Sep 2008
Press Release – Fire On Clark Island
27/09/08 11:00 Filed in: Wildland
Fires
Saturday,
September 27th, State Parks, Orcas Island and San
Juan Island Fire Departments responded to a small
fire on Clark Island after a report of smoke.
Washington State Parks arrived with firefighters at
5:25 pm to find a permitted burn, which had surfaced
3 days after it had been shut down. Damage was
minimal and the fire was confined to a small area of
approx. 30 by 80 feet, where roots and deep duff had
been burning underground. San Juan arrived in the
well-equipped fireboat “Confidence” with a crew of 5
and the crews quickly contain the burn. The scene was
turned over to State Parks at 7: 12pm and crews
returned to quarters.
Firefighters cut in a fire line around the burn.
Fire burned underground for 3 days before surfacing
An area of approx. 30 ft by 80 ft burned.
San Juan & Orcas firefighters worked together
Fire was confined to small area of heavy brush
SJ Fire responded with the Fire boat “Confidence” & brought water
to the scene
Orcas Firefighters responded with SJ Parks Department to assist
Firefighters cut in a fire line around the burn.
Fire burned underground for 3 days before surfacing
An area of approx. 30 ft by 80 ft burned.
San Juan & Orcas firefighters worked together
Fire was confined to small area of heavy brush
SJ Fire responded with the Fire boat “Confidence” & brought water
to the scene
Orcas Firefighters responded with SJ Parks Department to assist
Press Release - Brush Fire
19/09/08 17:10 Filed in: Wildland
Fires
Orcas Island
Fire Department responded to a wildland fire on Crow
Valley Road Tuesday, just after 10 am. Brush 21 and
Eastsound Engine 21 arrived to find flames moving
quickly up a hillside in heavy underbrush and timber.
Firefighters were able to knock the fire down before
it was able to spread towards homes and Turtleback
Mountain Preserve. The road was closed so that water
drop tanks could be set up near the base of the fire.
Engines and water tenders from Orcas, Westsound and
Rosario also responded to supply additional water,
tools and manpower. An aid unit was kept on scene for
several hours to insure all firefighters were given a
chance to rehab.
The rough terrain and heavy concentration of dry fuels created hazards for firefighters. The fire was contained late in the day and an excavator was brought in to help with mop up. The specialized brush mower cleared thick scotch broom and wild rose. It also removed dangerous burning snags, which endangered unburned areas due to sparks. The fire department stayed through the night to insure there was no additional flare-up.
At approximately 6 pm a second wildland fire was discovered off of Dolphin Bay Road. Lt. Jeff Jones spotted a large column of smoke and investigated to find an approximately 100 by 100 foot area of heavy timber fully involved. Firefighter’s quickly organized a team to move from the Crow Valley fire to Dolphin Bay Road. The fire was brought under control quickly but full containment took another 2 hours due to dangerous snags and several burning logs.
The fire department continued to check on both fires and extinguished several hot spot throughout the following day. Crow Valley Road was reopened at approximately 11 am the following day.
The Crow Valley fire was started by a mower but the cause of the second fire is undetermined.
Firefighters James Scheib, Chad Kimple and Carl Coburn fight heavy brush and steep ground to mop up the remains of the Crow Valley Wildland Fire.
Crow Valley Road was closed for the wildland fire to allow firefighters to set up several thousand gallons of water in drop tanks near the base of Turtleback Mountain.
Firefighter Toby Brown rehabs after time spent on the Crow Valley Fire. EMT Gulliver Rankin checks vitals while he rehydrated.
Photos by Tom Carter
The rough terrain and heavy concentration of dry fuels created hazards for firefighters. The fire was contained late in the day and an excavator was brought in to help with mop up. The specialized brush mower cleared thick scotch broom and wild rose. It also removed dangerous burning snags, which endangered unburned areas due to sparks. The fire department stayed through the night to insure there was no additional flare-up.
At approximately 6 pm a second wildland fire was discovered off of Dolphin Bay Road. Lt. Jeff Jones spotted a large column of smoke and investigated to find an approximately 100 by 100 foot area of heavy timber fully involved. Firefighter’s quickly organized a team to move from the Crow Valley fire to Dolphin Bay Road. The fire was brought under control quickly but full containment took another 2 hours due to dangerous snags and several burning logs.
The fire department continued to check on both fires and extinguished several hot spot throughout the following day. Crow Valley Road was reopened at approximately 11 am the following day.
The Crow Valley fire was started by a mower but the cause of the second fire is undetermined.
Firefighters James Scheib, Chad Kimple and Carl Coburn fight heavy brush and steep ground to mop up the remains of the Crow Valley Wildland Fire.
Crow Valley Road was closed for the wildland fire to allow firefighters to set up several thousand gallons of water in drop tanks near the base of Turtleback Mountain.
Firefighter Toby Brown rehabs after time spent on the Crow Valley Fire. EMT Gulliver Rankin checks vitals while he rehydrated.
Photos by Tom Carter
Press Release - 2 vehicle crash
19/09/08 10:30 Filed in: Vehicular
Accident
Press Release - 2 vehicle crash
Press Release
Orcas Island Fire Dept.
September 19, 2008
Orcas Island Fire Department responded to a 2-vehicle crash at Orcas Road and Nordstrom’s Lane on Friday the 19th , just after 8 am. Firefighter Ian Wareham was the first to arrive with the Westsound Fire Engine and reported
that no one appeared to be entrapped or badly injured. Occupants from both vehicles were able to walk away from the crash, however a driver was transported to Eastsound medical office for a possible minor injury. Both vehicles were badly damaged and were towed from the scene.
Capt Rick Anda, EMT Bob Phalan and EMT-Firefighter Robin Dyer assist patient after 2-vehicle crash on Orcas Road Friday morning.
Firefighter EMT Rich Harvey helps clear the scene after crash.
Photos by Maxx Jones
Press Release
Orcas Island Fire Dept.
September 19, 2008
Orcas Island Fire Department responded to a 2-vehicle crash at Orcas Road and Nordstrom’s Lane on Friday the 19th , just after 8 am. Firefighter Ian Wareham was the first to arrive with the Westsound Fire Engine and reported
that no one appeared to be entrapped or badly injured. Occupants from both vehicles were able to walk away from the crash, however a driver was transported to Eastsound medical office for a possible minor injury. Both vehicles were badly damaged and were towed from the scene.
Capt Rick Anda, EMT Bob Phalan and EMT-Firefighter Robin Dyer assist patient after 2-vehicle crash on Orcas Road Friday morning.
Firefighter EMT Rich Harvey helps clear the scene after crash.
Photos by Maxx Jones
A Lesson Well Learned
12/09/08 13:00 Filed in: News
Letter
to the Editor from Orcas Fire
A Lesson Well Learned
Orcas Island Fire Department
On Sunday, September 7 at 7:15 pm, Orcas Island Fire Department responded to a reported Kitchen Fire on the North Shore.
Several volunteers and Eastsound Engine 21 with 3 firefighters responded to the alarm with Lt. Paul Turner arriving on scene at 7:18 to find that the fire had been extinguished prior to our arrival and only found smoke in the residence.
Now it’s not remarkable that the fire was out upon our arrival. Several quick thinking citizens have accomplished this feat before. What is remarkable is HOW and WHO put the fire out.
Around 7:12, a young lady had the unfortunate incident of a sudden grease fire in the frying pan she was using to cook dinner. Thinking quickly, she called 911, gave them the information needed, then grabbed a box of baking soda and successfully extinguished the fire. She saved further damage to the kitchen and home, without the use of a fire extinguisher.
The remarkable part about this event is the fact that Sorel Hughes is a 13 year old middle school student who had the calm and intelligent thought process that very few adults are able to call upon in a crisis. Sorel averted a very serious loss of property and possible injury.
I am writing this narrative so I can publicly commend her for bravery and discipline in a very true emergency. I would also like to acknowledge that having Fire Prevention courses taught in the schools does make a difference.
Thank you Sorel for taking the time to listen and learn in school, and Maxx Jones for taking the time and effort to put together these invaluable courses.
Submitted with admiration and appreciation.
Miklos P.Preysz
Lt. Miklos P. Preysz, Firemedic
Orcas Island Fire Department
A Lesson Well Learned
Orcas Island Fire Department
On Sunday, September 7 at 7:15 pm, Orcas Island Fire Department responded to a reported Kitchen Fire on the North Shore.
Several volunteers and Eastsound Engine 21 with 3 firefighters responded to the alarm with Lt. Paul Turner arriving on scene at 7:18 to find that the fire had been extinguished prior to our arrival and only found smoke in the residence.
Now it’s not remarkable that the fire was out upon our arrival. Several quick thinking citizens have accomplished this feat before. What is remarkable is HOW and WHO put the fire out.
Around 7:12, a young lady had the unfortunate incident of a sudden grease fire in the frying pan she was using to cook dinner. Thinking quickly, she called 911, gave them the information needed, then grabbed a box of baking soda and successfully extinguished the fire. She saved further damage to the kitchen and home, without the use of a fire extinguisher.
The remarkable part about this event is the fact that Sorel Hughes is a 13 year old middle school student who had the calm and intelligent thought process that very few adults are able to call upon in a crisis. Sorel averted a very serious loss of property and possible injury.
I am writing this narrative so I can publicly commend her for bravery and discipline in a very true emergency. I would also like to acknowledge that having Fire Prevention courses taught in the schools does make a difference.
Thank you Sorel for taking the time to listen and learn in school, and Maxx Jones for taking the time and effort to put together these invaluable courses.
Submitted with admiration and appreciation.
Miklos P.Preysz
Lt. Miklos P. Preysz, Firemedic
Orcas Island Fire Department
September 11th, 2008
11/09/08 09:00 Filed in: Memorial
Orcas Island Fire Department will never forget.
Old Engine 1 supported the banner 343 Firefighters lost next to a field of 343 American flags, laid out in the form of the twin towers. Department members were invited to view the documentary "911", an eye-witness account caught on tape by 2 French brothers who were making a "Life in the Day of a Rookie NY firefighter" when the towers were struck. It marked the 7th anniversary of the disaster.
9/11
We stared in wonder
Bowed our heads in sorrow
Looked to Heaven for answers
And cursed the Gates of Hell.
We were rescued
But we were not saved
We were injured
But never cured.
They came to us
They risked their lives
They sheltered our heads
They ran out with us
Then ran back in.
When we were trapped
They set us free
When we could not walk
They carried us.
That day belongs to them
Heros who will live with us
Forever.
Never forget N.Y.343
By Renae Harvey
Old Engine 1 supported the banner 343 Firefighters lost next to a field of 343 American flags, laid out in the form of the twin towers. Department members were invited to view the documentary "911", an eye-witness account caught on tape by 2 French brothers who were making a "Life in the Day of a Rookie NY firefighter" when the towers were struck. It marked the 7th anniversary of the disaster.
9/11
We stared in wonder
Bowed our heads in sorrow
Looked to Heaven for answers
And cursed the Gates of Hell.
We were rescued
But we were not saved
We were injured
But never cured.
They came to us
They risked their lives
They sheltered our heads
They ran out with us
Then ran back in.
When we were trapped
They set us free
When we could not walk
They carried us.
That day belongs to them
Heros who will live with us
Forever.
Never forget N.Y.343
By Renae Harvey
Letter to the Editor from Jessica Giasullo
09/09/08 17:00 Filed in: Letters to the
Editor
Letter to the Editor:
Islands Sounder September 9, 2008
I submit this article to clarify the job proposal, sharing the duties of the vacant battalion chief position, being made by the three OIFD Fire/Medics, Lieutenants Val Harris, Patrick Shepler, and Mik Preysz. Plainly put, if these staff duties are not performed, the line cannot go on a call and the fire department cannot function as an emergency service.
The proposal is that Patrick Shepler become training officer, Val Harris become operations officer, and Mik Preysz become health, safety, and compliance officer. These duties would be in addition to their paramedic duties. They propose hiring a fourth paramedic in order to stay within their current 56 hour work week and be freed for additional administrative duties.
Our fifty volunteers are held to the same performance standards, and are exposed to the same risks as our three paid, full-time firefighter paramedics. To support our volunteer organization, on our relatively isolated island, a substantial support basis is needed to insure that the volunteers are kept trained, safe, healthy, and properly equipped.
Training: Keeping this in mind, there are two crucial differences between our department and a department in a busy urban area. First, our volunteers all have day jobs, and their primary task is to put food on the family table. The paid staff in an urban department is able to focus totally on fire and EMS response. Second, in a busy urban area, after initial training as EMTs and fire fighters, individuals go out in the field, constantly being exposed to a wide variety of emergencies, insuring that their on-the-job training is intense and broad. In contrast, our volunteers are called to far
fewer emergencies, so intense, on-the-job training is not possible. On our island, it is critical that training fill in where experience is unavailable.
Keep in mind, the emergencies that do occur can be as complex and deadly as those in an urban environment. Further, our volunteers are constantly trained for the kinds of emergencies that, we pray, will not happen, such as a huge wildland fire or a large mass casualty incident.
Operations involves dealing with all fire, EMS, and rescue equipment. (Few words here, but if you ask for a tour of Station 21, paying attention to the fire trucks and aide vehicles, inside and out, you might grasp the size of this job.)
Health, safety, and compliance involve making sure the volunteers are able to stand up to the physical and psychological demands on-scene, that safety standards are observed, and that the department is in compliance with the alphabet soup of federal, state, and local mandates, without which the department would lose its potential federal and state grant funding and would expose the department, the volunteers, and the community to major liability.
I support this proposal because it makes sense that the three individuals, Patrick, Mik and Val, who are constantly involved with the training, equipment, health and safety activities of the department, know best how to implement and supervise these activities. I think they know the buck stops with each one of them. I think the duties involved are too much for just one person.
Jessica Giasullo - Orcas Island Resident
Islands Sounder September 9, 2008
I submit this article to clarify the job proposal, sharing the duties of the vacant battalion chief position, being made by the three OIFD Fire/Medics, Lieutenants Val Harris, Patrick Shepler, and Mik Preysz. Plainly put, if these staff duties are not performed, the line cannot go on a call and the fire department cannot function as an emergency service.
The proposal is that Patrick Shepler become training officer, Val Harris become operations officer, and Mik Preysz become health, safety, and compliance officer. These duties would be in addition to their paramedic duties. They propose hiring a fourth paramedic in order to stay within their current 56 hour work week and be freed for additional administrative duties.
Our fifty volunteers are held to the same performance standards, and are exposed to the same risks as our three paid, full-time firefighter paramedics. To support our volunteer organization, on our relatively isolated island, a substantial support basis is needed to insure that the volunteers are kept trained, safe, healthy, and properly equipped.
Training: Keeping this in mind, there are two crucial differences between our department and a department in a busy urban area. First, our volunteers all have day jobs, and their primary task is to put food on the family table. The paid staff in an urban department is able to focus totally on fire and EMS response. Second, in a busy urban area, after initial training as EMTs and fire fighters, individuals go out in the field, constantly being exposed to a wide variety of emergencies, insuring that their on-the-job training is intense and broad. In contrast, our volunteers are called to far
fewer emergencies, so intense, on-the-job training is not possible. On our island, it is critical that training fill in where experience is unavailable.
Keep in mind, the emergencies that do occur can be as complex and deadly as those in an urban environment. Further, our volunteers are constantly trained for the kinds of emergencies that, we pray, will not happen, such as a huge wildland fire or a large mass casualty incident.
Operations involves dealing with all fire, EMS, and rescue equipment. (Few words here, but if you ask for a tour of Station 21, paying attention to the fire trucks and aide vehicles, inside and out, you might grasp the size of this job.)
Health, safety, and compliance involve making sure the volunteers are able to stand up to the physical and psychological demands on-scene, that safety standards are observed, and that the department is in compliance with the alphabet soup of federal, state, and local mandates, without which the department would lose its potential federal and state grant funding and would expose the department, the volunteers, and the community to major liability.
I support this proposal because it makes sense that the three individuals, Patrick, Mik and Val, who are constantly involved with the training, equipment, health and safety activities of the department, know best how to implement and supervise these activities. I think they know the buck stops with each one of them. I think the duties involved are too much for just one person.
Jessica Giasullo - Orcas Island Resident