For the period of Friday August 28, 2009 to Thursday September 3, 2009 the Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to 106 calls for assistance.
Friday August 28 – The 1300 block of 15th Street was the scene of an early morning automobile fire that has been ruled suspicious. Shortly after 4:30 AM fire units were dispatched for an unknown type fire. On arrival units found a well involved fire that was in the process of consuming the entire vehicle. The fire was quickly extinguished before it could spread to other nearby material. Field tests indicated the presence of some type of accelerant and samples have been sent to a nearby lab for processing. Total damage is estimated at $1800.
Friday August 28 – The night shift for Platoon Three was a busy one. At 9:17 PM fire units from the downtown stations responded to a reported structure fire in the 500 block of 6th Street. Once again unattended cooking spread from the stove and threatened the entire structure. In addition to the stove, nearby cabinets became involved but quick action by firefighters contained the fire to the kitchen. The members of the Platoon responded to six incidents between 6PM and midnight.
Saturday August 29 – A suspicious fire involving furniture was reported at 3:07 AM in the 1900 block of Falls Street and continued the busy evening for Platoon Three. What was originally reported as a fire that involved rubbish turned out to be a couch that had intentionally been set on fire. This fire was also extinguished before it could spread and Investigators assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau are working the case.
Monday August 31 – A vehicle on a wild ride caused brief moments of chaos in the 8200 block of Niagara Falls Blvd just after noon. A vehicle struck a telephone pole resulting in extensive damage to a large number of power lines in the area. Fire units arrived and working with the police department closed the roadway to all traffic. Immediate assistance from national grid was requested as some of the lines were not only across the roadway but also on top of vehicles. No significant injuries were reported but traffic was affected until early evening when the road was eventually reopened.
Tuesday September 1 – At 9:46 PM fire units were dispatched to the Rainbow Bridge for a report of a person who had jumped from the bridge into the water below. Eyewitness indicated that a woman had stopped mid-span, engaged some bystanders, and leaped from the bridge into the rushing water below. A number of fire and law enforcement units became engaged in the operation in which firefighters used thermal imaging cameras in an attempt to locate the woman. Helicopter air support was requested through both the US Coast Guard as well as Erie County. After about ninety minutes of searching and with no sign of the woman the search was called off and units returned to quarters.
Note: The cooler temperatures are just around the corner and with that bring the need for residents to begin using their heat. Each year the members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department respond to a number of incidents that are related to the use of older heating systems that may not be functioning properly. If your system has not been checked in some time now is the best time to call a qualified contractor to perform preventive maintenance and conduct any needed repairs. Malfunctioning systems can not only cause fires but also produce dangerous amounts of poisonous carbon monoxide gas.
