For the period of Friday October 24, 2008 to Thursday October30, 2008 the Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to 102 calls for assistance.
Saturday October 25 - At 10:43 AM downtown fire units were dispatched for a reported vehicle fire in the area of 10th Street and the hospital. Units responding down portage Road saw the sky filling with a large column of black smoke and even before arrival asked Central Alarm to dispatch additional units. Truck One arrived and found a late model SUV completely involved in fire. On arrival of the Engine Company, hoselines were deployed to gain control of the fire. Reports indicated that an individual was observed dousing the vehicle with gasoline and then igniting the fire that completely destroyed the vehicle. Members of the Fire Prevention Bureau and the Police arson unit were called to investigate this fire which resulted in a loss of $15,000.
Saturday October 25 – Fire units were dispatched at 2:22 PM to what is becoming an all too common problem within the city. The 200 block of 73rd street was the scene of yet another fire involving a kitchen. Fortunately in this situation the occupant discovered the fire while it was still small enough and damage was held to a minimum. Fire units arrived and completed extinguishment of the fire and ventilated the structure to remove the smoke. Damage was estimated at $2,500 in this accidental blaze.
Sunday October 26 – Shortly after 2 AM firefighters were dispatched for a report of multiple pedestrians struck by a vehicle in the area of 19th and Walnut. Units arrived to find that two individuals had been struck by a vehicle with one of the individuals obviously deceased. The other individual was suffering from traumatic injuries to his lower extremities and department medical technicians began to both assess his injuries and begin treatment. Firefighters remained on the scene for some time assisting the NFPD with their investigation.
Monday October 27 – The 100 block of 63rd street was the scene of a possible arson fire that occurred shortly after 7PM. Firefighters were dispatched for an outside fire which turned out to be a trash in close proximity to a home that apparently had been intentionally set on fire. Fire damage was confined to the trash can with no extension to the dwelling. Members of the Fire Prevention Bureau continue to investigate this fire.
Residents are reminded that tonight is the end of daylight savings time and clocks should be set back one hour prior to retiring for the evening. It is also the time to change the batteries in you smoke alarms and test them for proper operation.
