For the period of Friday August 15, 2008 to Thursday August 21, 2008 the Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to 128 calls for assistance.
Friday August 15 – The 2300 block of Mackenna Avenue was the scene of an afternoon garage fire. At 3:10 PM Central Alarm began to receive reports of smoke in the area and dispatched fire units for the unknown fire. Fire units arrived to find a detached wood frame garage well involved in fire. Hoselines were immediately deployed to not only extinguish the fire but to also prevent other nearby structures from becoming involved. The fire totally destroyed the garage and damage was estimated at $10,000. Fire Investigators have determined that this fire was intentionally set and is currently under investigation.
Friday August 15 – Firefighters once again found themselves descending into the Niagara River Gorge to rescue individuals who required assistance. Just before 6 PM individuals on the Rainbow Bridge alerted authorities to what they believed to be cries of help that were coming from the area under the bridge. Specially trained firefighters along with others began a search and found that three individuals had become stranded on the face of the gorge and were unable to get to safety. Teams of firefighters repelled over the edge and made the way to the stranded victims. Using a combination of ropes and body harnesses they were able to safely get the victims to the bottom where they were taken to the base of the observation deck. The victims were then safely brought to the top using the elevator where they were evaluated for any injuries.
Monday August 18 – The Niagara River Gorge in the area between Whirlpool and Devils Hole Parks was once again the scene of emergency activity. At 3:11 PM firefighters were dispatched for a report of a person having a medical emergency in the area of the “Cable Car”. While responding firefighters were given additional information that told them that the person was down in the gorge and that prompted a request for additional fire department units. Using the Vanderbilt Steps, firefighters descended into the gorge while carrying the anticipated needed medical equipment. Approximately 500 yards upstream firefighters located the patient who was with a group of young hikers. Some other members of the group appeared to be suffering from heat related illness possibly due to the lack of available drinking water. Firefighters were able to provide some water to the group as they made their assent from the gorge. In anticipation of having multiple patients, additional ambulances were called to the scene. On getting to the top a total of 4 patients were eventually transported to the hospital. The remainder of the group was transported back to Whirlpool Park
Monday August 18 – Numerous construction projects are underway on Niagara Falls Blvd in the area around the airport. Just before 7 PM fire units were dispatched to the 9900 block of the blvd for a report of a natural gas leak. Firefighters arrived and found that a construction vehicle had accidentally damaged a nearby gas line causing gas to fill the air. Assistance for National Fuel was requested and they responded to the leak and were able to bring it under control. Firefighters stood by and eliminated sources of ignition, monitored the atmosphere for gas levels, and should have ignition occurred were prepared to extinguish any resulting fires.
Having available drinking water is one of the most important things that people need when engaging in any physical activity. With the price of gasoline many people are electing to stay “home” and enjoy many of the activities available here in Niagara Falls. If you choose to venture into the parks, please make sure that you bring water, a candy bar for energy, a first aid kit, and some type of reliable communications. In addition make sure that someone knows where you are going and the time that you expect to return and never exceed your own limitations.
