Early Morning Structure Fire

On December 28, 2012 at 2:42 AM, Engine 511 and Chief 501 recieved an alarm for a possible structure fire in the walls of a residence on Alta Dr. Upon the arrival of Engine 511, there was nothing showing and the homeowners waving around to the rear of the structure. Crews found an exterior wall in the rear that had caught fire after ashes from a fireplace were placed in the area and thought to be out. The container caught on fire and reached the wall where it spread approximately halfway up the wall. Crews removed portions of the siding and wall to check for further extension. This fire could have been avoided, placing your fireplace ashes in a metal container away from the house is the preferred method of disposing them. In this incident, the homeowners thought their ashes were well cold which started a fire while everyone was sleeping on a night that was in the 20's. Damages to the structure were low and no injuries were reported.



Fire District Christmas Dinner

The Pinion Pine Fire District was proud to promote 9 members of the Fire District lastnight during our annual Christmas dinner.

Captain Chris Jackson promoted to Assistant Fire Chief
Lieutenant Danny Zandvliet promoted to Captain
Engineer Ron Hood promoted to Lieutenant
Probationary Firefighter Travis Menter promoted to Firefighter
Probationary Firefighter David Swisher promoted to Firefighter
Probationary Firefighter Robert Frank promoted to Firefighter
Probationary Firefighter James Bevins promoted to Firefighter
Probationary Firefighter Neal Raines promoted to Firefighter
Probationary Firefighter Matthew Young promoted to Firefighter

The rest of the evening was spent eating good food and visiting the family members of other employees and of course a special visit from Santa Claus, bringing gifts for all the kids.

Crews Respond to Vegetation Fire

On December 7, 2012 at 10:41 AM, B526 and Chief 501 recieved an alarm for a vegetation fire on Interstate 40 near the 64.5 mile marker. Upon the units arrival, an additional two fires along the freeway were reported at the 64 and 63.5 mile marker. B516 and E521 were dispatched to assist with the fires. Units made a quick stop and contained all of the fires, totaling 1.5 acres. Crews remained on scene for approximately two hours while mop up operationd were completed. Although an investigation was not completed, it is the belief that the loss of tire tread was the result of all three fires.

E521 and B526 work on the 1 acre fire at mile marker 64.5

 

Photo Submitted by Engineer Ron Hood

Vehicle Stabilization and Patient Extrication Class

The Pinion Pine Fire District will be hosting a Vehicle Stabilization and Patient Extrictation class on November 17-18, 2012 which will prepare rescuers to successfully manage vehicle incidents safely and proficiently. The course will cover incident size-up, scene hazard management, vehicle stabilization, patient access and management, extrication techniques, and new car technology. Students will recieve a certicification through the Arizona Center for Fire Service Excellence upon completion. For more information, visit http://www.pinionpinefire.com/classes.htm. Class size is limited and students must be sponsored by their department.

Interstate 40 Vehicle Fire

On September 27, 2012 at 2:42 PM, E521, WT528 and C501 were dispatched to Interstate 40 near the 65 mile marker westbound for a recreational vehicle fire. E521 (Station 52) was first on scene and reported a RV fully involved with a secondary 1/2 acre vegetation fire. Crews knocked down the brush fire and began suppression on the RV. Within a few mimutes, WT528 and C501 were on scene, assisting E521 crew. The vehicle was a complete loss but the owner asked if the firefighters would mind looking for a few personal effects within the ashes. After approximately 20 mins, crews suprisingly found some of the items requested undamaged from the fire. Crews remained on scene to overhaul the RV and brush fire and cleared shortly after. Traffic was stopped for 30 mins westbound and was then reduced to the high speed lane while crews finished operations. The cause of the fire is unknown and no injuries were reported.



Engineer Ron Hood gives the owner some of
the items found undamaged.

Firefighters Collect for the Childrens Miracle Network

On September 9, September 16 and September 23, 2012, Pinion Pine firefighters spent the day at the Loves Truck Stop (Interstate 40, exit 59) collecting donations for the Children's Miracle Network charity. The Children's Miracle Network is one of North America's leading children's charities that raises money for local hospitals to help children and their families deal with common illnesses such as asthma or to fight bigger challenges such as cancer. Since 2011, the CMN has raised more than $4.3 billion.  We are happy to say we have assisted the Loves Corporation and the Children's Miracle Network with raising $1,600 plus the stores total in an effort to reach our goal of $11,053. We appreciate all the help from the everyday people that passed through and made a donation from the change in their pocket to the $20 bills and look forward to raising even more in September 2013.

Firefighter Dave Swisher,  Firefighter Steve Little, Firefighter
Travis Menter and Engineer Ron Hood collect donations on
September 16, 2012.

Early Morning Vehicle Fire

On September 14, 2012 at 1:39 AM, Engine 511 and Chief 501 received an alarm for a tractor trailer fire on Highway 93 northbound at the 96 mile marker (Hackberry Rd). Units arrived on scene to a semi tractor fully involved already detached from the trailer. Crews deployed a CAFS attack line and extinguished the blaze, although the truck was completely destroyed by the fire. There was no secondary damage to the trailer and the driver was uninjured. Units were on scene for approximately 1 hour while operations were conducted and traffic flow restricted to 1 lane. The cause of the fire was not determined but the driver believes it started near the fuel pump area of the motor compartment.

Lt. Danny Zandvliet and Firefighter Dave Swisher begin
fire attack upon arrival.

Serious Vehicle Accident on Interstate 40

On August 19, 2012 around 5 PM, E526 and Chief 501 were dispatched to Interstate 40 near mile post 68 westbound for a reported vehicle accident involving 3 tractor trailers with possible extrication needed. First arriving units found 2 semi's blocking all three lanes of westbound traffic with extremely heavy damage to one of the semi's, at that time E521 was dispatched for heavy rescue. E526 crew deployed a handline and began assessing the patient who was still in the cab of the truck. E521 arrived on scene and it was determined that complete extrication was not needed to extract the driver from the truck, although additional manpower would be needed.

The patient was removed from the vehicle and packaged for transport by Angel 6 to Las Vegas, NV, as a level one trauma patient. The patient received multiple lacerations to the arm and head as well as a serious leg injury. The driver and passenger of the second vehicle involved were uninjured and refused medical care on scene. All three lanes of traffic westbound were closed for approximately 1 hour while crews worked and Angel 6 landed and was then reduced to the median shoulder while the vehicles were removed. The cause of the accident is unknown and is being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. No other injuries were reported.

The collision caused the cab of the semi to be rotated 90 degrees
with intrusion on the drivers side.

Photos Submitted by Engineer/EMT Chris Shaffer

Interstate 40 Vehicle Accident

On August 19, 2012 at 12:34 PM, E526 and Chief 501 were dispatched to Interstate 40 near the 75 mile marker eastbound for a reported single vehicle rollover with three patients, one reported trapped. E526 arrived on scene and found a single vehicle rollover with heavy damage, resting on its roof. E526 crew began triage of patients to assess medical needs and priorities. Two patients, still in the vehicle initially complained of neck and back pain, the third patient had no initial complaints. E526 crew began stabilization of the two patients still in the vehicle.  The first patient in the vehicle was extricated and packaged for ground transport to an area hospital. The third patient was then packaged for transport by ground while the second patient was carefully extricated. Second patient was extricated from the rear of the vehicle and packaged for transport by Angel 6 to a Flagstaff hospital. The accident is under investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety but the driver stated that the semi trailer in front of them lost some tire debris, leading to the accident.

Engineer/EMT Chris Shaffer And FF/EMT Beau Jackson are
 seen packaging a patient.

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Chris Shaffer

Photo Submitted by Captain Gail Jackson

Vehicle Extrication on Interstate 40

On July 30, 2012 at 10:30 AM, E526 was dispatched to Interstate 40 near the 96 mile marker for a reported motor vehicle accident with occupants trapped. While in route, additional information was recieved that a passenger car was pinned underneath a bus with trapped occupants, at that time E521 was dispatched for heavy rescue equipment and additional manpower. Upon E526's arrival, they found a vehicle that had been struck on the passengers side at freeway speeds with heavy damage and trapping the occupant inside. Crews removed the driver from the vehicle who was transported to an area hospital by ground and later transported by air.



E526 Firefighter Matt Young and Engineer Ron Hood
extricating the passenger from the vehicle.

E526 crew also began extrication on the passenger side to remove the patient which had significant hip and chest injuries. Crews successfully conducted a "side blitz" on the vehicle and removed the patient who was airlifted to an area hospital. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Deptartment of Public Safety but is believed to be weather related. The slow lane of traffic was closed for approximately 2 hours while crews worked and the vehicle was removed.

Completed "side blitz" on the passenger side of the vehicle.





Crew Responds to Commercial Vehicle Accident

On July 15th, 2012 at 9:45 AM, E526 was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident involving a commercial vehicle on Interstate 40 near mile post 83. Unit arrived on scene and found a semi on its side into the hillside. Crew assissted with two patients, which were both transported to an area hospital, one trauma and one with minor injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Department of Public Safety.

Photo taken by E526 Engineer Ken Milner

Mutual Aid Brush Assignment

On June 10, 2012 at 6:30 pm, E511 was requested by alarm to respond to Mohave Valley, Az with other Type I engines from Kingman Fire, Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District #1, and Golden Valley Fire District for a mutual aid brush assignment with homes threatened. E511, E241, E331, E111 and Chief 201 responded to the Jerome Incident and were placed on structure protection on the east side of the incident. Crews remained on scene until 1:00 am and were released to return to quarters.

E511 and E241 staged at ICP

UTV Accident Sends Two to the Hospital

On June 9, 2012 at 7:06 PM, E516 received an alarm for a motor vehicle accident involving a UTV (side by side) four miles south of mile marker 79 (Silver Springs Rd) on Interstate 40. Upon the arrival of the engine, two patient were found near the vehicle, self extricated, both with head trauma. Guardian Angel 6 was activated, and crew began patient care on both patients, one of which was a level 1 trauma. Angel 6 transported one by air to Las Vegas in stable but serious condition and the second transported by ground to an area hospital in stable condition. The cause of the accident is unknown and under investigation by the Mohave County Sheriff's Office. Both occupants were wearing their seatbelts but did not have helmets on.

Units Respond to Multiple Brushfires

On June 7, 2012 at 1:30 PM, E516, E526 and C501 were dispatched to Interstate 40, mile marker 62 for a reported large brushfire. First units on scene reported multiple fires along the south side of the Interstate from mile marker 62 to 64.5 with a rapid rate of spread in light fuels. Units began suppressing the multiple fires and two additional Type VI engines were requested from BLM. By 2:30 PM, all forward progress had been stopped and crews began mopping up. The fire's acreage included 2 acres, 2.5 acres, 1.5 acres and half an acre totaling to roughly 6.5 acres. Units were on scene for an additional two hours with no lane restrictions to eastbound traffic.

Units Respond to Tractor Trailer Fire

On June 3, 2012 around 3 PM, E511 and C501 were dispatched to Interstate 40, mile marker 89 westbound for a tractor trailer fire hauling two families belongings. While enroute, C501 requested E523 to respond to the incident, which was 20 miles away returning from the Whitewater-Baldy Complex in New Mexico. E511 arrived on scene and deployed two CAFS lines and began fire attack on the trailer which was 2/3 involved. E523 arrived on scene and began removing the front 1/3 of the trailers contents in an effort to salvage what was left of the families belongings. Crews successfully removed the contents and continued fire attack and overhaul on the burnt portions of the trailer. Crews were on scene for five and a half hours, westbound traffic was stopped for one hour and reduced to one lane for the duration of the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation but it is believed to have started from a brake fire.

Eng. Ken Milner, FF Beau Jackson, FF Travis Menter and
FF James Bevins begin fire attack.

Eng. Ron Hood continues fire attack while Eng. Chris Shaffer,
 FF Travis Menter and FF James Bevins begin removing the
contents in the front part of the trailer.

Unit Returns Home from Whitewater-Baldy Complex

On June 3, 2012, E523 returned home from their 6 day tour to the Whitewater-Baldy Complex in western New Mexico. Engineer Ken Milner, Engineer Ron Hood and Firefighter James Bevins responded with a Type III engine on Monday May 28, 2012. E523 provided structure triaging/protection and assisted with burnout operations while on the incident. At the time of departure, the incident was over 200,00 acres (New Mexico's largest fire) and 15% contained with 2,200 personnel on the fire.

Photo taken from Division Yankee on May 29th, 2012

Units Respond to Fatal Accident

On June 2, 2012 around 1 PM, E521, C501, R235 and Batt. 2 were dispatched to Interstate 40 at the 59 mile marker (DW Ranch Rd) for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Units arrived on scene to find a tractor trailer that had ran into the rear of another tractor trailer at a high rate of speed. The driver of the rear semi was deceased upon arrival, and a lengthy extrication was initiated to remove the driver and search for other occupants. Crews cut a hole in the side of the sleeper to enter the semi to search for other patients and assist in removing the driver. No other occupants were found inside the vehicle. Both lanes of Interstate 40 eastbound were reduced to the median shoulder for approximately 4 hours. The driver of the second vehicle was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

Firefighters Steve Little, Chris Braudaway and Beau Jackson
removing the door of the semi to access the patient.



Units Respond to Multiple Accidents

On May 18, 2012  the Pinion Pine Fire District responded to three seperate motor vehical accidents within 12 hours totaling 4 cars and involving 7 patients. The major accident came in to alarm at 1408 hours of a single truck that had rolled multiple times. While enroute, updated reports from alarm indicated a person may be entrapped within the car, which activated a second engine company, E526 with secondary extrication tools to support  E521 which was already in route. Chief 501 was first to arrive on scene and found two patients, both had been pulled from the truck by bystanders. Pinion Pine Fire District Paramedic started treatment and provided additional care during the transport of the two patients to KRMC. E526's crew provided man power and hazard mitigation of fuels from the accident.

Single vehicle rollover, two patients transported.

Accident 2 of 3, all parties refused medical treatment.

Article by Lt/Medic Danny Zandvliet

Photos by Firefighter/EMT Chris Braudaway

Brush Fire Brings Mutual Aid Response

Slaughterhouse Incident:

On May 13, 2012 at around 2 PM, Kingman Fire was dispatched to the area of Hualapai Mtn Rd/Mission Rd for a reported brush fire to the south. First units arrived on scene and found a 2-3 acre wind driven brush fire moving through grasses and brush. Minutes later additional Kingman engines were requested to respond to the incident and reports of homes threatened began to come in. At around 3:30 PM, the Slaughterhouse IC requested an additional type IV from Pinion Pine (E516), Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District #1 (B336) and Golden Valley (A125) and later ordered a single engine air tanker from Prescott, Az. All units arrived on scene within 15 minutes and were placed in various places on the incident to watch firelines and structure protection. E516 was placed on the north side of the incident to watch the fire moving through a drainage and protect a house, had the fire gotten to it. E516 remained on scene for 2 hours and was released from the incident. Blm later took over the fire and its final acreage was 89 acres with no structures damaged. The cause of the fire is still undetermined and is a healthy reminder to always be careful especially during times of high temperatures, low relative humidy and high winds. Fire season has began throughout the state with 4 active large fires, accompanied by red flag warnings.

Photo taken by Herberta Schroeder

Photo taken by Herberta Schroeder

Single Vehicle Rollover on Interstate 40

On May 7, 2012 at 1:15 PM an alarm was recieved for a motor vehicle rollover on Interstate 40 near mile marker 77 in the median. Chief 501 and E521 responded to the incident where the found a single vehicle pickup truck pulling a trailer that had rolled in the median. Two occupants inside the vehicle were evaluated on scene, one patient complaing of back pain and the second complaing of light headed and dizziness. Both patients were packaged and transported by ground to Kingman Regional in stable condition. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Dept. of Public Safety.



Firearms Spark 4.5 Acre Brushfire

On May 6, 2012 at 11:55 AM, an alarm was recieved for a brushfire 1/2 a mile north of milepost 4 on Hualapai Mtn Rd. E516 and C501 arrived on scene to find a 3.5 acre brush fire with a slow rate of spread and occasional single tree torching. Crews began cutting line and additional resources were requested. Kingman Fire Battalion 2, B246 and BLM  E3664 and E3665 were dispatched. At 3:31 PM the fire was transferred to BLM and all other units cleared the scene. The fire was held to 4.3 acres.



Single trees torching as the fire moves up the drainage

 

Bystanders on scene reported they were shooting firearms when one round sparked the fire, they tried to extinguish the fire with their water cooler but were unable to put it out. A 10-15 mph wind assisted in the growth of the fire in an area with scattered grass and brush. This incident is a reminder that the fuels in our area are dry and fire rapidly develops. Caution should be used when using firearms in an area that has fuels nearby, even bullets can start brushfire that can easily get out of control on windy days.

Chief Jackson and Firefighter Chris Braudaway cutting fireline

Vehicle Accident Sends Two to the Hospital

On April 12, 2012 at 3:00 PM, E521, C501 and E526 were dispatched to Interstate 40, mile marker 59 eastbound for a motor vehicle accident with reports of one person trapped under the vehicle. Units arrived on scene to find a single pickup truck that had rolled ejecting both of its occupants onto the shoulder with one occupant halfway under the truck. The victim was removed from under the vehicle and patient care was conducted. Patient #1 was transported to Kingman Regional by ground with life threatening injuries. Crews continued care on patient #2 while Guardian Air landed. The second patient was transported to Las Vegas by Angel 6 with life threatening injuries. The accident closed both lanes of eastbound traffic and was rerouted through exit 59. The accident is under investigation by the Dept. of Public Safety.

Crews giving care to patient #2, packaging the patient for
transport via Angel 6.

Article Submitted by Engineer Ron Hood

Photos Submitted by Enginerr Ron Hood

Semi Fire

On April 8, 2012 at 3:40 PM, E511 recieved an alarm for a semi on fire on Interstate 40, near mile post 69 eastbound. Upon the units arrival, they found a tractor trailer on the shoulder with its trailer wheels on fire. E511 crew deployed a CAFS attack line and began suppression on the trailer which was hauling gypsum and the brush involved which was held to .10 of an acre. Later during the incident, E511 requested T528 for additional water to cool the load. Crews were on scene for approx. 2 hours and traffic was reduced to one lane of traffic for two hours.

Firefighter Chris Braudaway and Firefighter Beau Jackson
cooling the load of gypsum.



Article Submitted by Engineer Ron Hood

Photo Submitted by Engineer Ron Hood

Morning Vehicle Fire Near Wikieup

On April 1, 2012 at 10:30 AM E511 and C501 were dispatched to Highway 93, mile marker 116 for a reported RV on fire. Chief 501 arrived on scene and updated that the fire had spread to a secondary semi trailer and the brush. E511 arrived on scene and began fire attack on all components of the fire. The RV and trailer were both in the decay stage and were out within 15 minutes. The brush fire was stopped at 1/10 of an acre. Crews were on scene for approx. 2 hours and traffic was slowed but unaffected by the incident.

Firefighter Beau Jackson on the attack line cooling the vehicle.



Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood

Photos Submitted by Capt. Gail Jackson

Evening Accident on Interstate 40

On March 31, 2012 at 9:40 PM, Engine 516 and Chief 501 were dispatched to Interstate 40, mile marker 63 for a reported vehicle rollover. Units arrived on scene to find a single vehicle SUV that had rolled on the eastbound shoulder with one patient self extricated from the vehicle. Crew, assessed and packaged the patient for transport to the hospital. Patient was transported to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries. The cause of the accident is not known but may have resulted from a failure of the front wheel. Traffic was unaffected by the incident.

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood

Photo Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ken Milner

Crews Respond to Motorcycle Down

On March 30, 2012, at 11:15 AM, Engine 526 was dispatched to Highway 93, mile marker 110 for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle. Unit arrived on scene and found 1 patient laying on the ground with severe road rash and lacerations. Crew assessed the patient and bandaged the wounds. patient was packaged and flown to Las Vegas by Careflight. Traffic on Highway 93 was stopped for approx. 1 and a half hours.

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Chris Shaffer

Units Respond to Interstate 40 Vehicle Fire

On March 21, 2012 at 3:45 PM E526 and E523 received an alarm for a reported motor vehicle fire on Interstate 40 at the 76 mile marker eastbound. E526 was the first unit to arrive on scene and reported a passenger car fully involved. E526 began suppression on the vehicle and stopped the forward progress of the brushfire, holding it to .10 of an acre. E523 arrived on scene and asssisted E526 crew with suppression efforts. Crews were able to save most of the items in the trunk of the vehicle, while the rest of the vehicle was a complete loss. Units were on scene for approx. 1.5 hour and traffic was restricted to one lane during that time. All occupants and the family dog were uninjured during the incident.

Firefighter Aaron Volk using the haligan to gain access to the trunk,
while Engineer Chris Shaffer and Firefighter Chris Braudaway standby.

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood

Photos Submitted by Engineer/EMT Chris Shaffer

Off Road Vehicle Starts Brushfire

On March 21, 2012 at 12:45 PM, E526received an alarm for a motor vehicle fire on Highway 93, near mile post 108 involving an offroad vehicle. Upon the engine's arrival, they found a 4 wheeler involved which had started a 1/4 brush fire. ADOT officials arrived on scene prior to the engines arrival and began putting the fire out with a tender they had near by. The crew took over the incident and began mop up on the brush involvement. Units were on scene for approx. 30 mins until the fire was out. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood

Photo Submitted by Firefighter/EMT Aaron Volk

Wintry Weather Causes Pile Up, Sending Three to Kingman Regional

On March 19, 2012 at 8:45 AM, Engine 526 and Engine 523 received an alarm for a reported motor vehicle accident on Interstate 40 at the 87 mile marker westbound, invovling multiple vehicles. As additional information was received by dispatch, reports stated multiple passenger cars and tractor trailers were involved with patients trapped and two tractor trailers on fire. At that time, Engine 511 was dispatched and Kingman Fire Departments Rescue 235 was placed on standby for mutual aid. Upon the first engine companies arrival, Lieutenant Danny Zandvliet reported multiple passenger cars and tractor trailers involved spanning approximately 300-400 feet on the Interstate with complete blockage and no fire present. Engine 511 and Engine 523 were canceled in route, while Engine 526's crew began patient care. On scene, Crew's requested the response of a second ambulance to the scene, three patients were transported to KRMC. A 100 gallon fuel spill was also controlled and contained at the scene from a semi involved in the incident. Units were on scene for 2 hours and the road was opened to one lane of traffic while the scene was cleared by tow and ADOT officials.

Article Submitted by Lieutenant Danny Zandvliet

Winter Storm Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Mohave County from 8 PM tonight untill 8 PM Sunday night with winter driving conditions along Hualapai Mtn Rd, Highway 66 and East County along Interstate 40. Snowfall accumulations from 6-12 inches above 5000 feet, 3-6 inches above 4500 feet and lesser above 3500 feet accompanied by 20-30 MPH winds with gusts to 45 MPH. Use extreme caution while driving in these conditions and be aware of snow removal equipment on the roadways. Check Az511 and the National Weather Service for updated road closures and weather conditions.

Are You Prepared For Wildland Fires?

 Here are a few things you can do to help protect your home/property.  

• Create a defensible area, firebreaks that divert flames around property, by clearing weeds and dry grass at least 100 feet around your home. Property on sloped areas should be cleared at least 100 feet as well, as wind-fed flames can race up hills and mountainsides quickly.  
• Keep propane tanks clear of vegetation.
• Keep all combustibles, such as firewood, lawn furniture, picnic tables, etc., away from structures.
• Clean rain gutters regularly to avoid leaf and needle accumulation.
• Clear vegetation and other flammable materials from beneath decks or other wooden structures.
• Remove tree limbs and vegetation that overhang the roof.
• Remove all branches lower than 6 feet. .
• Keep garden hose connected to faucet.
• Review your home escape plan with your family & have a fire drill exercise.
• Ensure address is clearly visible from the street.

And as always, visit firewise.org for other useful tips and become FIREWISE!

Morning Vehicle Fire Brings Response

On March 5, 2012 at 8:45 Am, an alarm was recieved for a passenger vehicle fire near Windmill Ranch Rd off of Highway 93 South. E526 and C501 were dispatched to the incident. On arrival, crews found a single vehicle pickup truck on fire with secondary brush involvement. The fire was quickly knocked down and brush held to .10 of an acre. The vehicle was unoccupied with no one in the area. The fire is under investigation by the Mohave County Sheriffs Office due to the location of the fire, no VIN and no license plate on the vehicle.

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood

Photo Submitted by Chief Joe Jackson

Basic Firefighter Skills Class Available

The Pinion Pine Fire District will be holding a Basic Firefighter Skills Class open to area depts, for individuals interesting in earning a Basic Firefighter Skills certificate through the Arizona Center for Fire Service Excellence. The class will be held at Pinion Pine Fire Station No. 52 and take place over the course of three weekends for 8 hours a day starting April 21, 2012 and ending on May 6, 2012. The class will be a combination of classroom lectures, discussions and hands on skills ranging from Personal Protective Equipment to Rapid Intervention Crews to Fire Behavior. There is a limited amount of space available and some requirements apply. For more information on class details and requirements, Visit http://www.pinionpinefire.com/.

New Dispatch Center for Pinion Pine Fire District

At midnight on March 1, 2012, the Kingman Emergency Dispatch Center will be in full swing for area fire departments including the Pinion Pine Fire District. Until now, the disptach facility handled and dispatched emergencies for the Kingman Fire Dept and Kingman Police Dept only. The new disptach center will now handle and dispatch calls for Kingman Fire and Police, Golden Valley Fire District, Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District #1, Pinion Pine Fire District and Pine Lake Fire District, minimizing the delay of emergency apparatus by going through one facility. All emergencies should still be placed using the 911 system and non emergency calls can still be routed through Station No. 51. The Pinion Pine Fire District is looking forward to the new dispatch facility and the benefits that will come from it to better help protect the community in which we serve. For any questions or comments, please contact Station No. 51 at 928-757-1207.

Pinion Pine Firefighter's Prepare for 2012 Fire Season

On Sunday February 26, 2012, firefighter's participated in the annual wildland refresher course in preperation for the 2012 Wildland fire season conducted by Operations Lieutenant Kevin Gifford, Enginner Ken Milner and Engineer Ron Hood. Every year, Pinion Pine firefighters participate in an 8 hour class designed to keep them sharp and safe during wildfire incidents focusing on LCES (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes and Safety Zones), entrapment avoidance, fire shelter deployment, and safety along with an annual physical agility test that requires firefighter's to walk 3 miles with a 45 lb pack in under 45 minutes. These standards are required to be "Red Carded" by the state of Arizona and to assist other agencies in the United States, primarily on the west coast for wildfire incidents.

Lt. Kevin Gifford (middle) and Engineer Duane Dodds (right)
prepare to deploy their fire shelters. The Department requirement
is to be in your shelter completely within 20 seconds.

Lt. Kevin Gifford instructing class about entrapment avoidance

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood

Crew Responds To Early Morning Accident

On February 25, 2012 at 2:30 AM, E516 and C501 were dispatched to Interstate 40, mile marker 58.5 for a motor vehicle accident involving two tractor trailers. Units arrived on scene to find both semi's blocking eastbound traffic with heavy damage to the front of one semi and the rear of the other. Both occupants were checked by EMS personnel, the driver of the second semi was transported to KRMC with minor injuries. The #1 semi was traveling at approx. 40 mph when the second semi failed to negotiate around him which was traveling at highway speed. Traffic was reduced to the shoulder for 1 hour while recovery crews removed the vehicle from the roadway.

The second semi had moderate to heavy damage
to the motor compartment.



Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood

Photo Submitted by Firefighter/EMT Aaron Volk

Crews Respond to Fatality Rollover

On February 17, 2012 at 2:03 PM, an alarm was recieved for a single vehicle rollover on Interstate 40, near the 65 mile marker. E516 was dispatched and was on scene within 7 minutes to find a pickup truck on its side in the median. Upon further assessment, the driver was found to be deceased. Care was given to a passerby who cut themselves while attempting to rescue the driver and was released on scene. E516 used extrication tools to remove the driver from the vehicle. Traffic was reduced to 1 lane for one and a half hours during the incident. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the Dept. of Public Safety.

The vehicle rests on its side after rolling through the median
landing on the eastbound side of Interstate 40



Extrication tools were used to gain access
 to the drivers side of the vehicle.

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood

Photos Submitted by Engineer/EMT Duane Dodds

Crews Respond To First Vegitation Fire For 2012

On February 2, 2012 at 12:57 Am, Engine 526 and Chief 501 received an alarm for a vegetation fire on Interstate 40 near the 97 mile marker in neighboring Yavapai County. Units arrived on scene to find a tenth of an acre fire smoldering in light grass, with low spread. Engine 526 took action on the fire and extinguished it within a few minutes. The fire was started from a passing vehicle hauling a boat that had lost a tire. The occupants in the vehicle were unharmed during the incident. This marks the first vegetation fire for 2012 and even with decent snowfall in the area and low temperatures, the fuels are still dry and pose a threat to ignition, even during the winter. STAY FIREWISE

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood