Thanksgiving Morning Vehicle Accident

- Interstate 40

On November 27, 2014 at 7:50 am, E513 and C501 were dispatched to Interstate 40 near the 63 mile marker eastbound for a reported passenger car vs tractor trailer. Crews arrived on scene to find a passenger car that rear ended a tractor trailer that parked on the shoulder. Firefighters evaluated the patient and began patient care. The patient was removed from the vehicle, packaged and transported to an area hospital by ground with a laceration to the head. The driver stated the rising sun made it difficult to see the roadway where he began to drift and struck the parked vehicle on the shoulder. Luckily, there was no occupant in the passenger seat. No other injuries were reported.

Story by Captain Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Structure Fire

Blake Ranch -

On the November 26, 2014 around 4:30 pm, the Kingman alarm center received reports of a structure fire near the 2500 block of Rock Chuck Dr. This brought the response of an engine, a water tender and a Chief officer. While responding updates were received that multiple structures were on fire. Resources arrived on scene to find a mobile home type structure about 50% involved.

The scene as firefighters arrived

Crews pulled a CAFS attack line and made entry into the residence where a primary search was conducted on the unburned portion of the house and began fire suppression. Firefighters were able to stop the forward progress of the fire and overhaul began.

Captain Ron Hood / Firefighter Anthony Leach checking for extension

Firefighters Sean Osterman and Harry Doyle are seen overhauling

Much of the structure received smoke and fire damage but many items were able to be salvaged from bedrooms. The cause of the fire is under investigation and is believed to have started in a detached garage near the rear of the structure which spread into the home. Crews on were on scene for roughly 4 hours and no injuries were reported.

Story by Captain Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Early Morning Vehicle Fire

Interstate 40 -

On October 18, 2014 around 3:15 AM, firefighters were dispatched to mile marker 71 on Interstate 40 eastbound for a reported fully involved passenger vehicle. E513 arrived on the scene to find a Geo Tracker fully involved on the shoulder. Crews pulled an 1-1/2 pre-connect and began suppressing the fire. Crew made a quick knockdown but unfortunately the vehicle was a complete loss along with the contents inside.

Firefighter Brett Nailor is seen suppressing the fire

The cause of the fire was undetermined but is believed to be related to the vehicel being towed by another vehicle. No injuries were obtained and crews were on scene for roughly 1 hour with no highway restrictions.

Photo and Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Quick Attack on RV Fire

Kingman, Az -

On July 12, 2014 at 7:30 AM, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a commercial vehicle fire at exit 59 on Interstate 40 which brought the response of Engine 511, Brush 526 and Chief 501. Additional information was received, stating the fire was going to be in an RV not a commercial vehicle. The first unit arrived on scene in 4 minutes, just south of Interstate 40 on DW Ranch Rd to find an RV with smoke and fire showing from the front door.

 

Firefighters from B526 pulled an 1-1/2 inch attack line and made entry into the RV, quickly knocking the fire down. Control was obtained in 10 minutes and firefighters from E511 performed overhaul. Unfortunately, much of the RV was destroyed by smoke and fire damage. The cause of the fire was undetermined after investigation and no injuries were reported.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Respond to Remote Vehicle Accident

Wikieup, Az - 

On Friday, July 11, 2014 around 11:40 AM, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to Lower Trout Creek Rd, north of Wikieup, Az for a reported motor vehicle accident. Crews arrived in the area and were notified that the accident occurred roughly 15 miles east of Highway 93 near Wagon Bow Ranch off of Trout Creek Rd with 2 patients with major injuries. Brush 526 crew activated one airship to the remote location. While responding, crews encountered the Big Sandy River which was unable to be passed by ground ambulance, at this time a second air ship was activated due to no ground transport.

Firefighters arrived on scene and learned the patients had been ejected from a tractor trailer hauling hay, when they lost control and overturned. One patient sustained a major back injury and was transported to Las Vegas by air. The second patient, who was able to walk was transported by air to Las Vegas. Both patients were in serious but stable condition. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Mohave County Sheriffs Office, though the driver stated a loss of brakes occurred causing the vehicle to gain speed downhill and ultimately crash.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Firefighter Aaron Volk, Pinion Pine Fire District

Type 3 Engine Sent to the San Juan Fire

Vernon, Az - 

On Friday, June 27, 2014 around 2:15 pm, a call was received into the Mohave County Wildland Working Group for a type 3 engine to respond to the San Juan Fire located southeast of Vernon, Az.  Pinion Pine filled the order, dispatching E513 to the incident that began yesterday around 11:45 in the morning. The San Juan Fire which is burning in mixed conifer and pine fuels quickly grew in size due to red flag conditions over the area.

Courtesy ABC15

The fire area saw 35 mile per hour winds and low relative humidity which quickly increased fire intensity and acreage. Quarter mile spot fires ahead of the fire and tree crowning were observed throughout the afternoon and prompting evacuations in the area. The latest information puts the fire at 5,000 acres and is under red flag conditions today as well. This area is no stranger to fires either, in 2002, the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned 468,638 acres and in 2011, the Wallow Fire burned 538,000 acres, the largest fire in state history.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Mutual Aid Response to Brushfire in Seligman, Az

Seligman, Az -

On Saturday, June 14, 2014 around 6:20 AM, Engine 513 from Fire Station 52 and Brush 516 from Fire Station 51 were dispatched by the State of Arizona for initial attack on a brushfire 4 miles west of Seligman, Az. Crews arrived on scene in the Bridge Canyon area and observed moderate fire behavior in grass and Pinion-Juniper. E513 was assigned to the northeast portion of the fire to determine what the best course of action would be in regards to allowing the fire to burn to the road, to burn off the road or to directly attack the fire.

E513 Crew mopping up hotspots

E513 decided to cut line and directly attack the fire was the most suitable situation. E513 crew was then assisted by the Prescott IHC who had just arrived on scene and finished the line to a 2 track road to the west.

E513 supporting a progressive hose lay along the west and north sides of the fire

B516 was assigned to the southwest corner where they were tasked with protecting a structure. Roughly 2 hours later, crews began mopping up along the edges and E513 was repositioned to support a 1,000 ft hose lay along the west and north sides of the fire. Both crews worked side by side with other local, State and Federal resources and contained the fire to 17 acres.

Other resources on scene included:

Prescott IHC
Junipine Fire Dept
Seligman Fire Dept
Williamson Valley Fire Dept
BLM Weaver Mtn Helitack
Arizona State Forestry Overhead

Photos by Firefighter Mike Schmidt, Pinion Pine Fire District
Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Multi-Agency Brushfire on Interstate 40

Kingman, Az - 

On Wednesday, June 11, 2014 around 4:15 pm, the Kingman Alarm Center began receiving reports of a brushfire on Interstate 40, near the Beale Street exit. Kingman Fire dispatched one structure engine, one brush engine and a BC from Fire Station 1.

The fire as seen from the Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course

Batt. 2 arrived and had heavy smoke showing and reported multiple starts along westbound Interstate 40 between Beale St and Stockton Hill Rd. The assignment was quickly upgraded, which brought the response of an additional two structure engines, one brush engine and two chief officers from Fire Stations 3 and 4. As the fire progressed to the west and northwest, homes along Anson Smith Rd became threatened and mutual aid engines were dispatched from Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District #1, Pinion Pine Fire District and the Bureau Of Land Management.

 

Firefighters began structure protection along Anson Smith Rd and crews deployed hose lines and cut line along Interstate 40 and White Cliffs Rd. At 5:23 pm, firefighters had contained the fire and began mopping up. The fire was walked by GPS and determined to be 20 acres. No structures were damaged by the fire and is being investigated by Kingman Fire Department.

Resources on scene included:

Kingman - E211, E231, E241, B216, B246, Batt. 2, C201, C202, C203 and FP4
Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District #1 - E311, WT338
Pinion Pine Fire District - E513
BLM - E3663, E3664 and C3101


Photos by Firefighter Mike Schmidt, Pinion Pine Fire District
Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Pinion Pine Sends Type 3 to Sedona

Sedona, Az -

On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, Engine 513 was requested by the State of Arizona to respond to the Slide Fire burning near Sedona, Az. The Slide Fire began on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 around 4 pm when a fire was sparked in Oak Creek Canyon, just north of the Slide Rock State Park which rapidly gained momentum and began burning up the canyon charring 400 acres by 10 pm.

At this time the fire is 400 acres, with 0% containment and being investigated.

Slide fire around 8:30 pm Tuesday night. Photo courtesy of Jon Pelletier/VVN

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood / Pinion Pine Fire District

Improper Cigarette Disposal Ignites Second Structure Fire

Wikieup, Az  

On May 2, 2014 at 2:06 pm, E521 and C501 received an alarm for a structure fire in the 11000 block of south Highway 93. Units arrived on scene to find two mobile homes that had burnt to the ground and spread to the brush. Firefighters quickly extinguished the brush fire which was held to a tenth of an acre and began suppressing the mobile homes which were a complete loss. 

The structures were unoccupied and being demolished when the fire broke out which was caused by the improper disposal of a cigarette according to the demolition crew on scene. Firefighters spent 2 hours on scene overhauling the fire, no injuries were reported.

Article and Photo by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Structure Fire

Blake Ranch -

On May 1, 2014 around 7:05 pm, E511, E513 and C501 were dispatched for smoke in the area between exit 59 and exit 66 on Interstate 40. At roughly mile marker 65, C501 advised he could see a fire which appeared to be a structure about 4 miles north of the Interstate and west of exit 66. Resources arrived on scene in the area of East Horseback Trail and Savvy Way to find two mobile homes fully involved as well as multiple vehicles and brush. Crews deployed a CAFS attack line and began containing the brushfire. Firefighters were unable to initially suppress the structures due to roughly 8 propane tanks in varying sizes venting as well as other explosions from an unknown source. Both engines began suppressing the fire and overhauling once it was safe to do so.

A homeowner was assessed and refused transport to the hospital by AMR for possible smoke inhalation on scene. The cause of the fire was due to the homeowner attempting to burn an unoccupied trailer on his property which quickly spread to his residence, also igniting 3 out buildings, 2 vehicles and a boat which were all complete losses. Crews were on scene for approximately 3 hours.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Captain Gail Jackson and Firefighter James Bevins, Pinion Pine Fire District

Late Season Winter Weather Causes Rollover

DW Ranch Rd -

On April 26, 2014 around 7:30 am, firefighters received a call for a possible rollover accident on DW Ranch Rd near the 2 mile marker which brought the response of a structure engine, a brush engine and a Chief. B516 and C501 were first to arrive on scene to a SUV on its side blocking northbound DW Ranch Rd. Firefighters made contact with the driver who self extricated himself and stated he was uninjured. E521 continued to the scene to check for vehicle hazards and assist with traffic control on the slippery and blind corner.

The cause of the accident was determined to be driver error, he stated while driving north on DW Ranch Rd, the roadway was covered with snow, when he approached the turn, the road appeared to continue straight which was actually a wash. Once he entered the wash he quickly realized the road went to the right, which caused him to over correct and begin sliding in the snow then striking an embankment, flipping his vehicle.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Firefighter Aaron Volk, Pinion Pine Fire District

Mutual Aid Rollover With Kingman Fire

Interstate 40 -

On Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 2:18 pm, Kingman Alarm dispatched Kingman E221, E211, R235 and Batt. 2 for a reported vehicle rollover on Interstate 40 near mile marker 58 westbound with occupants trapped. Once in route, Batt. 2 requested Pinion Pine E521 to respond due to the close proximity to district boundaries. E521 arrived on scene with E221 and Batt. 2 to find a single vehicle rollover blocking both lanes of westbound traffic. The driver of the vehicle was self extricated but the passenger was still inside the vehicle. Firefighters were able to gain access to the passenger without using extrication tools, and treat his injuries.

Both patients were transported by ground to KRMC in stable condition. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. Interstate 40 westbound was closed for roughly 15 minutes then reduced to the shoulder while fire personnel worked.


Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Engineer Heath Markley, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Perform Odd Extrication

Getz Ranch - 

Its not everyday that firefighters have to use their extrication skills but the principles remain the same. On April 9, 2014 at 8:18 am, firefighters from Fire Station 51 and Fire Station 52 were dispatched to the area of Getz Ranch Rd and DW Ranch Rd for cattle stuck in a cattle guard. E521 arrived to find a bull with 3 legs trapped in the cattle guard and beginning to get tired. Crews assessed the situation and determined the best way to remove the bull would be to attempt to use extrication tools. Permission was granted from the ranch to do what was needed to the cattle guard to free the animal.

Firefighters from E521 and B516 deployed both cutters and spreaders, initially trying to simply spread the bars apart enough for the legs to free. It quickly became evident that that was not going to be enough, so crews used cutters and began cutting each end of the bars to widen the space. Firefighters had to work quickly to free all 3 legs rapidly so the animal would not try get up partially freed.

Firefighter Kris Schmidt is seen using hydraulic cutters to remove bars from the cattle guard

Crews were able to successfully remove enough material to allow the bull to step out of the cattle guard. Personnel stood back and waited for roughly 10 minutes for the bull to climb out. Upon observation, it appears the animal will be just fine, acquiring only scrapes and some sore muscles.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Engineer Heath Markley and Firefighter Kris Schmidt, Pinion Pine Fire District

Brush Fire Brings Multi-Agency Response

Kingman, Az -

On April 8, 2014 around 1 pm, Kingman Alarm Center began receiving 911 calls regarding a brush fire on North Bank St approximately 1 mile north of Jaggerson Ave. First arriving units from Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District #1 reported a fire roughly 4 acres spreading at a high rate of speed north through grass/brush mix. Crews began suppressing the fire on the northeast corner from Bank St. At around 1:35 pm, Command notified that progress was being made, the fire was now 8 acres and more type 6 engines were needed. Kingman B246, C201, FP3 and FP4, Golden Valley A135, BLM E3663 and Pinion Pine E513 and B516 were dispatched to the fire.

Fire crews were able to stop the fire on a 2 track road to the north and wrap the east side of the fire containing it. Firefighters spent the next 3 hours mopping up the fire that totaled 73 acres. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Resources included:
NACFD - C301, FP303, Batt. 3, E311, E312, E321, E331 and A315
Kingman - C201, FP3, FP4, B246
Golden Valley - A135
Pinion Pine - E513 and B516
BLM - E3663

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Firefighter James Bevins, Pinion Pine Fire District

RV Fire on Interstate 40

Interstate 40 - 

On April 8, 2014 around 12:04 pm, E511, E521 and C501 were dispatched to Interstate 40 at the 62 mile marker eastbound for a reported RV on fire. Units arrived in roughly 10 minutes to find an RV fulling involved with a quarter acre brush fire. Crews deployed an 1-1/2 CAFS attack line an began suppression. Crews had the fire out in 22 minutes and continued overhauling both the vehicle and the brush.

 

The cause of the fire is unknown but the occupants believe it started in the engine compartment. Eastbound traffic was initially stopped while firefighting operations took place and was quickly opened to 1 lane of travel. No injuries were reported.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Firefighter Harry Doyle, Pinion Pine Fire District

Vehicle vs. Semi Accident

Interstate 40 -

On March 9, 2014 at 8:01 am, firefighters received an alarm for a passenger car vs. semi on Interstate 40 at the 62 mile post westbound. E521 arrived on scene to find a Dodge Challenger in the median upright with moderate front end damage and extensive roof damage.  Both vehicle were traveling westbound when the passenger car struck the rear of the semi trailer. 

The passenger vehicle passed under the DOT safety bar on the trailer, shearing the A-post on the passenger side of the vehicle before entering the median where it came to rest.  Luckily there was no passenger in the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle was uninjured but visibly shaken from the collision.  The driver and passenger of the semi were uninjured as well. 
The Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Division is conducting the investigation.  There were no traffic restrictions and the scene was cleared within an hour. 

Article by Engineer Chris Shaffer, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Firefighter Aaron Volk, Pinion Pine Fire District

Vehicle Rollover Sends 4 to the Hospital

Highway 93 -

On March 7, 2014 at 4:25 pm, Firefighters received an alarm for vehicle rollover on Highway 93 near the 97 mile marker which brought the response of B516, E521 and C501. Units arrived to find a single vehicle on its roof with moderate damage to the rear. Crews began patient care on 4 patients and prepared them for transport. One patient was airlifted to Las Vegas with a head injury, the other 3 were transported by ground to KRMC.

The accident did not cause any traffic restrictions and is being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Mutual Aid Response for Vehicle Fire

Hualapai Mtn Rd - 

On February 27, 2014 at 6:30 pm, Pinion Pine Fire District received a mutual aid request by Pine Lake Fire District for a RV on fire on Hualapai Mountain Rd near mile marker 10.5 which brought the response on E511 from Fire Station 51 (fs51) and C501 from Fire Station 52 (fs52). E621 and C601 arrived on scene to find a pickup truck hauling a fifth wheel trailer with a motor compartment fire. E621 deployed a CAFS attack line and knocked the fire down with no extension into the brush. E511 and C501 arrived on scene and provided manpower to E621 for overhaul. Firefighters checked for extension into the trailer with nothing found.

The cause of the fire is believed to be related to an overheating issue with the pickup truck was was undetermined on scene. Resources on scene included Pine Lake C601, E621 and Pinion Pine C501 and E511 totaling 9 personnel.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Messy Accident on Interstate 40

Interstate 40 - 

On February 27, 2014 at 1:34 pm, firefighters were dispatched to the area of Interstate 40 at the 62 mile marker for reported motor vehicle accident involving a car hauler. E521 and C501 responded from Station 52 (fs52) to find a semi car hauler on its side blocking traffic and in the median and a second vehicle with moderate damage to the side of the vehicle. Firefighters assessed the patients from both vehicle, 4 being transported to an area hospital.

The accident occurred when the car hauler side swiped a passenger car parked on the shoulder, causing the semi to flip into the median. Traffic on Interstate 40 was backed up for a few hours eastbound while the vehicles from the car hauler were removed and lanes cleared. We would like to remind everyone that Arizona has a "Move Over Law" for just this reason. You are required to move  over for vehicles on the side of the road or emergency personnel working on the side of the road. This incident could of been avoided if the driver would have moved over.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Pinion Pine Lieutenant Attends 2014 Firefighter Throwdown

San  Diego, Ca -

Roughly 18 months ago, Lieutenant/Paramedic Kevin Gifford began pursuing CrossFit. CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program with the aim of improving, among other things, muscular strength, cardio-respiratory endurance, and flexibility through constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity across broad modal and time domains. Since Kevin's new passion for CrossFit, and the lifestyle that comes with it, he has been molded into the the best physical and mental shape he has ever been in.

In the end of 2013, his hard work and dedication to Crossfit paid off, Kevin learned that he qualified in the top 100 CrossFit athletes in the fire service throughout the United States and Canada and secured a spot in the 2014 Firefighter Throwdown to be held in San Diego, Ca during the Firehouse World Expo.

On February 19, 2014, the Firefighter Throwdown began where 4 events were to be completed throughout the day. These events included workouts such as a 2 rep max thruster ladder, double unders, sprints, overhead walking lung, kettle bell snatches, chest to bar pull-ups and a 7 calorie bike just to name a few. At the end of day one, Kevin placed a very impressive 15th out of 65 contestants but would not meet the point requirement to move on to the finals.

Kevin performing a kettle bell snatch

Kevin putting up 215 lbs on the 2 rep max thruster ladder

Kevin finishing event 3 with chest to bar pull-ups

Kevin spent day 2 rooting on another Kingman firefighter, Ty Gilstrap, a BLM firefighter who moved on to the finals and finished in 4th place.

We congratulate both Kevin and Ty for an amazing performance and in representing Kingman, Az with some of the finest athletes. 

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Firefighter Throwdown

Evening Vehicle Fire

Interstate 40 -

On February 18, 2014 at 10:32 pm, Firefighters received an alarm for a passenger vehicle on fire on Interstate 40 near the Fort Rock exit eastbound which brought the response of  Engine 521 from Fire Station 52 (fs52). While responding, updates were given that the fire had ignited the brush around the vehicle. Crews arrived to find a vehicle fully involved with roughly a quarter acre brush fire. An inch and one half attack line was used and both fires were suppressed in 6 minutes.

The vehicle and and contents were a complete loss

The owner stated they were driving and heard a loud pop, once the vehicle pulled over, the area under the motor compartment immediately burst into flames. An occupant of the vehicle complained of chest pain and difficulty breathing. Care was given until AMR arrived and transported the patient to an area hospital. Eastbound traffic was reduced to one lane for 30 minutes while crews worked.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Firefighter Mike Schmidt, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Respond to Garage Fire

Lazy Y U -

On Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 2:23 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to the 3000 block of Lawman Drive in the Lazy Y U Subdivision for a reported shed fire with possible exposures which brought the response of E511 from Fire Station 51 (fs51), E523 from Fire Station 52 (fs52) and Battalion 5. First unit on scene found a detached garage fully involved with fire and no exposures to the house. Crews deployed a CAFS attack line and had the fire knocked down in 14 minutes from their arrival. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately one and a half hours, overhauling the fire.

Firefighters Matt Young and Mike Schmidt are seen overhauling the fire

The homeowner stated he had barbequed the day before and left the coals in the barbeque outside, after letting them cool overnight, he separated the ashes from the coals and placed the coals on a shelf in a wire basket. He believes the coals were not 100% out and had continued to burn, catching items on the shelf on fire and spreading throughout the garage. Although nothing had spread to the adjacent structure or brush, the garage itself was completely destroyed. We remind everyone to double check your coals, even if they do not feel warm to the touch, place them in a fire safe container away from any flammable materials and douse with water.

Article and Photos by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Evening Vehicle Accident On Highway 93

Wikieup, Az -

On February 9, 2014 around 6:45 pm, E521 and C501 were dispatched to Highway 93 near mile post 118 (Wikieup) for a vehicle rollover with unknown injuries. Units arrived to find 2 vehicles, one upright with damage to the front of the vehicle, the other on its roof with heavy damage on its side.

Firefighters located the driver of the overturned vehicle who had been self extricated, complained of arm pain and had multiple lacerations over his body. The patient was packaged and transported to an area hospital by ground with non life threatening injuries. The driver of the second vehicle fled the scene after the accident and was not located. Witnesses to the accident stated a car was traveling north on Highway 93 with their headlights off and weaving into oncoming traffic when they struck the side of the second car traveling south, causing it to roll. The accident is being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. Traffic was slowed down, but both lanes remained open at the scene.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson and Engineer Chris Shaffer, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Battle Stubborn Semi Fire

Interstate 40 -

On February 6, 2014 around 7:30 pm, the Kingman Alarm Center received multiple reports of a semi on fire near the 74 mile marker on Interstate 40 westbound which brought the response of E511 and C501 from Fire Station 51 (fs51). Once C501 arrived on scene, he reported a semi trailer fully involved hauling chicken and tortillas. E511 arrived, deployed a CAFS attack line and began suppression and had the fire knocked down within 10 minutes.

Firefighters James Bevins and Harry Doyle attacking the fire just after arrival

Firefighters quickly realized the sides of the trailer beginning to fail, making it unsafe to work in or around the trailer. E521 from Fire Station 52 (fs52) was dispatched for manpower and to provide a water shuttle operation from the Petro Truck Stop at exit 66 on Interstate 40. Firefighters continued to apply CAFS to the load until ADOT arrived with a front end loader to overturn the trailer to allow firefighters to safely mop up any remaining heat. Crew were on scene for approximately 6 hours, making sure the scene was safe for wrecking company.

Firefighter Justin Escobar and Mike Schmidt continuing to cool the fire from a safe location awaiting ADOT loader

Westbound traffic was reduced to the high speed lane by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol and ADOT for the duration of the incident but did not cause any traffic backups or delays. Although the cause of the fire was undetermined, the driver stated his driver side trailer brakes caught fire. He discharged his on board fire extinguisher but was unable to put the fire out, which quickly spread into the trailer. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Multi-Agency Saw Class

Pine Lake - 

From January 14-16, 2014, personnel from multiple agencies attended a wildfire chainsaw class (S-212) held at the Pine Lake Fire District and instructed by Arizona State Forestry representatives. During the three day class, students learned proper tool handling and safety procedures, chainsaw maintenance and cutting techniques.

One the final day of class, students participated in a field day exercise in the Hualapai Mountain Park  where a thinning project has been started to help complete the fuel break around the Pine Lake community. Students were graded on proper cutting techniques and safe felling operations as well as a stump analysis of trees that were cut.

This project as well as the class took a jump to the front row after this past summers Dean Peak Fire that started on June 29, 2013 by a lightning strike and burnt nearly 5,500 acres, threatening both the Pine Lake and Pinion Pine communities. The class provides more local first responders with chainsaw knowledge and certifications at the National level to help protect the communities in which they serve as well as other communities when dispatched to nationwide natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Agencies that attended the course included Golden Valley Fire District, Desert Hills Fire District, Fish and Wildlife Services, Pinion Pine Fire District and the Mohave County Division of Emergency Management.

Instructors included Aaron Green and Tony Parks (Arizona State Forestry),  Kevin Gifford (Golden Valley Fire District) and Doug Carney (Mohave Valley Fire District)

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Mike Browning, Mohave County Emergency Management Assistant Coordinator