News
Home Saved on Hemlock Street
26/01/10 16:46
Orcas Fire
& Rescue received a call for a house fire at 166
Hemlock, just before 10 am on Monday morning. The
first call to 911 was made from inside the home. More
calls quickly followed, made by neighbors seeing the
massive cloud of black smoke billowing into the sky.
Two of the residents were able to get out from the ground floor and one man had to jump from the second story window. They then raised a nearby ladder to rescue a child trapped on the front porch roof.
Fire Station 21’s new WASP Engine, and its counterpart Engine 21, arrived within six minutes of the first call to 911. By that time, black smoke was boiling out the top floor and flames were shooting from the back windows. Although a back first floor room was completely involved, firefighters were able to knock it back and keep it from spreading to the rest of the home.
In all, 26 firefighters fought the flames.
An aggressive 30-minute firefight in sued with firefighters going above and adjacent to the actual fire. The 26 firefighters were able to save 80 % of the structure however, the contents were heavily damaged.
Sadly, the family dog died of smoke inhalation before firefighters could find her.
The Orcas Island Red Cross was called to assist a total of six, now homeless, members of the household. The cause of the fire was materials ignited by baseboard heater.
Two of the residents were able to get out from the ground floor and one man had to jump from the second story window. They then raised a nearby ladder to rescue a child trapped on the front porch roof.
Fire Station 21’s new WASP Engine, and its counterpart Engine 21, arrived within six minutes of the first call to 911. By that time, black smoke was boiling out the top floor and flames were shooting from the back windows. Although a back first floor room was completely involved, firefighters were able to knock it back and keep it from spreading to the rest of the home.
In all, 26 firefighters fought the flames.
An aggressive 30-minute firefight in sued with firefighters going above and adjacent to the actual fire. The 26 firefighters were able to save 80 % of the structure however, the contents were heavily damaged.
Sadly, the family dog died of smoke inhalation before firefighters could find her.
The Orcas Island Red Cross was called to assist a total of six, now homeless, members of the household. The cause of the fire was materials ignited by baseboard heater.
Fire on Channel Road
07/12/09 17:33
Fire Department saves house on coldest night of the
year
Sunday night at 8:58PM, Orcas Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported chimney fire at 414 Channel Road. Firefighters Dwight Guss and Seth Ybarra were first to arrive in Deer Harbor’s new “Wildland Attack Structural Protection” Engine (WASP) within six minutes of the call. Deer Harbor firefighter Robin Dyer arrived as the two entered the structure and reported the home filling with smoke, but no visible fire. It was quickly discovered that the lower level attached garage was on fire. The call was “upgraded to a structure fire” and additional units responded, including an identical WASP Engine from Westsound Station 22.
Lt. Chad Kimple took Command of the fire and ordered the garage door raised while firefighters simultaneously mounted a direct attack with compressed air foam with the Deer Harbor WASP Engine. A second crew, using a hose from the same WASP Engine, mounted an attack from the top of the interior stairwell. The fire burning under the stairs forced firefighters to back-out and change tactics.
The fire was so intense at one point; flammables and aerosol cans stored in the garage began to explode. Despite the intensity of the fire, the aggressive fire attack saved then entire house.
The fire apparently started at the chimney clean-out located in the garage.
There were several stacks of magazines up against the metal door, which burst into flames and quickly spread to wood and other flammable materials.
In all, three engines, two water tenders, Medic Unit Aid 21 and 18 firefighters responded to the call. Outlying engines and volunteers manned stations throughout the island in the event of another emergency. The Auxiliary also responded and provided warm soup and coffee for the crews braving the sub freezing wind chill that was pounding the islands throughout the night.
Sunday night at 8:58PM, Orcas Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported chimney fire at 414 Channel Road. Firefighters Dwight Guss and Seth Ybarra were first to arrive in Deer Harbor’s new “Wildland Attack Structural Protection” Engine (WASP) within six minutes of the call. Deer Harbor firefighter Robin Dyer arrived as the two entered the structure and reported the home filling with smoke, but no visible fire. It was quickly discovered that the lower level attached garage was on fire. The call was “upgraded to a structure fire” and additional units responded, including an identical WASP Engine from Westsound Station 22.
Lt. Chad Kimple took Command of the fire and ordered the garage door raised while firefighters simultaneously mounted a direct attack with compressed air foam with the Deer Harbor WASP Engine. A second crew, using a hose from the same WASP Engine, mounted an attack from the top of the interior stairwell. The fire burning under the stairs forced firefighters to back-out and change tactics.
The fire was so intense at one point; flammables and aerosol cans stored in the garage began to explode. Despite the intensity of the fire, the aggressive fire attack saved then entire house.
The fire apparently started at the chimney clean-out located in the garage.
There were several stacks of magazines up against the metal door, which burst into flames and quickly spread to wood and other flammable materials.
In all, three engines, two water tenders, Medic Unit Aid 21 and 18 firefighters responded to the call. Outlying engines and volunteers manned stations throughout the island in the event of another emergency. The Auxiliary also responded and provided warm soup and coffee for the crews braving the sub freezing wind chill that was pounding the islands throughout the night.
Santas Arrive!
04/12/09 17:14
December 4th
2009
Mr and Mrs. Santa arrive just in the “nick” of time to greet the children of Orcas and officially open the Holiday Celebrations with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. They were delivered by elf-helpers Lt. Jeff Jones, Firefighter Steven Siler, Office Elf Lindsay Siler and Firefighter Maxx Jones in the Eastsound Engine.
Mrs. Santa gets a helping elf hand out of the biggest fire engine on Orcas Island
The celebrity couple arrived in a flurry of excitement, with plenty of paparazzi present!
Lt. Jeff Jones, Mrs. Santa, Santa and elf Steven Siler make sure the celebrating begins!
Mr and Mrs. Santa arrive just in the “nick” of time to greet the children of Orcas and officially open the Holiday Celebrations with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. They were delivered by elf-helpers Lt. Jeff Jones, Firefighter Steven Siler, Office Elf Lindsay Siler and Firefighter Maxx Jones in the Eastsound Engine.
Mrs. Santa gets a helping elf hand out of the biggest fire engine on Orcas Island
The celebrity couple arrived in a flurry of excitement, with plenty of paparazzi present!
Lt. Jeff Jones, Mrs. Santa, Santa and elf Steven Siler make sure the celebrating begins!
4 New Engines Arrive on Orcas
26/10/09 20:30
Orcas Island
Fire & Rescue is proud to announce delivery
of the 4 new fire engines envisioned in our
2005 strategic plan and ordered last year. The
Strategic Plan called for replacing our aging fleet
of "custom" fire trucks with "off road capable.
multi-use units" that could do double duty to
put our brush fires and structure fires. The engines
seen here are the size of large crew cab pickups
(F550's) and are much easier to drive
and train on. The engines will be placed at the
Westsound, Deer Harbor, and Doe Bay fire stations
upon completion of outfitting in early
November. The fourth will be stationed at
Eastsound and also operate as our reserve to replace
an engine needing repair or maintenance.
We chose the Darley Company because they could build on a commercial chassis and maintain our fire rating due to their ability to provide rated fire pumps (1,250 Gal. Per Min) the same size as the commercial trucks we currently have The new engines are called WASPs for Wildland Attack and Structural Protection. Darley is the largest and oldest builder of fire pumps in the world and is still family owned in Wisconsin. They only build 300 units a year and allowed us to slip into their already closed 2009 production schedule.
This photo was taken on October 20 at the factory in Chippewa Falls as the engines were being caravanned to Washington by volunteer and career members of the District. These units also feature Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS). This system allows water to be 5 times more effective than without this biodegradable foam. These units also represent an evolution in the user friendliness of CAFS by reducing the number of steps it takes to "get the wet stuff on the red stuff" said Clyde Duke who was the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee that came up with the idea. Training Division Chief, Patrick Shepler commented that "even members with a Florida education can make these units produce perfect cafs". CAFS injects foam and air into the fire fighting stream and absorbs more heat while also smothering the fire. "It also can be used to apply a pre-treatment coating of foam to a home in the path of a wildfire and allow firefighters to move on to another home" commented chief Mike Harris.
Previous to 2005 only one fire engine on Orcas had CAFS was stationed at Eastsound because it could go to both sides of the island in about the same amount of time. In 2005 an additional two engines were provided with it (Orcas landing and Olga). Our firefighters are excited about the front mounted, cab controlled monitors capable of putting caf on the fire without getting out of the cab. Our public will be glad to know these new "commercial" units are half the size and half the weight of our past three "custom" fire trucks as well as half the cost. It all came together when we were able to purchase 2008 FORDS at a discount, tag onto a year old Skagit Co. District 5 bid and receive deferrals of Darley price increase as well as their cost on many features. The result is 4 matched units that will make training much easier and driving much less intimidating than the 20 ton units we had before. We paid Darley $190,000 to turn these F550s into fire trucks and the chassis cost the same as state bid pricing of $30,000. This compares to the nearly $450,000 that each custom Seagrave fire truck cost 5 years ago. "As a comparable, Friday Harbor recently authorized over $600,000 for a new fire truck they hope to take delivery of next year. While responding to fires calls is only 20% of what we do, our insurance rating and your premiums are directly related to doing what the Wa. Survey and Rating Bureaus says is necessary to maintain our rating. They say 20 years is the most a fire truck can stay in front line service. The Doe Bay and Westsound and Deer Harbor engines were all over that, the chief stated. We want to thank Skagit Co.Fire District 5 and the Darley Fire Apparatus Company for making this possible" added Chief Harris.
We chose the Darley Company because they could build on a commercial chassis and maintain our fire rating due to their ability to provide rated fire pumps (1,250 Gal. Per Min) the same size as the commercial trucks we currently have The new engines are called WASPs for Wildland Attack and Structural Protection. Darley is the largest and oldest builder of fire pumps in the world and is still family owned in Wisconsin. They only build 300 units a year and allowed us to slip into their already closed 2009 production schedule.
This photo was taken on October 20 at the factory in Chippewa Falls as the engines were being caravanned to Washington by volunteer and career members of the District. These units also feature Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS). This system allows water to be 5 times more effective than without this biodegradable foam. These units also represent an evolution in the user friendliness of CAFS by reducing the number of steps it takes to "get the wet stuff on the red stuff" said Clyde Duke who was the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee that came up with the idea. Training Division Chief, Patrick Shepler commented that "even members with a Florida education can make these units produce perfect cafs". CAFS injects foam and air into the fire fighting stream and absorbs more heat while also smothering the fire. "It also can be used to apply a pre-treatment coating of foam to a home in the path of a wildfire and allow firefighters to move on to another home" commented chief Mike Harris.
Previous to 2005 only one fire engine on Orcas had CAFS was stationed at Eastsound because it could go to both sides of the island in about the same amount of time. In 2005 an additional two engines were provided with it (Orcas landing and Olga). Our firefighters are excited about the front mounted, cab controlled monitors capable of putting caf on the fire without getting out of the cab. Our public will be glad to know these new "commercial" units are half the size and half the weight of our past three "custom" fire trucks as well as half the cost. It all came together when we were able to purchase 2008 FORDS at a discount, tag onto a year old Skagit Co. District 5 bid and receive deferrals of Darley price increase as well as their cost on many features. The result is 4 matched units that will make training much easier and driving much less intimidating than the 20 ton units we had before. We paid Darley $190,000 to turn these F550s into fire trucks and the chassis cost the same as state bid pricing of $30,000. This compares to the nearly $450,000 that each custom Seagrave fire truck cost 5 years ago. "As a comparable, Friday Harbor recently authorized over $600,000 for a new fire truck they hope to take delivery of next year. While responding to fires calls is only 20% of what we do, our insurance rating and your premiums are directly related to doing what the Wa. Survey and Rating Bureaus says is necessary to maintain our rating. They say 20 years is the most a fire truck can stay in front line service. The Doe Bay and Westsound and Deer Harbor engines were all over that, the chief stated. We want to thank Skagit Co.Fire District 5 and the Darley Fire Apparatus Company for making this possible" added Chief Harris.
WASP Engines Arriving Soon!
16/10/09 16:26
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue Bringing New WASP
Engines Home
On Monday, October 19th, nine members of OIFR will be leaving SeaTac Airport for Chippewa Falls Wisconsin and will travel to the Darley Company, the oldest Fire Apparatus Manufacturer in the United States. There, they will accept delivery of 4 new WASP Engines and drive them back to Orcas Island. WASP is the abbreviation for engines that can fight both structural fire and go off-road to battle wildland fire. This purchase is the direct result of the 2005 Strategic Plan, designed and implemented to replace aging fire apparatus in the most cost effective ways.
In addition to being the most capable engines in the 7 engine Orcas Fleet, they are also the least expensive at $220,000 plus tax (each). The 2 Seagrave Engines purchased in 2004, cost nearly twice as much - each!
How did OIFR make this happen? First and foremost, they “tagged along” on an apparatus bid secured by Skagit County Fire District #5. This allowed a purchase price set 2 years prior. In addition, the Darley Company realized that 4 new fire trucks in the Puget Sound Basin was positive advertisement. So they waived price increases and provided incentives which saved the taxpayers an additional $10,000 each!
They are scheduled to arrive October 24th.
On Monday, October 19th, nine members of OIFR will be leaving SeaTac Airport for Chippewa Falls Wisconsin and will travel to the Darley Company, the oldest Fire Apparatus Manufacturer in the United States. There, they will accept delivery of 4 new WASP Engines and drive them back to Orcas Island. WASP is the abbreviation for engines that can fight both structural fire and go off-road to battle wildland fire. This purchase is the direct result of the 2005 Strategic Plan, designed and implemented to replace aging fire apparatus in the most cost effective ways.
In addition to being the most capable engines in the 7 engine Orcas Fleet, they are also the least expensive at $220,000 plus tax (each). The 2 Seagrave Engines purchased in 2004, cost nearly twice as much - each!
How did OIFR make this happen? First and foremost, they “tagged along” on an apparatus bid secured by Skagit County Fire District #5. This allowed a purchase price set 2 years prior. In addition, the Darley Company realized that 4 new fire trucks in the Puget Sound Basin was positive advertisement. So they waived price increases and provided incentives which saved the taxpayers an additional $10,000 each!
They are scheduled to arrive October 24th.
The FLU has Arrived In SJ County
02/10/09 17:34
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue Using Stage 1 Flu
Procedures Plan
The FLU has arrived in the San Juans. Whether it is the seasonal flu or the new H1N1 flu, its all the flu. Flu cases are expected to rapidly increase over the next 5-6 weeks bulk of the cases in the last two weeks of October. As a precaution, volunteers are using extra care to avoid getting sick themselves. “There is a two fold reason for this,” says Division Chief and Paramedic Patrick Shepler. “Number one – we have to stay healthy so we can continue to respond. But equally important, we have to reduce the risk of becoming contagious and passing flu on to another patient.”
“There have been 154 hospitalizations and 14 deaths in WA State so far. San Juan County has had only sporadic cases, but schools on both Orcas and Lopez have had absenteeism rates over 10%, which is a fairly good indicator that influenza is in the community” says San Juan County Department of Health Medical Director Dr. James.
So the public may notice a few changes. The most obvious will be when EMTs and firefighters arrive on a medical scene. Responders may ask if the patient has flu symptoms like a fever, body or head aches, a sore throat or a cough. They may be wearing a mask similar to those worn by doctors and hospital personnel as well as protective gowns, gloves and even booties. And in many cases, there may be fewer responders in close contact with the patient. This protects both personnel and the public.
Tours of the Eastsound Fire Station have been postponed until further notice. Anyone scheduling the public meeting room has been notified that events may be cancelled without warning if the station needs to close its office due to staffing concerns. Only responding members of the department will be allowed beyond the lobby and public meeting room.
“We need to keep answering the day to day calls. We still have heart attacks, car crashes, fires and other emergencies happening every day and those calls require health responders,” says Maxx Jones (Public Safety & Education as well as firefighter and EMT). “If we all get sick, there will be no one left to answer the call.”
About a third of the population may get sick. About half of those cases will be sick enough to want medical evaluations. Call ahead if you need to see a doctor. There may be special instructions you will need to follow to keep from spreading/catching the flu when around others.
Most flu sufferers can be safely cared for at home but some should seek medical care. The emergency warning signs are difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, severe or persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration like sudden dizziness or confusion. Also, a fever that subsides then returns along with the same flu symptoms. This is the time to call for medical help.
The FLU has arrived in the San Juans. Whether it is the seasonal flu or the new H1N1 flu, its all the flu. Flu cases are expected to rapidly increase over the next 5-6 weeks bulk of the cases in the last two weeks of October. As a precaution, volunteers are using extra care to avoid getting sick themselves. “There is a two fold reason for this,” says Division Chief and Paramedic Patrick Shepler. “Number one – we have to stay healthy so we can continue to respond. But equally important, we have to reduce the risk of becoming contagious and passing flu on to another patient.”
“There have been 154 hospitalizations and 14 deaths in WA State so far. San Juan County has had only sporadic cases, but schools on both Orcas and Lopez have had absenteeism rates over 10%, which is a fairly good indicator that influenza is in the community” says San Juan County Department of Health Medical Director Dr. James.
So the public may notice a few changes. The most obvious will be when EMTs and firefighters arrive on a medical scene. Responders may ask if the patient has flu symptoms like a fever, body or head aches, a sore throat or a cough. They may be wearing a mask similar to those worn by doctors and hospital personnel as well as protective gowns, gloves and even booties. And in many cases, there may be fewer responders in close contact with the patient. This protects both personnel and the public.
Tours of the Eastsound Fire Station have been postponed until further notice. Anyone scheduling the public meeting room has been notified that events may be cancelled without warning if the station needs to close its office due to staffing concerns. Only responding members of the department will be allowed beyond the lobby and public meeting room.
“We need to keep answering the day to day calls. We still have heart attacks, car crashes, fires and other emergencies happening every day and those calls require health responders,” says Maxx Jones (Public Safety & Education as well as firefighter and EMT). “If we all get sick, there will be no one left to answer the call.”
About a third of the population may get sick. About half of those cases will be sick enough to want medical evaluations. Call ahead if you need to see a doctor. There may be special instructions you will need to follow to keep from spreading/catching the flu when around others.
Most flu sufferers can be safely cared for at home but some should seek medical care. The emergency warning signs are difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, severe or persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration like sudden dizziness or confusion. Also, a fever that subsides then returns along with the same flu symptoms. This is the time to call for medical help.
Only You Can Put Out Forest Fires
24/07/09 17:04
Only you can put out forest fires
By COLLEEN ARMSTRONG Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor Jul 24 2009
If you start any kind of fire this summer, you're going to pay the price.
The San Juan County Fire Marshal has issued a burn ban for the county, which means campfires, fire pits, free-standing fixtures, and beach fires are all banned. Those who disregard the ban will be fined and/or billed the cost of fighting the fire, if the Orcas Fire Department gets called.
"We're scared," Orcas firefighter Paul Turner said. "We've had two significant fires on the island already." Unless there is a substantial amount of rain, this burn ban will be in effect through the summer. The Orcas Fire Department has posted signs across the island, informing the public about the ban, but the department is still getting calls about what is allowed.
"No means no," Turner said. "No fires right now. That's it."
The Orcas department plans to bill the cost of suppressing a fire to anyone who has not adhered to the marshal's order.
"We don't want one person to ruin it for everyone else," Orcas Fire Public Information Officer Max Jones said. "Huge fires like we've had are what runs costs up. A fine is just a slap on the wrist. Recovering the cost of a fire can be several thousand dollars."
Because of the high volume of wildland fires throughout Washington and Canada, if Orcas has a major fire and calls for outside help from the DNR and other fire departments, it could be days away.
"They do their best to help us out, but we're on our own right now," Jones said.
Jones asks people to remember that even a tiny fire can have serious consequences. If any sparks blow onto a beach, it could ignite days later. Or if a campfire goes deep into the ground, it can smolder without anyone knowing and cause a fire days or weeks later.
"It is so dry right now that the soil is not moist, even deep down," she said. "It's unusually dry. The ignitability right now is extreme."
Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor Colleen Armstrong can be reached at editor@islandssounder.com or (360) 376-4500.
By COLLEEN ARMSTRONG Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor Jul 24 2009
If you start any kind of fire this summer, you're going to pay the price.
The San Juan County Fire Marshal has issued a burn ban for the county, which means campfires, fire pits, free-standing fixtures, and beach fires are all banned. Those who disregard the ban will be fined and/or billed the cost of fighting the fire, if the Orcas Fire Department gets called.
"We're scared," Orcas firefighter Paul Turner said. "We've had two significant fires on the island already." Unless there is a substantial amount of rain, this burn ban will be in effect through the summer. The Orcas Fire Department has posted signs across the island, informing the public about the ban, but the department is still getting calls about what is allowed.
"No means no," Turner said. "No fires right now. That's it."
The Orcas department plans to bill the cost of suppressing a fire to anyone who has not adhered to the marshal's order.
"We don't want one person to ruin it for everyone else," Orcas Fire Public Information Officer Max Jones said. "Huge fires like we've had are what runs costs up. A fine is just a slap on the wrist. Recovering the cost of a fire can be several thousand dollars."
Because of the high volume of wildland fires throughout Washington and Canada, if Orcas has a major fire and calls for outside help from the DNR and other fire departments, it could be days away.
"They do their best to help us out, but we're on our own right now," Jones said.
Jones asks people to remember that even a tiny fire can have serious consequences. If any sparks blow onto a beach, it could ignite days later. Or if a campfire goes deep into the ground, it can smolder without anyone knowing and cause a fire days or weeks later.
"It is so dry right now that the soil is not moist, even deep down," she said. "It's unusually dry. The ignitability right now is extreme."
Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor Colleen Armstrong can be reached at editor@islandssounder.com or (360) 376-4500.
Fire Danger on Rise
29/05/09 12:21
Fire Danger on the Rise.
With sudden warm weather and more outdoor activities, the local fire danger is on the increase. The wet spring has created thicker grass and brush which can dry quickly, creating a ready fuel supply for wild fire. So when burning outdoors, stay with your fire at all times and keep at least 5 gallons of water within reach. A fire is not out until you PUT IT OUT. Use generous amounts of water and stir the ashes to insure the coals underneath are completely out. The firefighters respond to many calls each year for campfire, burn piles and illegal burn barrels that “rekindle” long after the last flame was visible. Outdoor burning closes June 30th each year. However, should the need arise, a county or State BURN BAN could be issued earlier in the month.
This burn pile escaped near Orcas last May 25th, potentially threaten 2 homes. Read your burn permit rules carefully and follow the guidelines so this doesn’t happen to you!
With sudden warm weather and more outdoor activities, the local fire danger is on the increase. The wet spring has created thicker grass and brush which can dry quickly, creating a ready fuel supply for wild fire. So when burning outdoors, stay with your fire at all times and keep at least 5 gallons of water within reach. A fire is not out until you PUT IT OUT. Use generous amounts of water and stir the ashes to insure the coals underneath are completely out. The firefighters respond to many calls each year for campfire, burn piles and illegal burn barrels that “rekindle” long after the last flame was visible. Outdoor burning closes June 30th each year. However, should the need arise, a county or State BURN BAN could be issued earlier in the month.
This burn pile escaped near Orcas last May 25th, potentially threaten 2 homes. Read your burn permit rules carefully and follow the guidelines so this doesn’t happen to you!
AirLift in Olga
08/05/09 13:39
AirLift
Northwest is the island’s primary emergency medical
transport to hospitals in our area. The island’s
medical air transport has designated the Eastsound
Air port as the primary landing zone, but sometimes
time critical patients require evacuation from one of
several remote sites. This transport from the Olga
area saved precious time for the patient. But while
the helicopter is in motion, we are required to stop
traffic for safety. Expect a possible delay if you
see AirLift landing near a roadway!
Photo: Orcas Paramedic and past flight medic Mik Preysz stands by while AirLift Northwest clears Olga, bound to St. Joe’s Hospital with a critical patient.
Photo taken on scene by Capt. Max Jones w/ iPhone
Photo: Orcas Paramedic and past flight medic Mik Preysz stands by while AirLift Northwest clears Olga, bound to St. Joe’s Hospital with a critical patient.
Photo taken on scene by Capt. Max Jones w/ iPhone
AirLift Northwest
03/04/09 16:15
AirLift Northwest is the island’s primary emergency medical transport to hospitals in our area. Orcas Island’s medical transport usually takes off from the Eastsound air port but occasional there is need to use on of our designated remote landing zones. This transport from the Deer Harbor area saved precious time for the patient. But while the helicopter is in motion, we were required to close the road. Expect delays if you see AirLift landing near a roadway!
A Lesson Well Learned
12/09/08 13:00
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