For the period of Friday September 19, 2008 to Thursday September 25, 2008 the Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to 111 calls for assistance.
Saturday September 20 – The cool mornings have arrived and with that residents of the city have begun to use their heating systems to remove the morning chill. On Saturday morning the department responded to the first of several incidents that involved carbon monoxide alarm activations. Fortunately none of the incidents resulted in significant exposure to this deadly gas. Residents of the city are reminded that carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas that is produced during the combustion process that occurs in all heating systems that use fuel oil or gas. If your carbon monoxide detector activates it may indicate that toxic levels of the gas are being produced and that the air inside the home is dangerous. The fire department should be called whenever your detector activates so the any potential problem can be identified and corrective action is initiated.
Monday September 22 – A malfunctioning heating system sent firefighters to the 400 block of 16th street shortly after 9:30 PM. Furnaces weather they be gas or oil fired each present unique hazards and if not properly maintained may not only produce excessive levels of carbon monoxide, but can produce explosive atmospheres. Residents are reminded that now is the time to have your furnace serviced so that you can rely on it working safely, effectively, and efficiently.
Wednesday September 24 – Both Falls Street as well as Cudaback Avenue has been the scene of recent fire activity. At 1:20 AM firefighters from the Royal Avenue station again found themselves responding to a report of trash burning in an alley. This incident not only involved trash burning but also resulted in a nearby garage sustaining fire damage. This was the most serious of at least 4 fires that occurred in the area this past week, all of which are considered suspicious. In addition the area has recently been the site of a number of car fires that have involved stolen automobiles. Residents are asked to immediately call 911 to report suspicious behavior related to potential arson as well as other crimes.
Since January 1, 2008 the Niagara Falls Fire Department has responded to more then 4400 requests for emergency assistance. This is almost as much as the department responded to in all of 2006 when it responded to 4,662 incidents. It is projected that if the current demand for service continues at this pace, the department will respond to an estimated 6,000 incidents in 2008. This past week simultaneous events occurred which resulted in the LaSalle companies being dispatched as part of the initial assignment for a structure fire on 10th Street. Fortunately this incident turned out to be minor in nature but the fact remains that activity and the demand on the workforce as well as the equipment is constantly increasing.
