Commercial Vehicle Fire

Interstate 40 - 

On Saturday, October 27th at 6:45 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to a commercial vehicle fire on Interstate 40 at the 64 mile marker westbound which brought the response of Rescue Squad 51, Engine 511 and Engine 521.

Smoke showing

SQ 51 was the first arriving unit with a fully involved semi trailer and 1/4 vegetation fire. SQ 51 deployed an a wildland pre-connect and stopped the forward progress of the vegetation fire. E511 and E521 arrived on scene and deployed 1-3/4 CAFS pre-connects and obtained a quick knock down on the trailer, which was hauling plastic. Crew remained on scene and overhauled the trailer with the assistance of an ADOT front end loader.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported and one lane of travel was closed for roughly three hours while firefighters worked. The cause of the fire was undetermined.

Story By Battalion Chief Ron Hood | Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Return From the Topock Fire

Topock, Az - 

On April 6th, 2016, multiple local, state and federal resources were dispatched to the Topock Fire, burning on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge in mostly riparian fuels including salt cedar south of Topock, Az. The fire which started around 4 AM, quickly grew to 25 acres pushing the fire south from the New South Dike rd and jumped the Colorado River. Orders began to come in around 10 AM as the fire was threatening both Pirates Cove and the Topock Marina. E511 (PNP), A125 (GOV), E1102 (BUK), E3661 (CRD), E2 (GOL), B84 (MOV), Batt. 9 (FMM) and miscellaneous overhead were the first arriving units to a rapidly expanding fire.

Fire activity upon E511's arrival

 
E511, E1102 and E2 were assigned to structure protection at the Topock Marina under Battalion 9 where firefighters triaged the marina and adjacent mobile home park. Multiple helicopters and fire boats began suppressing the fire while engines held the South Dike Rd, working into the evening.

Wind shift begins on division Alpha as seen from the Topock Marina

Fire intensity begins to pick up as wind and fuels allign

Around 9:30 PM, hand crews and engines began a firing operation when am unexpected wind shift occurred, aligning with fuels and the fire made a push towards the Topock Marina. E511 was placed placed at the marina and firefighters deployed a hose lay around the marina while E1102 began prepping the mobile home park and securing the utilities. Firefighters began a firing operation from a fire boat on the north side of the marina which was successful. E511 continued to work on the fire for the next 2 days, assisting hand crews with mopping up the fire perimeter along the New South Dike rd. On April 8th, the fire received much needed rain fall and E511 was released from the incident later that evening. The fire acreage recorded was 2,200 acres.

The fire making a push towards the marina

Firing operation on the north side of the marina to remove the fuels in front of the fire front

Story and Photos by Fire Captain Ron Hood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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



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 Make Quick Work of Semi Fire

Blake Ranch -

On May 23, 2013 at 8 pm, E511 and C501 received an alarm for a tractor trailer on fire at the Blue Beacon truck wash with explosions and structure threat. C501 arrived on scene to find a fully involved tractor trailer inside bay number two. E511 arrived and deployed an 1 3/4 CAFS attack line and quickly knocked the fire down. Paramedics on scene checked the driver for any injuries with none reported. Crews were on scene for approximately 2 hours while overhaul was completed. The tractor was a total loss but extension to the trailer was stopped.

 



The truck wash is closed until engineers inspect the building for any critical damage or failures in the ceiling. No injuries were reported during the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and damage costs to the structure are under investigation.

 

Article by Lt. Ron Hood

Photos by Firefighter Neal Raines

Pinion Pine Firefighters Extinguish Motor Fire

Blake Ranch -

On May 16, 2013 around 5:30 PM, E511 and C501 were dispatched to the Petro Truck Center for a reported SUV on fire in the parking lot. C501 arrived on scene to find Petro employees had already knocked the fire down with extinguishers but the motor was still smoldering. Firefighters deployed a CAFS attack line and completely suppressed the fire. Upon investigation, it was determined a cut wire behind the motor was arching against the vehicle frame. Firefighters removed the battery cables and advised the owner of the wire failure.

Firefighters Heath Markley and Neal Raines pictured above shortly after the
fire was extinguished.

 

Shortly after units were placed back in service, E511 was dispatched back to the location for a possible rekindle. Upon arrival, firefighters found the SUV out of the parking space being towed by another vehicle. The owner stated he "placed the cables back on the battery to roll up the windows" which activated the fuel pump and power to the exposed wire which reignited the motor. Firefighters again suppressed the fire and cut the battery cables. Units were on scene for approximately one hour and no injuries were reported.

 

 

Article by Lt. Ron Hood

Photo by Capt. Gail Jackson