispatched to the scene to gain access into the home through an open 2nd story window. The burning pot was discovered and removed from the stove. Later that evening, at a home in Spring Lake Park, the resident placed food on the stove to cook and then left the home. The fire alarm sounded and a district chief was dispatched.
Station 1 was toned when the burning pan was discovered by Police. The home had to be cleared of smoke. Personnel regularly encourage people never to leave cooking food unattended. However, since many who cook at home multitask while cooking, personnel encourages these culinary multitaskers to take an item from the kitchen, a large wooden spoon for example, to remind them of the food cooking on the stove or in the oven.

I'm Sorry to Interrupt Your Favorite Show; but Your Attic is on FIRE Stations One & Two were dispatched to a house fire in Spring Lake Park.
Mutual aid was requested from Fridley. Crews observed light smoke coming from the side of the single story, single family home. During a walk around of the home, Chief 2 observed flames showing from a roof vent. Engine 1 crew made entry, pulled down portions of the ceiling, and extinguished the fire. Only the fan and some cellulose insulation burned. No structural
component was involved. Fridley remained in staging and released once the
fire was under control. A neighbor initially saw the smoke and dialed 911.

May Activity

Hot and Dry In May, Central Minnesota received little to no rain resulting in a severe draught.  As a result, wild land fire danger was extremely high.  A total of sixteen grass fires, fourteen of these grass fires occurred within a ten day period between May 21 and 31.  Five of the sixteen grass fires occurred on that Sunday.    Aware of the fire danger, most of these fires were found quickly by residents called in and extinguished quickly. 

Resourcefulness Does not Always Pay Off:  May 2, Stations Three and Four responded to the east side of Blaine to a reported deck fire.  Chief 3 and Engine 4 arrived and observed signs of a fire on an elevated deck attached to the back of the house.  Fire had burned through the deck, dropped below, and started debris below the deck on fire.  The fire had been extinguished by the home owner and neighbor equipped with garden hoses.   The fire occurred after the owner attempted to burn charcoal briquettes in an old gas grill.  Hot embers fell through the large openings in the bottom of the gas grill and ignited the bag of charcoal that was sitting below it.  Fire extended to the decking and burned through the 2x4 deck boards.  Crews performed overhaul to ensure the fire was completely out and cleared.

April Activity

A Dog Named Gilligan . . . Or, Ginger . . . Maybe April 15, Station Three responded with the Zodiac and Engine to a resident in Blaine reporting a stranded dog on an island in the Pond near her back yard. . Crews donned Mustang floatation suits and Personal Floatation Device's, deployed the Zodiac, and searched the island. After a brief search, the female dog was located. The dog was secured in portable kennel, transported off the island on the Zodiac, and returned to her owner. Crews returned to island to check for possible litter of puppies but none were located.

Hey! Shred This . . . April 25, Station Four and Chief 3 responded to the report of a large white truck on fire located in front of Cub Foods grocery store. Police arrived and advised that it was a paper shredding truck and there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. Engine 4 arrived and used a Thermal Imaging Camera to check the exterior of the truck to determine the location of the fire but was unable to pinpoint the seat of
the fire. The presence of a hydraulic powered shredder with a reservoir of
hydraulic fluid posed special concern. Engine 4 crew donned SCBA and
opened the side door and observed heavy smoke but no fire. They opened the rear doors and again observed heavy smoke but no flames. The crew made entry and, with Thermal Imaging Camera, located the fire with located in the front-center portion of the box. The Fire was knocked down and overhaul performed. No apparent ignition source could be located. It is assumed that something going through the shredder created sparks which ignited the shredded paper.

March Activity
A Hot Laptop: March 5 - Chief 5 responded to Blaine residence for a fire out
- report request. The homeowner was requesting an incident report for his insurance company. The homeowner stated that he awoke to his smoke detector sounding and found a light smoke haze inside his home. He located a small fire on his living room floor and quickly extinguished the fire with a pillow and some water. The fire was caused by an energized transformer for an IBM laptop computer. The homeowner found a blanket on top of the transformer which also had burned. Fire damage was localized to the area around the transformer but did burn through the carpet and pad and portions of a blanket and pillow. The laptop charging transformer was also heavily damaged.

March 27 Station Four responded to a report of a dog through the ice and in distress in Loch Ness Lake. Chief 3, Chief 5, Engine 11, and Grass 13 with the Zodiac responded. Chief 3 made entry into the water, broke a path through the ice, and was able to rescue the dog. Bystanders and Neighbors were overjoyed with the response and success of the department.

January Fire Department Activity

January 22- Duty Chief was dispatched to an assumed fire out situation to
ensure no fire problem. Upon arrival, Chief 6 observed an evacuated
residence with no visible signs of fire. A partially burned plastic waste basket was located on the patio outside the back door of the structure. In the kitchen were scorch marks to the wall, window trim, and ceiling.
Approximately 95% of the vinyl blind that had been covering the window was burned away. The occupant had been roused from sleep by a fire alarm, entered the kitchen, observed flames coming from the garbage can and igniting the window blinds. She threw cups of water on the garbage can,
exited the house, and called her husband who then alerted authorities. The
male occupant did admit to emptying the contents of an ashtray into the garbage can prior to leaving for work.

January 13 - Stations Two and Three responded to a report of house fire being called in by occupant. Chief 3 arrived and observed moderate black smoke. He was informed by a female occupant that they she was the only one home at the time and that they fire was in the back bedroom. Engine 8
arrived and laid both pre-connects. Tanker 3, Rescue 14, and Engine 2 all
arrived and were ordered to man back up line and set up rapid intervention team (RIT). Fridley Fire was called for mutual aid. Engine 8's crew reported fire knocked down in the bedroom and under control. Fridley was canceled and Rescue 14 was requested to set up ventilation. Investigators were contacted and several dogs were removed from the house and given to the homeowner. Fire is believed to have started from smoking materials being dumped into a trash can that was sitting next to an automatic room freshener that would spray every so often. Daughter had heard an explosion and they found the fire in the back room and closed the door before leaving. Fire was contained to the room of origin due to the lack of oxygen.

November Fire Department Activity

Fire is not the only Danger Firefighters Face: People are often in a hurry ~ those who are, tend to risk the safety of others when driving, especially when running late. This is one reality that serves as a basis for training that focuses on safe operations when working on or near a roadway. Even when extensive measures are taken to ensure safety, working on or near a roadway is one of the most dangerous scenes for firefighters. On November 5, an individual traveling eastbound on 125 drove up to an accident scene that would require some waiting before he could continue on. An firefighter was bending down in order to pick up some equipment when he heard crushing sounds from a backboard some 10 feet away from him. He looked up to see the full sized pickup coming out of the ditch and was able to jump out of the path of the vehicle. The driver of that pickup ran over a medical and Oxygen bag, crushed a backboard, almost hit the firefighter, and drove around the fire engine into the scene of operations. Police ran alongside of the truck beating the driver side window demanding that the driver stop.
He eventually did and was ordered to remain on the scene.
Because he was late for a meeting, the driver of that pickup decided to go around the accident scene by using the ditch. Instead of passing the entire accident scene in the ditch, he turned back onto the road at the first open opportunity and ended driving directly through the scene of operation.

On November 15 Engine 8 responded to an auto accident on northbound central in the construction zone south of the new bridge at 125. The accident was relatively minor. While tending to the victims and cars, a second accident occurred in the southbound lanes. A gawker driving a pickup was looking at the accident scene when he rear ended a passenger car. The injuries were minor in that accident. The second accident is another example of the dangers inherent in roadway operations. While there is the danger of being struck by a car passing through the scene, the second accident expanded the accident scene as a whole increasing the potential of injury or death for first responders at the scene. Firefighters are reminded regularly to be diligent when operating on or near a roadway. As a driver, you can contribute to the safety of first responders by using extreme caution when passing an active accident scene.

Tough Firefighters Can be Very Gentle: November 8 Station Three was dispatched to a call of a personal injury accident at Radisson Road. Engine
8 crew assisted Allina in collaring and back boarding the patient who was conscious and alert during the back boarding process, but complained of no feeling in her extremities. The female had been traveling on Radisson when her car collided with a deer which came over the hood and through the windshield pinning her to the back of her seat. She lost control of the vehicle, drove off the road and collided with a tree. The collision caused the deer to fly out of the car, the female to fly forward, and the airbags to deploy. The airbag deployment jettisoned the female back against the driver's seat. X-rays at the hospital revealed that she had shattered her spine in the lower back. The spinal cord was in tact but nothing was protecting it. Engine 8 crew and Allina paramedics were able to backboard her from the car and transport her to the hospital without damaging her spinal cord. The doctors were truly impressed with the care she had received and sent a word of congratulations to the department.

A busy morning November 10 - At 9:27, Station Three was dispatched to the Blaine Medical Center where a car had driven through a window into a waiting room. At 9:35, Station Three was dispatched to Rodeo drive to assist with a medical. At 9:46, Station Four was dispatched the parking lot of Wal-mart where an individual was stuck in the extended boom of a boom truck that was on fire. Engine 8 and Engine 11 responded to the Blaine Medical Center where one male was struck by the car and flung across the waiting room. The driver of the vehicle simply put the car into reverse and drove backwards into the waiting room. Engine 8 diverted to the medical assist on Rodeo drive. Both units cleared just in time for the call at the Wal-mart. Two of the city employees responded to Station Three to respond in Aerial 17.
At Wal-mart, the fire was out but the individual was still stuck up in the air near a light pole. Crews extended the ladder to the individual who was able to walk down the ladder.

Of the 6 structure fires dispatched one was significant and one was potentially disastrous. On November 6, Stations Two and Three were dispatched to a kitchen fire within a home. Upon arrival, Chief 6 observed smoke coming from home but was able to confirm that the fire was out. Crews ventilated the home. The female occupant, mother of the homeowner, was cooking when she smelled smoke. She had placed a pan of grease on the stove to heat up and had left the room. When she returned to the kitchen, she observed flames coming from the pan. She accessed a cupboard and attempted to cover the pan with a lid when the pan fell to the floor of the kitchen.
She then attempted to put the fire out by placing pans and lids over the burning oil on the floor. Unable to contain the fire, located a phone, dialed 911, and exited the home along with her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. She did sustain 2nd degree burns on both hands, both feet, left knee, and right inner thigh. She was transported to Unity hospital.
Before burning itself out, the fire nearly ignited the kitchen cabinets.
The grease from the pan made the kitchen floor extremely slick. The female occupant was lucky to escape when she did without falling and being burned worse.

October Fire Department Activity

Friday October 10 Station Four was toned to a Personal Injury Accident (motorcycle vs. turkey) at the intersection of 93rd and Bataan Street.
Engine 11 arrived and checked the patient out and found he had a few scrapes and bruises. When Allina arrived they also checked for injuries and rechecked vitals, the patient refused to be transported.

Friday October 24 Station Four was toned to a vehicle fire, Engine 4 arrived and found the drivers seat smoldering. The foam from the bottom of the driver's seat was removed to get to the frame. Crews believe the seat motor shorted out causing the fire.

Tuesday October 28 Stations Three and Two along with Chief 5 responded to a reported structure fire. While enroute Chief 5 observed a large smoke plume and requested Ham Lake for mutual aid. Chief 5 arrived and found heavy smoke and flame showing from the attic area of the attached garage. Chief 5 assumed command and verified an "All Clear" with police on scene. Engine 8 arrived on scene and was ordered to lay both preconnected line, one to the interior of the garage and one to the "B" side of the home to attack the fire on the exterior of the home. Engine 8's crew was able to rapidly knock down the exterior fire and to hold the fire in the garage attic in check until back-up arrived. Engine 11's crew laid a supply line to Engine 8 and assisted with fire knockdown. Ladder 12, Engine 5 and Utility 16 along with Ham Lake Engine 1 also responded to the scene. Ham Lake Engine 1 and SBM Engine 5 and U-16 were released once conditions warranted. All remaining units remained on scene to help with extensive overhaul operations until complete.

September Fire Department Activity

In September, the department experienced the lowest call volume since February of 2005. Station Four, which is located on the east side of Blaine, had only 1 call all month. A decrease in call volume is always a
welcomed reality. .

Stations 3 and 2 responded to a stove fire on the North end of Blaine. The initial fire attack crew was able to make entry and knock down a room and contents fire in the kitchen and adjoining dining room. The fire had originally started after cooking oil was left unattended. The homeowner discovered the fire and threw towels onto the oil fire. .Thinking that the fire was out, the home owner opened doors and windows to extract smoke from the home. The fire re-ignited and, because of the amount of fresh air moving through the structure, grew very quickly. The fire also extended out a patio door near the kitchen and traveled up the vinyl siding into the attic space. Once the initial attack crew knocked down the fire in the kitchen and dining room, they proceeded up stairs to gain access into the attic. In addition to the smoke and heat conditions on the top floor, a hip roof construction with several dormers made locating and extinguishing the fire in the attic space very difficult. A second crew replaced the initial attack crew once their air supply was depleted. As conditions worsened, all crews were evacuated and a defensive mode was adopted. The deluge water nozzle on Aerial 17 was used to knock down the fire in the attic which had
vented through the roof. Once the fire was knocked down, crews were able
to enter the structure to perform overhaul operations. Responding units:
Engine 8, Aerial 17, Engine 2, Engine 11, Chief 3, Chief 5, Chief 6, Utility 16, and the Command Vehicle 1.

August Fire Department Activity

In total, the department was dispatched to 8 calls within the 24 hours beginning at 11:30 on August 25. That call volume is not unusual however, since 2004, the averages 36 fires annually which are categorized as "extinguished by fire personnel". That average equals to 3 structure fires per month. On August 25, with the assistance of mutual aid, the department responded to and extinguished 3 structure fires within a 12 hour period, one of which included the removal of a victim overcome by smoke. While crews were indeed tired when the final cleanup was accomplished, all of this activity was accomplished with only one minor injury. Special thanks go to Coon Rapids, Fridley and Ham Lake fire departments for their assistance and kudos goes to the crews who rose to the call of duty several times that day.

July Fire Department Activity

Fire Crews Busy with Suppression Efforts:  Stations One and Four were dispatched to a structure fire at in Mounds View.  Mounds View Police Department informed incoming units that the structure was fully involved.  Engine 1 arrived and reported that there was light smoke from the roof and that the Mounds View Police Department was using a garden hose to extinguish the fire and that it appeared that he had the fire knocked down.  Neighbors stated that a work van in the driveway was not usually there during the day.  With the assumption that the home was occupied, Ladder 12 crew entered to assist with a primary search of the structure. 

Friday Just after a thunderstorm passed through the area, Stations Three and Two responded to a reported structure fire in Blaine.  Chief 6 arrived on scene and reported smoke inside the structure with smoke coming from a roof vent pipe. The fire was caused by a tree falling on the home's electrical service mast located on side "C". The resulting damage sent an electrical surge through the homes wiring and ground which triggered the fire in the basement.

Monday Stations Two and Three along with Chiefs 5 and 6 responded to a reported structure fire in Blaine. Chief 5 arrived on scene, assumed command and reported a flames showing through the roof with heavy smoke showing from the roof peak and vents.  The fire had tremendous headway in the attic prior to entry by fire crews and the resulting attic fire was difficult to gain access for knockdown. Once the attic fire was knocked down fire crews spent 2 hours mopping up hot spots, checking for extension and removing fire debris from the home.  The homeowner was home at the time of the fire.

Tuesday Stations Four and One responded to the report of a shed on fire near a mobile home.  Engine 1 arrived and found a shed and a pile of lumber on fire with the fire spreading into the mobile home.  Reports indicated that the mobile home was vacant and being renovated.  A primary search was conducted and an all clear was giving.  Fire was knocked down.

Thursday Stations Two and One along with Chief 5 responded to a reported structure fire with the 911 caller possibly still inside at a home in Blaine. Chief 5 arrived on scene, assumed command and reported smoke showing from the front door and the male occupant standing outside. Chief 5 made contact with the male who advised that he was the only occupant of the home. The homeowner advised that he believed that his kitchen garbage can was the source of the fire, but the smoke inside the home had already banked to the floor. The quick response and efficient actions or crew members saved the structure and kept fire damage to a manageable minimum.

Explosive Situations:  Sunday Station Three responded to a report of kids mixing chemicals in a bottle at the park.  Chief 3 arrived and were informed by the children that a young male had mixed bathroom cleaner and aluminum foil in two pop bottles.  The bottles eventually exploded.  Chief 3 had Grass 13 wash down the area and police were conducting interviews to see if they could identify the suspect.  All fire units cleared

Thursday Chief 5 and Station One responded to a request to assist the Drug Task Force while they executed a search warrant.  Engine 1's crew ventilated the home with an electric PPV fan once the scene was secure. Engine 1 and Chief 5 were in the process of clearing the scene when detectives advised that they had found a bomb and requested fire to stage a block away and restrict access to the scene.  Fire crews stood by until the St Paul Bomb Squad were able to remove and dispose of the bomb

June Fire Department Activity
Two Hot Garages
Stations 2 and 1 responded to a detached garage fire on the South end of Blaine.  Upon arrival, crews observed a structure significantly larger than was expected.  The size of the garage was larger than the accompanying house.  Crews were able to make an initial fire attack from the service door.  The garage was set back far enough to require the addition of a bundle pack to the pre-connect hose line to make the final interior attack.  The interior attack crew maneuvered to the seat of the fire between a car and a boat.  Once ventilated, a burned mattress was found between the car and the boat.  Investigators were called to the scene. 

Stations 1 and 2 were dispatched to another detached garage fire also in south Blaine.  Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder 12, Utility 16, and Chief 6 responded.  E1 crew pulled a pre-connect, established a hydrant, accessed the B side service door, and made a fire attack from inside the doorway.  The fire was declared to be knocked down less than 12 minutes from dispatch.  Damage was limited to some of the contents of the garage.   The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Two Hot Dryers
While investigating a dispatched smell of propane, E1 crew observed smoke pouring from side B of a nearby laundry matt in Mounds View.  E1 crew investigated and found a lint fire in a commercial dryer's exhaust pipe. Engine 1's crew extinguished the fire and requested that Chief 5 respond to the location. 

Just less than 10 hours later, Stations 3 and 2 were toned for a reported commercial dryer fire at another laundry matt in Central Blaine.   Chief 5 responded and upon arrival found a male attempting to extinguish some burning towels outside the building.   Light smoke was visible from inside the building. Chief 5 had Engine 8 continue emergency to check the interior of the building, and had all other responding units cancel.  Engine 8's crew used a Halligan Tool to force entry into the rear mechanical room to check for fire extension. No fire extension was found. Engine 8's crew then set up 2 electric fans to remove the smoke from inside the building. The smoke was contained to the tenant space of fire origin.

He Really Hates Hornets
The homeowner of a south Blaine address, in an attempt to rid his house of the pests and against the repeated advice of his spouse, sprayed a hornet’s nest with lighter fluid and ignited it.  The ignited nest, which was located in the attic space, spread fire into the attic space of the house.  Fire crews had to breach the first floor ceiling and several walls to fully extinguish the fire.  At last report, the hornets had not returned.  Responding units:  Engine 2, Engine 1, Ladder 12, Utility 16, Rescue 10, and Engine 8. 

A Good Idea at the Time
Station 2 responded to the report of an individual stuck inside a second story window.  The resident had locked himself out of his house and decided to crawl through the second story window into his bedroom.  He became lodged into the window and was unable to free himself.  From his position, he was able to reach a cordless phone to dial 911.  Panic was beginning to set in as his breathing became more labored due to the pressure caused by the window frame.  E2 crew was able to extricate the individual from the window without causing any further injury. 

May Fire Department Activity
5/23- SBM Stations 2 and 3 were alerted to standby at the airport for a aircraft in distress. Chiefs 5 and 3 responded to the scene along with Engines 5, 4, 8 and 2. Chief 5 arrived at the tower and assumed command. Chief 3 was tasked with tactical operations on the ground. Crews stood by until the aircraft touched down.   The nose gear collapsed during landing.  Crews approached the aircraft and quickly determined that the pilot was uninjured and that there were no fire or fuel leaks. Fire crews stood by at the aircraft until cleared by the MAC tower crew.

5/25/08 16:30:   At approximately 16:30, a tornado touched down in Coon Rapids near Hwy 10 and 242 and skipped along a path traveling West to East.  In Blaine, the tornado traveled in a South Easterly direction along a line that followed 117th Ave NE ending near Radisson Road.  Damage included a gamut from missing shingles to several destroyed structures.  Many large trees were also uprooted. This same storm produced significant hail damage throughout Blaine.  One woman was injured when the garage she was in collapsed trapping her legs.  SBM FD manned all stations to handle the aftermath.  The EOC (Emergency Operations Center) was activated. The Mobile Command Unit was set up near Jefferson and 117th where a unified command was established between FD, PD, Sherrif, Hwy Patrol, Ambulance, Public works, and Red Cross.  Crews from all stations assisted with in response to the affected areas. 

Wal-Mart Awards the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department a $1,500 Grant

Prevention Chief Connie Forster recieves check

People are most likely to be injured or experience a fire in their home.  Wal-Mart at the Village in Blaine presented a $1,500 check on May 8, 2008 to the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department to help prevent these injuries and fires.  This donation will be used to support the home safety survey program.  Residents of Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Mounds View may schedule an appointment with fire department personnel to learn more about making their home a safer place.  This free survey takes approximately 1 hour and covers hazards such as fire, burns, falls, carbon monoxide, poisoning and scalds.  Smoke alarms are installed if needed.  Please call 763-767-4003 for more information or to schedule a home safety survey appointment.

April Activity

Efficiency Creates Opportunity for More Work.  On 4/14 Stations One and Two responded to an address in Spring Lake Park for a report of smoke coming from the furnace. Police arrived and reported heavy smoke from the chimney and that all residents were out of the building.  Crews made entry and located a fire in the utility room of the home.  The quick response and decisive actions of the crews minimized the fire damage.  The fire was reported to be knocked down only 12 minutes after the initial dispatch.  The efficiency of the crews allowed for enough personnel and equipment to respond to a car fire that was dispatched less than one hour later.  The efficient response to the structure fire also allowed crews to be back in service early enough to participate in annual required interior attack/search and rescue evolutions at the Minneapolis live burn training facility.  Crews went from attacking a structure fire to practicing the same only 90 minutes later.  This and many other similar stories speak volumes about the level of quality found amongst the essential volunteers who serve so faithfully year after year.  Responding units:  Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 5, Ladder 12, Chief 3, and Utility 16

Danger: Flammable Substance Near Electricity!  On 4/24 Stations Four and One responded to a reported structure fire in Blaine.  Chief 5 observed flames and heavy smoke showing from a utility shed that housed the electrical, natural gas, and phone service for several residents. Crews were able to extinguish the fire limiting the damage to the utilities thereby preventing a more significant incident.  Responding units:  Engine 4, Engine 11, Ladder 12, Chief 5, and Utility 16.

That Light Seems Darker Than Usual:  On 04/01 Stations One and Two were dispatched to a bedroom on fire started by a child in Blaine.  Nothing was observed upon arrival.  First arriving crew performed a 360 of the house and lay a pre-connect attack line to the front door.   Once inside, only light smoke was observed.  Once upstairs, crews located a smoldering curtain in a child’s room.  The curtain was removed and the home ventilated.  The cause appeared to be the curtain lying on top of a lamp that was next to the window.  Responding units:  Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder 12, and Chief 5.

Almost Done?  Start over!  On 04/02 Stations One and Four were dispatched to a report of smoke and flames seen in the bedroom of a residence in Mounds View.  Engine-1 reported smoke visible from 2 blocks away.  Upon arrival, crews observed heavy fire and smoke on the A & D side of the building.  One half of the house was fully involved and fire had vented through windows.  Crews initiated an external defensive attack and eventually modified to an interior attack.  19 minutes after initial dispatch, the fire was declared to be knocked down and under control.  Crews were rotated through extensive overhaul.  The homeowner reported that he and a friend were remodeling the house and had placed scrap lumber in the fire place and was burning it when a burning piece fell from the fireplace onto the carpeted floor.  There was no furniture in the house.  The owner stated that his friend went to get lunch and he went into the bathroom. When he came out, the family room was on fire.  Fire and smoke damage was significant throughout the home.  Responding Units:  Engine 1, Engine 11, Ladder 12, Utility 16, and Chief 3.

Still Causes Fire: On 04/16 Stations One and Four were dispatched to a fire in a commercial building in Mounds View.  Chief 2 arrived and observed light smoke coming from the north side of the building.  Employees were still in the building which was full of smoke.  The fire was reported to be out.  Engine 1 continued response for ventilation and all other units were canceled.  A “still” that is used to purify contaminated solvents blew a gasket and sprayed the material out which created all the smoke.  An employee had used a CO2 extinguisher but he claimed there was no fire.  Crews removed smoldering material to the outside which started burning when it was placed into a salvage bucket.

Fatal Accident: On 04/19 Station One was dispatched to a rollover Personal Injury accident at which occupants had been ejected. Engine 1 and Ariel 12 responded. On scene, crews observed one vehicle with significant damage in the south bound lane of Hwy 65.  Spring Lake Park Police on scene advised that one passenger had been ejected, one passenger was entrapped in the vehicle, and possibly two more were missing. Portions of the crews extricated the one male passenger from the vehicle while the remainder searched the surrounding area with a Thermal Imager.  The ejected, unresponsive patient was back boarded and loaded into the ambulance. Two firefighters rode in the 1st ambulance to assist with patient care (CPR/airway management).  The number of missing individuals was decreased to one.  That individual, who had fled the scene on foot, was later located by police.  Remaining crews stayed on scene and assisted with scene safety (lights/blocking and debris cleanup). The ejected patient was later pronounced dead.

Fire Department Activity for March

There were three separate apartment fires in the month of March.  On 3/12 crews from Stations One, Two and Three responded to a fire in the kitchen of a basement apartment in Mounds View.  Residents from at least 28 apartments waited on an MTC bus until crews finished salvage and overhaul.  Fire damage was contained to the apartment and room of origin.  The door to the apartment one floor above had to be replaced after crews had forced entry to complete primary and secondary searches.  Responding units:  Chief 3, Engine 1, Engine 8, Engine 2, Ladder 12, Ladder 17, and Air Utility 16. 

On 3/30 Stations One and two responded to a fire in the bathroom of a basement apartment also in Mounds View.  Residents from at least 35 apartments had to be relocated for approximately one week.   The fire started in or near a bathroom fan, burned away most of the bathroom ceiling between the lower and 2nd floors, traveled throughout the ceiling of the basement apartment, and inside the walls all the way to the roof above the third floor. The walls in the main stairwell had to be breached to complete overhaul causing the building to be completely closed to all residents.   Responding unites were Chief 2, Chief 3, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 5, Ladder 12, Rescue 10, Air Utility 16, and an Engine company from New Brighton.   Less than ten minutes from the dispatch of this fire, Stations Three and Four were dispatched to another apartment fire in Spring Lake Park.  Neighbors were able to enter the unlocked apartment and extinguish the fire located on the stove.  Responding units were Chief 5 and Engine 8.

On 3/29 Stations Two and Three were dispatched to a possible basement fire at a residence in Blaine.  The residents had been away and returned to a home full of smoke.   Upon arrival, crews observed the home full of smoke but thought that the smoke smelled more like burned food than the product of a structure fire.  An investigation of the oven produced a pan of chicken that had been under the broiler for three hours.  It is likely that the closed oven heated up until the safety element engaged allowing the oven to cool.  This process likely occurred several times while the residents were away.  The home was ventilated and all units cleared.  Responding units were Chief 2, Chief 6,  Engine 8, Engine 2,  and Ladder 17. 

Ed Lanz Retires from Fire Department

Ed Lanz retires

Ed Lanz has announced his retirement as a Fire & Life Safety Educator with the Spring LakePark-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department after 10 years of volunteer service to the community.

Ed joined the department and was assigned to Station Three as an EducatorLiaison.  During the course of his 10 years, Ed completed 3,255 volunteer hours.

Ed conducted public fire and life safety education throughout the three cities focusing on senior safety.  Ed worked closely with the local cable TV stations to deliver public safety information, along with being the Educator Liaison to Prince of Peace School.  Ed was instrumental in developing the “Senior Safety Fair” currently in the 7th year.  Ed was also named Mounds View “Citizen of Year” in 2007.

In addition, Ed was certified as a First Responder.

Ed will be presented with a commemorative badge at his last drill scheduled for 8:30 am on Tuesday, April 22.  Upon presentation of the badge by the Fire Chief Nyle Zikmund, Ed will introduce his family and friends and have the opportunity to address the crew.  Ed will also receive a commemorative axe at the annual Awards Banquet December 6, 2008.

Fire Department Activity for February

Too Cold To Burn?
Weather in February continued the trend of cold temperatures.  While people may acclimate to the climate, water pipes do not.  Unfortunately, sprinkler systems meant to protect property caused considerable damage when the pipes were improperly insulated.  In February, two homes were damaged by water when sprinkler pipes burst due to freezing. 

At the Northtown Mall, tensions were high when a call of a collapsed ceiling and with smoke showing; Station One and Two were dispatched.  The ceiling was within one of the breezeway main entrances to the mall.  The reported smoke was actually steam created when the water from the sprinkler pipe was exposed to the frigid below zero temperatures.  There were no injuries at the mall, but significant damage to heating, electrical, and structural components of the entry way as well as a small pond of water.

There were no significant structural fires in February, in light of the fact, that people often exert extra effort to warm their homes raising the potential for structural fires.

Watch What You Heat, But Don’t Clean What You Heat
Later in the month, one of the senior high-rise apartment buildings in Blaine, Stations One and Two responded, reported a burning smell in the hallways.  The smell was traced to an apartment where a resident had used the auto cleaning feature for the oven but had not removed a frying pan prior to starting.   The handle of the pan had ignited and burned causing a noxious odor to fill the apartment and hallways. 

Code Blue
Requests for assistance with CPR have become common place.  Three of the five requests for help resulted in the patient being transported to the hospital with a firefighter or two riding along to assist with patient care while enroute to the hospital. 

It’s Not a Door, But It Will Work
Station Four was dispatched to a rollover accident on 35W just south of 95th Ave.  Rescue 14 and Engine 4 responded.  Crews observed a vehicle on its side with one female occupant trapped inside.  Crews removed the windshield from the vehicle and assisted the elderly female driver from the vehicle. The driver was then back boarded and carried out to the ambulance. Engine 4 assisted with scene shielding.

Fire Department Activity for January

On January 10, Chief 3 and Station Two responded to a CO alarm in Blaine.  The occupants were feeling sick when the alarm sounded.  They evacuated the home immediately.  Crews did detect dangerous levels of CO in the home.  The gas company was called to check the furnace and appliances.  They were operating properly.  Upon further investigation, crews discovered that the homeowner had started and ran his vehicle in the garage to warm the engine.

Nineteen days later, Station Four responded to a CO alarm in Blaine.  According to the 3 gas meter used by crews, CO levels in this home were dangerously high.  CO levels in the garage were lethal.  Unusual for CO calls was a Lower Explosive Level reading of 5%.  Upon further investigation, crews determined that a faulty car battery had released high levels of methane gas after being attached to a battery charger. Crews ventilated the garage and home and all detectable gasses were removed

On January 21, the residents of a home in Spring Lake Park reported a smell similar to a camp fire within their home.  They also reported that there was light smoke coming from their furnace.  Along with Chief 6, crews from Stations One and Two responded in Engine 1, Aerial 12, Engine 2, and Engine 5.  Crews discovered a small fire in the attic.  The ceiling and portions of a wall were breached in order to extinguish the fire. 

Fire Department Activity for December
On Monday, November 26, we responded to a fire on Pierce street (reported in November Serious and Unusual, Man Flees Burning Home After Debris from Explosion Strikes Him in the Head).  In this fire, the utility/laundry room was destroyed by fire after the homeowner claimed he heard an explosion. One week later, less than two blocks away, Stations Three and Two were dispatched to another house fire on Pierce Street which also originated in the laundry/utility room.  Engine 8, Ladder 17, Engine 2, Engine 5, Utility 16 and Chief 6 responded.  Tensions for responding crews were high as many assumed that there might be a natural gas issue causing explosions and fire in the vicinity of the Pierce street neighborhood.  The first fire is still under investigation.  The second fire was the result of clothing being stacked too close to the water heater on laundry day.  Access to that fire was hampered when crews discovered the basement door was blocked by a gym weight set.  Hose lines had to be relocated to the front of the home forcing crews to descend down into the basement to attack the seat of the fire.  Fire damage was contained to the laundry room with smoke and water damage throughout the remainder of the house. 

On December 5, while clearing the snow from an alleyway behind a strip mall containing a Rainbow Foods Grocery Store, a snow plow driver struck a gas meter rupturing one of the gas feeds into the mall.  A maintenance crew working at the Rainbow later smelled the leak prompting them to dial 911.  Station One and Chief 6 responded.  Police arriving on the scene reported a very strong smell of natural gas.  Engine 2’s crew located the damaged gas meter behind Marshal's and was able to stop the leak by shutting off the flow of gas to the meter.  The gas company was requested to the scene to replace the meter and restore service to the effected business.  Stores within the mall were checked for the presence of gas.

On Friday, December 21, Station Three was dispatched to a Personal Injury Accident that would require extrication.  Engine 8 and Utility 14 responded.  Upon arrival, crews observed police and witnesses pulling a limp 2 year old girl from the rear of a car involved in the two car, high speed accident.  Trapped in the driver’s seat was the aunt of the two year old girl.  The car seat had come loose in the accident causing it to be thrust forward into the front seats of the car.  The 2 year old was not breathing and had a very weak pulse. It appeared as if the girl would die on the scene.  An Automatic Electronic Defibrillator was employed but no shock was advised.  Crews provided rescue breathing with an oxygenated bag-valve-mask.  The child began breathing sporadically with a breath about every 8 to 10 seconds.  Two firefighters assisted with transport to North Memorial Medical Center.  The child made a full recovery and was released the same day.  Crews also extricated the aunt from the car and she was transported along with the driver of the other car.  Crews were very thankful for the medical training they had received and were ecstatic with the opportunity to celebrate the holidays knowing they had made a difference.

Fire Department Activity for November

Firefighters Save Pets Too  Sunday, November 11 Engine 2 and Chief 3 responded to a request for assistance to remove a dog that was sheltering in a culvert.  Engine 2 crew dragged a charged pre-connected hose line with cribbing attached through the culvert to get the dog to exit.

Creating Convertibles for Fall and Winter  Two roll over vehicular accidents required the removal of the roof in order to extricate occupants.  Stations One and Two responded to a roll-over accident located on westbound Hwy 10 in front of Medtronic that required extrication.  Crews used hydraulic tools to remove the roof from a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.  The driver was back-boarded and transported.  Station One responded to a collision accident at the intersection of Edgewood and County Hwy 10.  A Buick Lesebre was driven into the back of a stopped vehicle in the left turn lane, struck a moving car in the intersection, and careened across the eastbound ditch coming to rest between two trees.  Crews used hydraulic tools to remove the roof from the car.  The driver was back-boarded and transported.  Injuries in both of these accidents were minor.  Efforts to extricate were expedited by the pre-connected automobile extrication tools installed on the new engines delivered in May. 

CO Detector Saves a Family  Station Three was called to a CO detector alarming. Engine 8 crew entered the home with a 3-gas detector to check the CO level.  The monitor reported a level of 51 ppm in the furnace room.  The home was evacuated.  The father and son were feeling ill and the daughter said she was feeling fine. The gas company was requested to respond.  The family was assessed by an ambulance crew.  The mother had arrived at 6:30 and stated she had a headache for a couple of days.  The local gas company arrived and requested the home to be ventilated prior to making entry. 

Stations Three and Four responded to a report of a gas oven on fire in the home. Police arrived and confirmed a working stove fire. Police had used extinguisher and knocked down fire in the oven and then shut the gas off at the meter on the outside of the house. Chief 3 had Engine 8 checked out the stove to ensure the fire was out and Engine 5 and Rescue 14's crews ventilated. Fire was contained to the oven compartment of the stove. The fire occurred when the home owner put the oven into a self cleaning mode without realizing that the pumpkin seeds she had roasted earlier were still in the oven.

SBM Chief 5 along with Stations Two, Four and One responded to a reported structure fire. Chief 5 arrived on scene and reported nothing showing. Chief 5 found no visible fire problem from exterior the home and found that the house was locked. Chief 5 detected the odor of a possible kitchen fire and kept all units responding emergency. Chief 5 ordered Engine 1 and Ladder 12's crew to force entry through a rear garage door to gain access into the home. Upon gaining entry to the home Engine 1 reported a pan fire on the stove with moderate smoke inside the home. Engine 1's crew was able to remove the pan from the home and ventilation operations were then commenced. Chief 5 held Engine 1 and Ladder 12 on scene and cleared all other units. Once ventilation was complete all remaining SBM units cleared.

Stations Three and Four responded to a report of a potholder that was on fire. The homeowner thought it was out and placed it back in the cabinet drawer and it started the drawer and contents on fire. Homeowner reported that fire was out again but wanted fire to respond to confirm. The kitchen was checked; found was several hot pad holders in the sink that had been on fire. Also a drawer that was removed which had scorching on both sides and fire damage and charring on the front of the cabinet and under the counter top. No additional extension was found and the area was soaked down.

Garage Fire

Friday September 9th, at 10:30pm the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department responded to a fully engulfed garage fire on the 7300 block of Parkview Terrace in Mounds View. The fire soon spread to the neighboring home causing damage to the garage and siding. It is unknown if the smoke alarms were sounding. The home was not sprinklered. The residents escaped safely and the cat was rescued. 9 Fire fighters and 4 fire apparatus got the two house fires under control in 26 minutes, but stayed for over 4 hours to overhaul the fire and investigate. The American Red Cross was called for the family. Estimated damage to the home and contents is $190,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

In just three days, the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department was called to significant fires in two different households. Thursday, April 11th at approximately 1pm, the Blaine Police were notified of a motion alarm at a home on the 11800 block of Palisade Street. The resident arrived at the same time as the Police. It was quickly discovered that there was a fire in the home. The smoke alarms were alarming, but were not part of the automatic alarm system. The area of origin was the kitchen. No one was injured. The preliminary cause of the fire was unattended cooking.

Early in the morning on Saturday, April 14th, two residents found smoke in their home and ran to the neighbor's home to call 911. The Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the eaves of the manufactured home on the 9600 block of Fillmore Street. The smoke alarm was not functioning per the resident. Flames were shooting out both windows. The nearby garage was exposed to the heat and flames but was saved by the firefighters. The home was almost entirely lost to the fire. Two residents were injured and transported by ambulance to HCMC. The preliminary cause of the fire was candles.

Loss of contents and property to both homes was $225,000. Neither homes had residential sprinklers.

At 5:30am Sunday, November 19th, 911 was called by a neighbor with a report of a house fire on the 9700 block of Xebec Street. Blaine Police first on the scene saw the home involved in fire. They forced entry looking for the residents, but found they were out of town. Smoke alarms were sounding. There were no residential sprinklers in the home. 19 firefighters from the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department attacked the burning home. The fire was fought for over 1 hour before declaring it under control. The Salvation Army helped the firefighters during the cold morning. Most of the roof collapsed. Radiant heat damaged the siding and roof of the home to the south. Loss to the property and content is $400,000.

Man caught in Conveyor

October 31; Station Three was dispatched to a report of a man that was pulled unto a conveyor belt on a machine, the man was trapped and unconscious. Upon arrival the man had been removed from the machine and Blaine Police and Allina paramedics were conducting CPR. Station Three’s personnel assisted with CPR, a pulse was detected twenty minutes into CPR efforts. He was put on a back board and transported to Unity Hospital.

Boy Stuck in Mud

October 29; Station Five was dispatched to a boy stuck in the mud. Blaine Police had located the boy and a thrown a survival disk to him before District Chief Erko arrived. The boy was waist deep in mud at the bottom of a thirty foot deep excavation site surrounded by gray mud with water leaking out around him. Firefighters were able to secure the boy with rescue rope and pull him free. Engine Two assisted with back boarding, he was then transported with Allina to Mercy Hospital.

House Fire

Early in the morning of Monday, August 7th a homeowner on 113th block of Cord Ct in Blaine, woke to smoke alarms sounding and the smell of smoke. The four residents quickly evacuated and called 911. The report from the homeowners was that the dryer was on fire and the ceiling of the home had flames showing. Blaine Police first on the scene ensured all residents were out. First arriving firefighters could see heavy fire involvement in the lower level walkout of the back of the 5 story home. The homeowner received minor injuries, was treated and released from the hospital. Three family pets perished in the home. Mutual Aid was received from Centennial and Ham Lake Fire Departments. The Fire Chaplain assisted the family. The home did not have residential sprinklers. The loss was $700,000 to contents and property. The fire started in the laundry room near the dryer.

Basement Fire

Residents on the 107th block of President Drive in Blaine safely evacuated from a smoky home August 1st. 911 was called from outside. First arriving firefighters found smoke coming from around the closed windows and from the furnace flue pipe on the roof of the two-story home. The family and two cats had lived in the home for 45 years. The fire crews found a small fire in the basement and quickly extinguished it. There was heavy smoke damage throughout the house, but the only fire damage was in the basement. Firefighters saved both cats, but one was given oxygen on the scene. There were no residential sprinklers or working smoke alarms. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Loss to contents and property is $100,000.

Garage fire spreads to house

Around noon on Wednesday, June 27th, a homeowner on the 700 block of Maple Street in Spring Lake Park saw smoke coming from his garage.  On further investigation the resident found his detached garage in flames.  911 was called and the family evacuated safely.  911 Dispatch reported that the Spring Lake Park Police on the scene said the garage had collapsed and that the house was involved in the fire.  Three stations of the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department were dispatched, plus Mutual Aid from the Fridley Fire Department.  The fire was knocked down quickly, but there was extensive overhaul.  The loss to property and contents is $309,000.  The cause of the fire was misuse of an ignition device.