For the period of Friday October 23, 2009 to Thursday October 29, 2009 the Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to 117 calls for assistance.
Saturday October 24 - The 6400 block of Niagara Falls Blvd was the scene of a mid day crash that sent 4 individuals to area hospitals. At 11:39 AM Falls firefighters from LaSalle were alerted to respond to the reported multi-vehicle accident. On arrival firefighters first determined that no fuel was leaking from the involved vehicles and then began the process of stabilizing the cars. Occupants from both vehicles were complaining of mostly minor injuries and as a precaution some of the injured parties were immobilized on a backboard. Traffic around the accident scene was impacted as the crash site was cleaned up and police officers conducted an investigation.
Saturday October 24 – While the members assigned to the 72nd Street Fire Station were busy on Niagara Falls Blvd, other members of the department were dispatched to the 1000 block of 100 Street for an incident involving carbon monoxide. At 11:48 AM fire units from both Military Rd as well as the downtown stations were dispatched to the residential structure. On arrival firefighters confirmed that there was indeed elevated levels of carbon monoxide present in the structure. National Fuel was contacted to respond to the scene as firefighters ventilated the structure to remove the built-up gas.
Sunday October 25 - At 9:20 PM fire units were alerted to respond to an automobile fire in the 200 block of 74th Street. Oil or some other ignitable liquid had dripped onto hot engine components and ignited under the hood. The operator of the vehicle had some nearby baking soda and was able to extinguish the fire before it caused significant damage.
Wednesday October 28 – Engine 8, which had just recently moved back into the Royal Avenue Station following the sewage leak that occurred over the summer, was out familiarizing new firefighters with the area. As they approached the traffic light at the intersection of 19th and Falls, they noticed smoke coming from a 2 ½ story frame dwelling. They radioed into Central Alarm that they were on the scene of a “working fire” and to send the balance of the assignment for a house fire. By this time thick black smoke was emanating from the second floor windows and people began to appear on the roof from inside the building. Initial reports indicated that some of the residents were still trapped in the building and in need of rescue. Ladders were placed to the roof which by this time contained 3 adults and one small child. Two other residents of a 1st floor unit were able to exit from the rear of the building. Firefighters assigned to Engine 8 ascended the ladders and assisted the victims to safety. Other responding units arrived and began to stretch hoselines to combat the rapidly spreading flames. The hydrant that was directly across the street from the fire building was inoperable and firefighters laid multiple supply lines to get water to the scene. The rear of the structure was well involved in fire and a rear stairwell was allowing the fire to rapidly extend into the ceiling and attic area. Despite the rapidly deteriorating conditions firefighters were able to get the upper hand and after 20 minutes of intense firefighting, the fire was under control. Rural Metro was on the scene and evaluated all of the occupants who denied needing and medical assistance. The building was condemned for occupancy and the Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants. The fire is currently under investigation and members of the Fire Prevention Bureau are awaiting results on samples taken to the lab for processing.
On at least one occasion this week a caller seeking emergency assistance gave the incorrect address to the fire dispatchers. Emergency calls placed from a standard “hard-line” phone are answered at 1925 Main Street and the address of the caller appears on the dispatchers computer screen. Calls placed from cell phones are answered in Lockport and are then transferred to 1925 Main Street. In those situations the location of the caller is not displayed. Callers using cell phones to report an emergency must remain on the line until told it is ok to hang up. In addition all callers must provide the full name of the street that they are located on. Many localities have streets that are similarly named (Niagara St and Niagara Avenue) and not including the suffix can lead to a delay.
