12/21/2008: "Orcas Fire & Rescue Kept Busy"

By Max Jones

December 10 to the 18th was a very business week for Orcas Fire and Rescue. It began with an assist for transport by the Sheriff’s boat the Guardian for early child labor call
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Fire then responded to down wires at the base of Flaherty’s hill. Eastsound Station responded with both Rescue and Engine then requested a response from the Eastside to keep traffic away from the safety hazard. The road was blocked for over an hour while Opalco worked to correct the problem.

Sunday night all-hands responded to a large structure fire past Spring Point. Firefighters battled a stubborn crawl space fire as it spread throughout the 3-story structure. It was finally contained before dawn but overhaul and getting apparatus back into service continued for an additional 6 hours. The Fire Marshal determined the fire was caused by an electrical problem ( Letter from Fire Marshal on this action). The structure suffered minimal damage.

The extreme cold created 2 citizen assists as well as a welfare check at a home. A residential alarm was activated by construction and aid responded to a medical issue. As the weather worsened, AirLift Northwest was grounded. One chest pain and a critical heart issue were transported by Sheriff’s boat. And a serious trauma was airlifted by the Coast Guard to Seattle.

Winter weather can be very hazardous, even for emergency vehicles. And, although the main roads may be clear, side roads, driveways and private roads require chains. Fire engines and aid units must travel slowly when chained up, increasing the time it takes to get to the emergency. Trees and brush along access routes can lean or break with the high winds and snow. This can slow or even prevent our large, heavy vehicles from reaching the scene. Help us help you. Insure responders can see your road signs and address numbers, even in bad weather. Keep your driveway clearance at least 12 x 12 feet when possible. Have emergency supplies on hand like a basic first ad kit, working flashlight and smoke alarm, extra warm clothing or blankets plus water and food for at least a few days.

( S. Max Jones is a Captain in the Orcas Island Fire Department)