Evening Vehicle Fire

Interstate 40 - 

On November 30, 2013 at 5:25 pm, E521 from Fire Station 52 (fs52) was dispatched to mile marker 80 on Interstate 40 for a passenger vehicle fire. When the engine arrived, they found an SUV on the shoulder fully involved. Firefighters deployed an attack line and were able to get the fire under control within a few minutes but were unable to save anything from the vehicle.

The driver stated she heard a pop and within seconds, smoke began to pour from under her hood. She pulled over and exited the vehicle when the motor compartment went up in flames. Passing motorists stopped to render help but were unable to put the fire out, which quickly progressed into the cab of the vehicle. The driver and her dog were uninjured in the incident. The Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol closed both lanes of eastbound traffic for roughly 15 minutes due to poor visibility because of the smoke and was later reduced to the fast lane.

Firefighter Heath Markley is seen on the attack line while Firefighter Justin Escobar prepares to access the motor compartment with the haligan tool.

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

 Story and photos by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Respond to Tragic Thanksgiving Day Accident

Interstate 40 - 

On November 28, 2013 at 3:50 pm, Pinion Pine Firefighters received an alarm for a reported motor vehicle rollover on Interstate 40 near mile post 90 in the median with extrication needed. E521 and C501 were dispatched from Fire Station 52 (fs52). Additional information was received that multiple patients may have been ejected which brought the response of Careflight and Guardian Air in addition to AMR and fire district resources.

Firefighters and Guardian Air personnel packaging one of the trapped occupants for transport

Units arrived on scene to find a single passenger car on its side with moderate damage, that appeared to have rolled roughly 300 ft. Crews began checking for injuries and found three patients ejected and two in the vehicle needing extrication. The two adult patients ejected were unfortunately deceased upon arrival, the third patient was a young child that had been thrown roughly 75 ft and was in critical condition.

 

Firefighters extracted the two victims from within the vehicle, both of which had obtained serious injuries. The child and one occupant of the vehicle were airlifted to an area trauma center, while the third occupant was transported by ground to KRMC. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.

We want to remind everyone to please wear your seat belt and use extra caution during your holiday travels.

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Respond to Vehicle Rollover

Interstate 40 -

On November 20, 2013 at 10:40 am, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to Interstate 40 near mile post 88 westbound for a reported vehicle rollover. E521 and C501 from fire station 52 (fs52) arrived to find a single vehicle with moderate to heavy damage on the shoulder and had appeared to have rolled. Firefighters began care on the sole occupant of the vehicle who had received a laceration to their head. The patient was removed from the vehicle, packaged and transported to an area hospital by ground with a fire district attendant.

The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol but the driver stated she was traveling above the posted speed limit (75 mph) when she encountered a wet patch on the freeway and lost control of her vehicle.

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

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

Late Night Semi Fire

Interstate 40 -

On November 12, 2013, at 10:46 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a tractor trailer on fire on Interstate 40 near mile marker 70 westbound with its cargo containing chicken. This brought the response of Engine 511 from Fire Station 51 and Chief 501. Chief 501 arrived on scene and reported the fire in the truck and becoming well established into the trailer, as well as a 1/10 of an acre brush fire. E511 arrived and deployed a CAFS attack line and began suppression. Firefighters were able to knockdown the fire after roughly 30 minutes and began overhauling. Units remained on scene for approximately 2 hours while overhaul was completed.

The cause of the fire is unknown but is believed to have started in the motor compartment. No injuries were reported from the incident and traffic was reduced to 2 lanes for the duration of the incident.

 

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

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

What Daylight Savings Time Means for Us

It's that time of year again when everyone except us change our clocks to adjust for daylight savings time. But today isn't just a day to pass by because we don't adjust our clocks, it marks the time of year when we should replace the batteries in our smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It is proven that a working smoke alarm doubles your chance of surviving a home fire.

Once you replace the batteries in your smoke alarm and/or your carbon monoxide detector, press the test button to make sure that your alarm is properly working. It is good practice to continually check your batteries once a month and maintain them as needed. If you here a "chirping" noise, that is your detector alerting you that the batteries are dying and should be replaced immediately.

If you need assistance checking or installing a detector, contact fire station 51 at 928-757-1207 and someone will come and assist you.

For more information and safety tips, CLICK HERE



Post by: Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Vehicle Accident

Interstate 40 - 

On November 2, 2013 at 12:58 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a single vehicle rollover near mile marker 62 on Interstate 40 which brought the response of E521 from fire station 52 and B516 from fire station 51 as well as a Chief 501. Initial reports indicated the occupants of the vehicle would need to be extricated from the vehicle. Battalion 2 from Kingman FD arrived on scene and advised extrication would not be required.

Pinion Pine units arrived finding a single vehicle that had rolled multiple times resting on its wheels roughly 100 ft from the Interstate in a wash with heavy damage. The patient was transported by ground to an area hospital in serious condition. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. No other injuries were reported during the incident.

Fire personnel and AMR personnel packaging the patient for transport

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Fire Chief Joe Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Respond to Afternoon Vehicle Fire

Bogles Ranch -


On November 1, 2013 at 3:16 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for an unknown type vehicle fire roughly 15 miles east of Highway 93 from Lower Trout Creek road in the Bogles Ranch area which prompted the response of a E523, a type 3 brush engine from Fire Station 52. Crew arrived on scene to find a 2011 Dodge pickup truck smoldering near the side of the road and deployed a booster line to cool down the remaining heat left in the vehicle. Fortunately, the fire did not make it into the thick vegetation surrounding the area.

Firefighter Justin Escobar is seen cooling the motor compartment

The cause of the fire is unknown, but the driver stated something happened in the transmission while shifting gears and was unable to place the vehicle back into a gear. The vehicle then rolled backwards down the road where it struck the edge of the road and caught on fire. A Game and Fish Officer happen to be in the area when the incident occurred and notified their dispatch of the incident. No injuries were reported from the incident.

The vehicles final resting place where it struck the edge of the road

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Firefighter Mike Schmidt, Pinion Pine Fire District

One Killed, One Airlifted After Highway 93 Accident

Wikieup, Az -

At 2:16 pm on October 31, 2013, Pinion Pine Firefighters were dispatched to Highway 93 near the 117 mile marker northbound for what was reported as a serious injury accident with extrication needed. This brought the response of E521, R525 and C501 from fire station 52. While in route, additional information was given that one person had been ejected from the vehicle and a second patient was trapped in the vehicle. Guardian Air and Careflight were both activated due to level of injury and a response distance of nearly 40 miles. Units arrived on scene, finding a single vehicle that was roughly 60 ft down a hillside and 200 ft from the roadway that appeared to have rolled end over end numerous times. The passenger of the vehicle was ejected and was unfortunately deceased upon arrival and the driver of the vehicle was thrown into the passenger seat with neck and back pain. Firefighters removed the roof of the vehicle while AMR and flight crews took patient care. The patient was then transported to Las Vegas via helicopter.

 

 

 

The accident caused some traffic delays while aircraft was landing and taking off, and no other injuries were reported. The cause of the accident is unknown and is being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.

 

 

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

 

 

Lt. Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photo by Capt. Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District



Firefighters Respond to Two Fatality Accidents

Highway 93 -

On September 14, 2013 at 11:34 pm, Kingman Alarm received multiple calls regarding a vehicle that had rolled on Highway 93 near mile marker 110 which brought the response of 1 engine and 1 Chief Officer. While in route, additional information was received that there was possibly 2 occupants ejected and the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol was performing CPR on a child. Battalion 5 requested an airship to be launched and an additional ground ambulance be dispatched to the scene. Once units arrived on scene, it quickly became clear their were a total of 5 patients, two trauma patients and two patients with minor injuries. At this time, Battalion 5 requested a second airship to be launched. Unfortunately, the efforts to resuscitate the child were unsuccessful. Both trauma patients were airlifted by Careflight helicopters to area trauma centers and both occupants with minor injuries were transported by ground for evaluation. The accident closed northbound traffic for roughly 2 hours. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

 

Interstate 40 -

On September 15, 2013 at 2:26 pm, firefighters from Pinion Pine Station 52 were dispatched to Interstate 40 near mile marker 74 for a reported motor vehicle rollover with possibly one occupant ejected. This brought the response of one engine. While in route, confirmation of an ejected person was received and bystander CPR was in progress. At this time Careflight 14 out of Kingman was activated. B526 arrived on scene and began "working a trauma code" on the patient which had sustained major injuries. Unfortunately, these efforts also proved to be unsuccessful, and Careflight was canceled. The accident closed eastbound traffic for roughly 2 hours before opening one lane of travel. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.

 

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map



Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Another Evening Semi Fire for Pinion Pine Firefighters

Interstate 40 -

On the evening of August 26th, 2013 around 9:15 pm, firefighters received an alarm for a commercial vehicle on fire near mile post 68 on Interstate 40.  This brought the response of Engine 511 and Battalion 5. Battalion 5 arrived on scene to find the trailer portion of the semi on fire above the tandem axles approximately 50 percent involved and appeared to be hauling coconuts. E511 arrived and stretched a CAFS attack line and made a quick knockdown on the fire.

Firefighters James Bevins, Sean Osterman and Neal Raines cool the area the just exposed

Due to the load arrangement and extensive overhaul required, Rescue 525 was dispatched to support the operation. Once the rescue arrived, a K12 rescue saw was used to cut holes along side of the trailer to check for extension to the front of the trailer. Ultimately, ADOT used a front end loader to push the trailer over and the roof was removed. During overhaul, crews learned the product was not coconuts but cantaloupes.

Firefighter Sean Osterman prepares to cut observation holes along side the trailer

The cause of the fire was unknown but is believed to of started from a brake fire. Crews were on scene for roughly 3 hours, traffic was reduced to the high speed lane during the operation. Interstate 40 was briefly closed during the initial suppression efforts for firefighter and public safety.

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Lt. Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Vehicle Accident Sends Two to the Hospital

Interstate 40 -

On August 25, 2013 at 10:24 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 40 near the 88 mile marker westbound. B526 arrived on scene with to find a passenger car resting upright in the median with moderate damage. The vehicle left the roadway for unknown reason, causing it to rollover end over end. Two patients were self extricated from the vehicle with obvious injuries upon arrival.  It was found that the driver was ejected from the vehicle and the passenger received a laceration to the head. Both patients were transported to an area hospital by ground in stable condition. The Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. The incident did not cause any traffic restrictions.

 

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

 

Lt. Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photo: Firefighter Stephan Little, Pinion Pine Fire District

Pinion Pine Fire District Receives the 2013 Andy Award

Kingman -

Fire Chief Joe Jackson and Captain Gail Jackson attended the 2013 Andy Award ceremony and annual dinner at the Powerhouse Visitors center in Kingman on Saturday, August 25, 2013. The Pinion Pine Fire District was nominated as a candidate for the annual Public Service Award given by the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce. The Pinion Pine Fire District is thrilled to announce that we were presented with the award which was given for service above and beyond the call of duty, for our efforts during the Dean Peak Fire which threatened our community. We were also recognized for the special events we provide for the citizens of our community.

Chief Joe Jackson receives the Andy Award on behalf of the Pinion Pine Fire District

This was not the only thing received last night during the ceremony, The Ericksen family, a resident of the district presented a banner to the Chief, thanking Pinion Pine Fire and the Northern Arizona Incident Management Team for our efforts. The banner was signed by many people from the within our district as well as community members outside. The idea was given to Tom Ericksen, by ten year old daughter Annabelle Ericksen who said something had to be done for the firefighters. Well Annabelle, it was a fantastic idea and we are proudly displaying the banner inside fire station No. 52.

Chief Jackson with Annabelle Erickson after receiving our banner

The Burak family also presented the firefighters with a banner which they brought to the fire station on August 18, 2013. The Burak family are also district residents and owners of the Hot Rod Cafe in Kingman. The Hot Rod Cafe donated sandwiches from their family restaurant to the firefighters battling the Dean Peak Fire in early July and their banner is also proudly being displayed inside Fire Station No. 52.

Ericksen family banner (top) and the Burak family banner (bottom)

We would like to thank the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce, the Burak family, the Ericksen family and most importantly the residents of our fire district and the community for all of the support YOU give us.

Pinion Pine Sends Type 3 Engine to California

Mammoth Lakes, Ca -

On August 20th, 2013, the Pinion Pine Fire District received a request through the State of Arizona for a type 3 engine to respond to California for "August Preposition". E523 filled the order and left for Mammoth Lakes, Ca where they were placed on the Inyo National Forest for severity/initial attack. Their job is to patrol an assigned area and be on the ready to respond locally to any new start that may occur.

On August 22nd, 2013, while patrolling on Owens River road, the crew of E523 spotted a fire near the top of a mountain roughly 1.5 miles off the road. The crew packed up and began hiking to the fire that was started by lightning along with the local Inyo National Forest engine and two engines from Minnesota. Once on scene, a line was cut around the fire and mopped up, containing it to 1/4 of an acre. The crew will continue to patrol until a new assignment is given.

View Larger Map  

 

 

Lt. Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Lightning Ignites Multiple Fires in Blake Ranch

Blake Ranch -

Around 1:30 pm on August 22nd, 2013, Pinion Pine fire units were dispatched to the area of Blake Ranch road and Prospect road for a reported brush fire which brought the response of 1 engine and 1 chief. C501 located the fire, a single tree burning off of Prospect road which had been struck by lightning. A second report of a fire was received by Kingman Alarm in the area of Silver Dollar and Line drive, roughly a mile away. B526 was diverted to this incident, locating the single burning tree south of Line drive which was also struck by lightning. Upon C501 completing the first fire, a third report came in of a fire near Line drive and Reese road. C501 arrived in the area to find yet another single tree that had been struck by lightning and was burning. A local homeowner nearby had seen the fire and began putting it out. All three fires were contained to a tenth of an acre and no structures were threatened and/or damaged.

 

 

Lt. Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photo by Firefighter Neal Raines, Pinion Pine Fire District

Units Respond to MVA

Interstate 40 -

On August 22nd, 2013 at 11:50 am, Pinion Pine Fire received an alarm for a vehicle rollover on Interstate 40 near the Hwy 93 junction. C501 and B526 responded and found a vehicle resting on its side in the median, all occupants appeared to be self extricated. Two patients were transported by AMR to an area hospital with minor injuries. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. There were no traffic restrictions during the incident.

Lt. Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Capt. Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Late Night Semi Fire on Interstate 40

Interstate 40 -

On August 20, 2013 at 19:14 pm, Firefighters received an alarm for a commercial vehicle fire on Interstate 40 eastbound near the 77 mile marker which brought the response on 2 engines and 1 chief officer totaling 7 personnel. Crews arrived on scene, E511 deployed a CAFS attack line and began suppression on the tractor and front of the trailer. Once knockdown was accomplished, E521 crew made access to the rear of the trailer and began extinguishing and overhauling the load which was canned fruit. Crews were on scene for roughly 3 hours, no civilian or firefighter injuries were obtained. Both lanes of eastbound traffic were shut down for 30 minutes and were then reduced to the high speed lane for the remainder of the incident. The cause of the fire is unknown, both tractor and trailer were a complete loss.




Firefighters James Bevins and Robert Franks combating the flames

 

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map  

Article by Lt. Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Capt. Gail Jackson, Firefighter James Bevins, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Make Quick Stop on Semi Fire

Interstate 40 -

On August 18, 2013 at 12:19 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to mile marker 82 on Interstate 40 eastbound for a tractor trailer fire which brought the response on 2 engines and 1 chief officer. C501 arrived on scene reporting the tractor to be fully involved with possible extension into the trailer which had a load of newspaper.

E511 and E521 arrived on scene, deploying a CAFS attack line and quickly knocked the fire down. E521 gained access to the trailer and made entry, checking for further extension into the load utilizing a thermal imaging camera, with no fire found. Crews were on scene for roughly 2 hours while overhaul was completed. Initially, eastbound traffic was completely stopped for about 30 minutes until the fire was under control, then being reduced the the high speed lane. The cause of the fire is unknown but the driver of the vehicle believes the turbo went out causing the fire to start in the motor compartment.

E511 Firefighters Beau Jackson and Neal Raines suppressing the fire

E521 Engineer Chris Shaffer and Firefighter Anthony Leach checking for heat in the trailer

Article by Lt. Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Evening Lightning Event Keeps Firefighters Busy

Residents in Kingman had an amazing light show last night, August 17th, 2013 when monsoon weather moved in around 3 pm and stuck around until midnight. Beau Jackson, a firefighter with the Pinion Pine Fire District took the opportunity to photograph some of the lightning which left area fire departments busy most of the evening and portions of the community without power for a while.

Pinion Pine firefighters responded to a brush fires about 40 miles east of Kingman yesterday around 3 pm which was started by lightning. 1 engine and 1 chief officer responded to the area of mile marker 88 on Interstate 40 and located a small fire roughly 1/4 mile south of the freeway. Crews were able to contain the fire to a tenth of an acre.

As the weather moved west, lightning traveled through the Pinion Pine Fire District into the City of Kingman causing power outages in Kingman and the Blake Ranch area. The cell continued to move west into Golden Valley where lightning started two brush fires and is believed to have started an outbuilding fire and is being investigated by the Golden Valley Fire District.

Lightning as it passed through the Pinion Pine Fire District

Lightning over the City of Kingman

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Firefighter Beau Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Vehicle Accident with Fire

Interstate 40 -

On August 8, 2013 around 10:25 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a reported vehicle fire on Interstate 40 eastbound near the 63 mile marker which brought the response of two engines and a Chief Officer. E511 was the first unit on scene to find a semi on the shoulder with heavy damage to the rear of the trailer and a second semi in the median with the cab fully involved. Crew deployed a CAFS attack line and suppressed the fire, keeping it from extending to the load in the trailer. The driver of the second vehicle was transported by ground to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries. The accident was caused when a tractor trailer struck the rear of another tractor trailer for an unknown reason, causing it to slide into the median where it later caught on fire. The incident is being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. Due to the amount of debris on the roadway, traffic was reduced to the shoulder for approximately 3 hours.

 

 

 

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

 

Article and Photos by Lt. Ron Hood, PPFD



Raymond Family Benefit Boot Drive

Benefit Boot Drive -

On July 25, 2013, Pinion Pine firefighters in cooperation with Kim Huffer, Brooke Huffer, Rorie Nelson and the Loves Corporation began a benefit boot drive for the Raymond family to assist with funeral expenses. On Sunday, July 21, 2013 the Raymond family was devastated with the loss of 17 year old son Cody Raymond. Cody was struck from behind by an impaired driver causing him to roll in the median and later succumbed to the injuries he received. The next day, arrangements were made and approved by the Loves Corporation to hold a 3 day benefit boot drive to accept donations for the Raymond family. As we all know, every penny helps but that wasn't enough for us, we wanted a goal, and that goal was $2,000.

 

From left to right back row: Lt. Ron Hood, Engineer Ken Milner, Firefighter Neal Raines, Firefighter Robert
Murphy. Brooke Huffer, Capt. Gail Jackson, Chief Joe Jackson, Kimberly Huffer.
 Front row: Firefighter Heath Markley, Firefighter James Bevins. Not pictured: Firefighter Beau Jackson,
Engineer Duane Dodds, Rorie Nelson

On July 27, the boot drive ended and the stacks were added up, the outpouring of generous donations was amazing, some donating the last of their change in their pockets to a donation of $150. These were people within our community, visitors to our community from other states and even visitors to our community from outside of the United States. Although every donation was thanked, we would like to say Thank You one more time to everyone that donated and a big Thank You to the Loves Corporation for allowing us to use their facilities and employees in helping us raise $3,068 for the Raymond family, far exceeding our goal of $2,000.

Article by: Lt. Ron Hood
Photo by: Paramedic Jen Ottenschot

Afternoon Vehicle Rollover

Highway 93 -

On July 27, 2013 at 1:07 pm Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a motor vehicle rollover with entrapment on Highway 93, near mile marker 105. This brought the response of 1 engine and 1 Chief Officer. Units arrived on scene to find a passenger car that had rolled in the median, resting on its roof with moderate damage. Crews learned that the driver and only occupant was self extricated from the vehicle. Crews provided care and packaged the patient for transport. The patient was transported by ground to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries.

 

Fire and EMS crews packaging the patient for transport.



The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. Fire and EMS personnel were on scene for approximately half an hour with lane restrictions on the northbound high speed lane.

Article by: Lt. Ron Hood
Photo by: Capt. Gail Jackson

Fundraiser For Local Teen Killed in Auto Accident

On Sunday night, July 21, 2013, 17 year old Cody Raymond was killed on Highway 66 near Thompson Rd when the vehicle he was driving was struck in the rear at a high rate of speed by an intoxicated driver causing Cody's vehicle to roll in the median. Cody was to graduate high school in the spring of 2014 and participated in college courses, studying to be a welder.

 

Pinion Pine Firefighters will be holding a boot drive at the Loves Truck Stop (exit 59 on Interstate 40) tomorrow July 25, 2013 from 9 am to 3 pm to raise money for the Raymond family to help in funeral arrangements. All donations are appreciated.

 



View Larger Map

 

 

Article by Lt. Ron Hood



Morning Vehicle Accident

On July 21, 2013 at 8:13 am. Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a motor vehicle rollover on Interstate 40 near the 81 mile marker westbound which brought the response of 1 Engine and 1 Chief Officer. Engine 526 and Batt. 5 arrived on scene to a single vehicle that rolled on the shoulder resting upright and sustained moderate damage with the sole occupant self extricated. Crews assessed the patient and took immobilization precautions. AMR arrived on scene, the patient was packaged and transported to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. The accident caused no lane restrictions or traffic flow issues.

Article by Lt. Ron Hood
Photos by Firefighter Heath Markley

Fatality Accident on Highway 93

Wikieup, Az -

On the morning of July 7, 2013 at 7:54 am, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to Highway 93 south near mile marker 124 for a reported motorcycle vs. semi which brought the response of one Chief Officer and one Engine. While in route, updated information was received that bystander CPR was in progress. Units arrived on scene to find a semi over turned on the side of the road and pickup truck with heavy damage to the rear of the vehicle with a motorcycle next to it. The patient at this time was deceased. Crews checked all other individuals involved with the accident, one being transported to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries. Upon further investigation, the motorcycle rider was not directly involved in the accident and the driver of the pickup which was rear ended by the semi was ejected from the vehicle. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. Crews were on scene for approximately half an hour and the roadway was restricted to the median for roughly 2 hours.

 

Article By Lt. Ron Hood

Photos By Firefighter Mike Schmidt



Interstate 40 Fatality

District 52 -

On July 6, 2013 at 11:52 am, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to Interstate 40 at the 61 mile marker westbound for a reported motor vehicle rollover which brought the response of a Chief Officer, 2 Engines and a Rescue totaling 8 personnel. Units arrived on scene to find a vehicle on its roof in the slow lane with heavy damage. Upon investigation, both occupants inside the vehicle were deceased and needed to be extricated from the vehicle. Firefighters deployed extrication tools from Rescue 525 and began operations. The extrication took approximately 1 hour to complete and traffic was  reduced to the high speed shoulder for roughly 2 hours. The cause of the accident is unknown and is being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.



 

 

Article By Lt. Ron Hood

Photos By Capt. Gail Jackson

 

 



Busy Afternoon for Pinion Pine Firefighters

Pinion Pine firefighters had a busy day June 29, 2013 beginning around 2 pm. At 1:57 pm, the first alarm in a series of 6 major incidents was received for a brush fire on Interstate 40 near mile marker 94 which brought the response of Brush 526 and Chief 501. While in route, Chief 501 spotted a second fire along Interstate 40 near the Willow Creek off ramp (Exit 87) and requested the response of Engine 523. Units arrived at both locations and suppressed the fires, holding them to a tenth of an acre.

Shortly after the units returned to quarters, at 5 pm, Chief 501 and Engine 523 were dispatched to the area of mile marker 71 on Interstate 40 for yet another brush fire. Crews were met by a homeowner who led them to the fire which was approximately 1 mile north of the Highway 93 junction. Crews arrived on scene to find a power pole that had been struck by lightning and sparked a quarter acre brush fire. Firefighters secured the scene and waited for the electric company to arrive and disconnect the power from the live pole.  Crews remained on scene for roughly one hour while mop up was completed. During this time, Engine 516 and Engine 526 received an alarm for a reported brush fire on Interstate 40 near D W Ranch Rd (exit 59) but were unable to locate a fire.

Crews wait for the arrival of the power company

While returning to quarters, Engine 523 received yet another alarm for a reported brush fire 4-5 miles south of Interstate 40 near mile marker 95. Once in the area, the crew noticed some smoke 10 miles south of the Interstate. Engine 523 made access at Jolly Rd (exit 102) and began working their way to the fire when further updates were received that a local rancher in the area was conducting a controlled burn. Engine 523 was canceled by State Fire and cleared the scene.

Once again, while Engine 523 was returning to quarters, E511, Chief 501 and Engine 523 received an alarm at 10 pm for a tractor trailer with smoke coming from the motor compartment and trailer brakes at the Loves Truck Stop near the fuel island. Chief 501 and Engine 511 arrived on scene to find that the vehicle had already been extinguished by store personnel. An attack line was pulled and the vehicle was further cooled off. Engine 511 crew used a thermal imaging camera to thoroughly check the vehicle for any additional heat. Units were on scene for 30 minutes and minimal damage was done to the tractor trailer.

Article and Photo By Lt. Ron Hood

Vehicle Fire Brings Multi-Agency Response

Interstate 40 -

On June 6, 2013 at 2:01 pm,  Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to Interstate 40 westbound at the 62 mile marker for multiple reports of a vehicle on fire. Initial reports came in to alarm of a vehicle smoking near mile marker 55 which brought the response of Kingman E221 and Batt. 2. As more reports came in, the incident was upgraded to mile marker 62 with the vehicle fully involved, E221 canceled while Batt. 2 continued. The updated information brought the response of Pinion Pine E511, E523 and C501. First units on scene found a fully involved passenger car on the shoulder that had sparked a vegetation fire in grass and brush with a rapid rate of spread which prompted the response of Kingman B246 and Pinion Pine E521 and B526R.

 

Fire crews were able to stop the forward progress of the brush fire near a culvert holding the fire at 1 acre . E511 deployed an 1 1/2 CAFS attack line and began suppressing the vehicle fire. Unfortunatly, the vehicle was a total loss. Crews remained on scene for approximately 2 hours while mop up operations were completed. Traffic was reduced to the fast lane of westbound traffic for roughly an hour and a half while fire crews actively worked on the shoulder. No injuries were reported and the cause of the vehicle fire was undetermined.

Firefighters Heath Markley, Mike Schmidt and
 Neal Raines mopping up a 30x30 spot fire.

View Larger Map

Photos and Article by Lt. Ron Hood

Evening Tractor Trailer Fire

Blake Ranch -

On the evening of June 5, 2013 around 8:15 pm, E511 and C501 were dispatched to the Petro Truck Center for a tractor trailer on fire in front of the fuel island. E511 arrived on scene to find the tractor portion of the semi fully involved. Fire personnel deployed an 1 3/4 CAFS attack line and began suppression.

Crews made a quick knockdown and the fire was stopped before extension was made into the trailer. Fire crews were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours. The Petro Truck Center was initially evacuated but was later reopened to the public. During the incident, traffic on Nellie Dr. was not altered and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown, although the driver stated he had a drop in oil pressure just before the vehicle ignited.

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson
Article by Lt. Ron Hood

Crews Respond to Vegetation Fire on Interstate 40

Interstate 40 -

At 1:30 on June 3, 2013, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a small brush fire on Interstate 40 near Blake Ranch Rd. Upon the arrival of E523 and C501, crews found a 1 acre fire in the median just east of Blake Ranch Rd in light grasses and brush being fueled by 15 MPH winds. Crews began cutting line and suppressing the fire when it jumped the westbound lanes of travel into the gore zone.

 

The fire shortly after it spotted across
westbound traffic into the gore zone



At this time B516 was dispatched and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol was notified for traffic control due to resources on both side of the Interstate and smoke blowing across the roadway. ADOT water tenders arrived on scene and also began suppressing the fire utilizing their spray bars and side discharges. E516 arrived and began cutting line around the northwest corner, preventing it from crossing the exit into an area with multiple structures.

 

 

Crews were on scene for approximately 4 hours and the westbound Blake Ranch Rd exit was closed for roughly 1 hour. The cause of the fire is unknown and no injuries were reported. A major factor in fire spread was due to high temperatures, high winds and low fuel moisture's in light flashy fuels and although resources were on scene in 10 minutes, this fire rapidly grew to 3.25 acres before forward progress was stopped.

Firefighters Mike Schmidt and Heath Markley successfully
 stop the forward progress of the fire



 

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Photos by Captain Gail Jackson

Article by Lt. Ron Hood