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/.