Multi-Agency Rescue

Hualapai Mtn Rd / Lazy Y U -

On April 24, 2016 at 2:41 pm, firefighters from Station 51 received an alarm for an ATV accident near mile marker 5 on Hualapai Mtn Rd. Brush 516 and Batt. 5 arrived on scene with MCSO to find a male walking around his ATV with visible injuries. The patient advised his wife was still approximately 1.5 miles up the trail near the peak with a possible back injury. Brush 516 EMT took patient care of the male, while Batt. 5 made his way to the second patient with Mohave County Search and Rescue. B516 Captain established Lazy Y U Command and DPS Ranger 42 was requested out of Flagstaff, Az for a potential short haul operation. MCSO Sam 45 arrived on scene and Unified Command was established for the incident.

Batt. 5 made contact with the patient and confirmed short haul would be needed to remove the patient off the mountain. Batt. 5 provided patient care with AMR Paramedic and began packaging the patient for short haul out to Haluapai Mtn Rd. After a short flight, Ranger 42 had the patient on the ground on where she was transported by ground to Kingman Regional Medical Center in stable condition. The entire incident took roughly 3 hours and no other injuries were reported.

Story by Captain Ron Hood / Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos/Video by Engineer Chris Shaffer, Captain Ron Hood  / Pinion Pine Fire District

Structure Fire

On April 23, 2016 at 6:24 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to the area north of Loves Truck Stop for reported smoke in the area. Engine 521 and Brush 516 responded from Fire Station 52 with smoke showing. Engine 521 arrived on scene on E. Early Circle to find an outbuilding on fire which had extended into a stack of hay bales with no immediate exposures threatened. Crews pulled an 1-3/4 attack line and had the fire under control in roughly 7 minutes. Firefighters spent the next hour and a half overhauling the roughly 30 hay bales and outbuilding. Upon our arrival, the home owners had just arrived home to find their shed and hay burning and began suppressing the fire.

Although we do not advise homeowners to take action on their fires, we understand your valuables are at risk and we applaud the quick actions in preventing this fire from extending into the vegetation when winds were blowing roughly 20 miles per hour. The cause of the fire was undetermined and caused roughly $10,000 of damage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



 

View Larger Map

 

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson

Article by Lt. Ron Hood

Vegetation Fire Brings Multi-Agency Response

Lazy Y U -

On May 25, 2013 around 3:15 pm, Kingman Alarm received reports of a brushfire near milepost 4 on Hualapai Mountain rd near the camping area. This brought the response of:

• Kingman E241, B246 and Batt. 2
• Pinion Pine E523, B516 and C501
• BLM E3330

Units arrived in the area with a half acre brush fire in a drainage north of Hualapai Mountain rd near a recreation area. Resources began suppressing the fire and were able to contain it quickly. Command was passed over to BLM and fire department resources cleared the scene. Last year, this same area fueled a 6 acre brushfire that was started from individuals discharging fire arms. This fire was also started this way. The area is a popular target practice area just east of the city limits and also a popular camping area which makes it ideal. The downfall is this area is also very dry with light flashy fuels which means fire starts easy and spreads rapidly.

Firefighters from E523 and B516 gather after completing mop up.

Although there are currently no restrictions on BLM lands regarding discharging fire arms, we encourage the community to wait until reasonable conditions exist. The Hualapai Mountains are a critical fire zone for the 2013 season and hot, dry, windy days like this day are all it takes to fuel an aggressive brush fire.

 

Photo and Article by Lt. Ron Hood

Crews Respond to Vegetation Fire

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

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

 

Photo Submitted by Engineer Ron Hood

UTV Accident Sends Two to the Hospital

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

Units Respond to Multiple Brushfires

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

Brush Fire Brings Mutual Aid Response

Slaughterhouse Incident:

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

Photo taken by Herberta Schroeder

Photo taken by Herberta Schroeder

Firearms Spark 4.5 Acre Brushfire

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



Single trees torching as the fire moves up the drainage

 

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

Chief Jackson and Firefighter Chris Braudaway cutting fireline

Evening Accident on Interstate 40

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

Article Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ron Hood

Photo Submitted by Engineer/EMT Ken Milner