For the period of Friday March 13, 2009 to Thursday March 19, 2009 the Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to 104 calls for assistance.
Friday March 13 - Engine 4 from the 10th Street Fire Hall was dispatched shortly after 4PM to the intersection of 19th and Pine for a reported stabbing incident. Firefighters arrived to find the victim had suffered a stab wound to the upper body and was losing a large amount of blood. Department EMT’s bandaged the wound and monitored the patients vital signs. The patient was transported to a local medical care facility with non-life threatening injuries.
Tuesday March 17 – The intersection of Whitney and 22nd was the scene of a vehicle rollover accident that occurred just before 3:30 PM. Fire units arrived to find a 2 vehicle accident with a late model SUV on its roof with one occupant still inside. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle and deployed a hoseline as a precaution against fire. Preparations were made to use the “Jaws of Life” to gain access to the patient. The injuries to the patient appeared to be minor and the victim was removed without incident. Once outside the vehicle the patient was immobilized and placed on a backboard to prevent additional injury.
Tuesday March 17 – A home in the unit block of A Street was the scene of a carbon monoxide incident that occurred at 8:15 PM. An employee of National Fuel was on a service call when his instrumentation detected unhealthy levels of the deadly gas. Firefighters were called to the scene to evaluate the occupant of the home for exposure to carbon monoxide. The fuel to both the water heater as well as the furnace was secured and the patient was not suffering any severe symptoms of exposure.
Wednesday March 18 - Just before 8 AM firefighters were dispatched to an industrial fire in the 100 block of Energy Way. Fire units arrived to find a fire involving material that had been shredding for incineration with plant employees already operating hoselines to contain the fire. Working with plant personnel, the fire was confined t a small amount of material with no extension to the much larger bulk material.
In the past 2 weeks firefighters have responded to at least two incidents where children playing with matches or lighters have accidentally started fires. In at least one of the incidents the children sustained minor injuries and both events resulted in significant property damage. Children are curious by nature and will attempt to mimic adults. Matches, lighters, and other dangerous objects should always be placed well out of the reach of children. This includes placing items such a purses, backpacks, and pocketbooks which may contain these items, being placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. The Niagara Falls Fire Department operates a Juvenile Firesetter Prevention Program and will be happy to assist you and your family in preventing a tragedy. Additional information is available by calling 286-4720.
