For the period of Friday October 17, 2008 to Thursday October 23, 2008 the Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to 99 calls for assistance.
Friday October 17 - At 6:38 PM fire units were dispatched to a dwelling in the 500 block of 24th Street for an unknown type odor. Firefighters believed that the source of the odor was the sewer line to the home and using specialized detection devices were able to determine that the home contained elevated levels of Hydrogen Sulfide gas. Hydrogen Sulfide is a gas that is produced through the decomposition of organic material and is both toxic as well as highly flammable. While the gas itself is colorless it does have the strong odor of rotten eggs. Prolonged exposure to even very small amounts of the gas can be fatal. Firefighters were able to cap off the sewer line and ventilate the structure to remove the gas. Representatives from the Water Board as well as Building and Inspections were called to the scene to assist.
Tuesday October 21 – The 2700 block of Grand Avenue was the scene of kitchen fire that broke out at 10:32 AM. The lone occupant of the home discovered the fire and ran to a neighbor’s house to report the blaze. In the excitement she inadvertently gave the incorrect address which resulted in a slight delay in the arrival of fire units. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the one story frame dwelling. Firefighters advanced multiple hoselines into the building and were successful in limiting the actual fire damage to the kitchen and hallway. Heavy smoke caused extensive damage throughout the remainder of the home rendering it uninhabitable. The Red Cross was called out to assist the displaced family.
Tuesday October 21 – Shortly after clearing the fire on Grand Avenue, Engine 8 was alerted to respond to a chemical plant in the 2400 block of Buffalo Avenue. A contractor was in the process of performing some maintained in a confined space and suffered some type of injury. Fire units were requested to stand-by while in-house trained personnel performed the Confined Space Entry and removed the victim. The victim was stabilized and removed and was evaluated by department medical technicians.
Thursday October 23 – An abandoned home in the 2300 block of Mackenna Avenue was the location of potential hazardous situation which occurred at 4:40 PM. It was discover that the basement of the wood frame dwelling was emanating a strong odor of an unknown material. Firefighters responded and using specialized detection devices were able to determine that the material was flammable and presented a significant hazard. The situation was turned over to members of the Inspections Department for additional action.
Next Friday, October 31st the city streets will be filled with ghosts, goblins, and other characters as the children of the city enjoy Halloween. Adults are reminded that children should be dressed in highly visible costumes and that any mask that a child wears does not obscure their vision. Children should also be instructed to not eat any treats until an adult can examine the items for any foreign material.
