For the period of Friday September 11, 2009 to Thursday September 17, 2009 the Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to 89 calls for assistance.
Saturday September 12 - An early morning fire in a dumpster sent firefighters to the 400 block of Niagara Street shortly after 4 AM. Firefighters arrived to find flames shooting from the dumpster which was filled with trash from an adjacent commercial business. A hoseline was deployed from the fire engine and using the water carried on the apparatus the fire was quickly extinguished. The fire appeared to have been deliberately started and members of the department assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau are continuing to investigate. This fire caused and estimated $300 in damage to the dumpster.
Saturday September 12 – A fire inside a vacant home in the 400 block of 7th Street was quickly extinguished by members of the department. At 5:10 PM fire units were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the rear of the two story structure. This block has been the scene of other serious fires and firefighters once again believed that they would have a serious firefight on their hands. Units arrived and quickly went to work deploying hoselines and opening up the building. Fortunately the fire was minor in nature and firefighters were able to quickly gain the upper hand. Investigators assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau have classified this fire as suspicious and are continuing to investigate.
Saturday September 12 – Fire units were dispatched at 9:29 PM to a high rise residential structure to assist the Niagara Falls Police Department in checking on the condition of one of the occupants. A call was placed to 911 indicating that a resident had not been seen for some time and the caller was concerned. Firefighters were able to gain entry into the apartment where they found that the resident had expired.
Sunday September 13 – Just after 11PM fire units were dispatched to the 300 block of 78th Street for a reported accident where a vehicle had struck a home. Firefighters arrived and assessed the situation and determined that no significant structural damage existed. The operator of the vehicle who was uninjured was not licensed and the Niagara Falls Police Department is handling the investigation.
Monday September 14 – An apparent elevator malfunction sent multiple fire department units to a high rise residential building on 10th Street just after 9:30 PM. Firefighters arrived to find the elevator car stopped on the 15th floor with at least one occupant trapped inside. Members of the department first secured the power to the car to prevent and accidental movement. Once the car was secured firefighters were able to safely operate in the elevator shaft and manipulate the mechanical locking mechanism. The victim was safety removed from the elevator and building management was instructed to have the elevator inspected and serviced.
The nighttime air will soon be filled with smells associated with individuals using their fireplace. Now is a good time to have your fireplace inspected so that it is safe to use during the cool weather. Last season an unsafe amount of creosote may have built up which may present a fire hazard this season. In addition the brick and motor may have deteriorated to the point that it is unsafe. Have you fireplace inspected and cleaned by a qualified individual.
