For the period of Friday May 8, 2009 to Thursday May 13, 2009 the Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to 126 calls for assistance.
Saturday May 9 – Around 10AM the skies over Niagara Falls began to grow dark and the winds began to pick up. Very quickly damaging winds blew into the area causing numerous related problems. Many traffic lights in the downtown area lost power but fortunately no serious traffic accidents occurred. Tress and wires created their own problems for firefighters and homeowners alike. Firefighters responded to multiple calls for trees that had fallen into structures, fire alarm activations, and wires reported down. Crews from other city departments were also on the street assisting citizens with the removal of trees and associated debris. Despite the potential for injury, no city residents suffered serious injuries during the wind event. Activity remained steady thought the day and night as the winds did not subside until early Sunday morning. From Saturday morning until Sunday morning falls firefighters responded to more then 30 incidents of a variety of nature.
Monday May 11 – Again the LaSalle area of the city was struck by fire when at 9:44 AM calls were received at Central Alarm indicating a structure fire in the 100 block of 74th Street. On arrival firefighters found a detached garage fully involved in fire and set about the task of deploying hoselines. Protective lines were placed between the garage and the nearby home. The exact cause of the fire is still undetermined and is under investigation.
Monday May 11 – The crew from Ontario Avenue responded at 1:46 PM to a reported automobile fire in the 1300 block of Niagara Avenue. On arrival they found a Dodge min-van with the engine compartment ablaze. Water from the water tank on the fire truck was used to extinguish the fire before it could completely consume the vehicle. Damage was limited to the engine compartment and the cause of the fire is believed to have been the result of a mechanical failure.
Tuesday May 12 - Excessive levels of Caron Monoxide filled a dwelling unit in the 3300 block of 9th street. Firefighters were called to the residence to investigate a suspected gas problem and found levels 10 times the acceptable levels of the gas for a home. Shutting off the appliance and ventilation of the structure removed the toxic gas from the building. National Fuel responded to the scene and building maintenance was contacted to affect repairs. Residents are reminded that Carbon Monoxide is not just a problem in colder months. Any appliance that burns fuel (gas, oil, wood, etc) produces this odorless and colorless gas. All homes should be equipped with a properly installed and functioning detector.
Wednesday May 13 – A family in the 1200 block of 96th street are lucky to have their home. Just after 1 PM firefighters were alerted to respond to a possible fire in a residential structure. On arrival firefighters found a fire that had already been extinguished. Discarded smoking materials are believed to have ignited a wastebasket under the sink. The resulting fire caused the plastic water lines to melt and burst resulting in a water leak which extinguished the fire before it caused substantial damage.
Prom and Graduation season are upon us and many young people will be participating in various events. Each year communities across the country face tragedy when poor decisions are made by young people and parents alike. Parents please make sure that your child is properly supervised and is educated about the consequences of poor judgment. Students make sure that you make good decisions and plan on partaking in one of the many sponsored events to help you celebrate this important milestone in your life.
