Incident #10-0094181
Structure Fire
517 South Sharon Amity Road
1:47 am
February 9th, 2010

On Tuesday February 9th, 2010 at 1:47 am (13) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (7) Engines, (2) Ladders, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (3) Battalion Chiefs, and members of the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force were called to service for a report of a structure fire at 517 South Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte Behavior Health Associates.

Firefighters from nearby Station 14 arrived at 1:51 am and reported heavy smoke showing from a 12,000 square foot 1-story commercial building. The officer assigned to Engine 14 declared a working fire and established command.  As additional fire crews arrived, a water supply was established from a nearby fire hydrant to supply numerous hoselines deployed to extinguish the fire. Other fire crews searched the building, but found no one inside. The structure was sectioned off into many different rooms and finding the seat of the fire proved to be challenging. Because of heavy fire conditions on the roof, the aerial device of Ladder 16 was utilized to contain this well-entrenched fire.

A 2nd Alarm was transmitted at 2:00 am bringing an additional (3) Engine Companies, (1) Ladder Company, and Battalion Chief. Forty-eight (48) firefighters were called to bring this fire under control in 68 minutes. The origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation and officials have placed damage estimates at $350,000. No injuries were reported.

 
Submitted by:

Rob Brisley | Spokesman

Office of Public Affairs

Go to http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm for all your CFD News and Information

Incident # 10-0090110
3024 E. Independence Boulevard
2nd Alarm Structure Fire
January 30, 2010
12:15 pm


On January 30th, 2010 at 12:15 pm (16) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (9) Engine Companies, (4) Ladder Companies, (1) Heavy Rescue, (4) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators, were called to service for a report of a fire in a high-rise hotel at Golden Green Hotel located at 3024 E. Independence Boulevard. Firefighters from nearby Station 8 arrived at 12:19 pm and reported nothing showing from the ‘A’ division of this 8-story structure, but an evacuation was in progress. Ladder 1 arrived and reported heavy smoke showing from a 2nd floor window in the ‘C’ division (rear) of the structure.

A 2nd Alarm was transmitted bringing an additional (4) Engines, (2) Ladders, and (2) Battalion Chiefs. Engine 1 arrived and established a water supply from a nearby fire hydrant and hooked into the standpipe system. Teams of firefighters deployed hoselines and were given the task of extinguishing the fire, while others were given the task of searching the hotel to ensure everyone was evacuated safely. Utilizing hoselines that were stretched to the fire floor, firefighters were able to knockdown the fire and confine it to the room of origin.

Sixty-one (61) Firefighters were called to bring this hotel fire under control in 30 minutes. Fire investigators determined the fire began in a second floor room and was caused by a child playing with a lighter. Damage was estimated at $20,000. There were no injuries to report.


Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | PIO
Office of Public Affairs

Go to http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm for all your CFD News and Information

Incident # 10-0089464
9839 South Tryon St
Traffic Collision with Rescue
January 29, 2010
1:11am

On January 29th, 2010 at 1:11 am (6) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (2) Engine Companies, (1) Ladder Company, (1) Heavy Rescue, (1) Battalion Chief, and (1) Fire Investigator, were called to service for a report of a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of South Tryon Street and Westinghouse Boulevard. Firefighters from nearby Station 26 arrived at South Tryon Street and Nevada Boulevard at 1:13 am and found a Ford Explorer SUV with heavy flames showing from the entire engine compartment and a portion of the passenger compartment.

Engine 26 established Command and initiated both a fire attack and passenger search utilizing a 1 ¾ “ hoseline and water carried on the fire truck since the nearby fire hydrant had been sheared off at its base. During their search in heavy fire and smoke conditions, a lone male occupant was located in the driver’s area. After further assessment it was discovered that the driver was trapped in the vehicle by the dashboard and the crushed roof. The SUV struck a fire hydrant, a power pole, traveled approximately 150’, before landing and then rotating on its side. Ladder 26 arrived on scene shortly after Engine 26 and continued rescue efforts utilizing hydraulic rescue tools while members from Engine 26 provided fire protection in the event of a flash fire.

Upon the arrival of Battalion 5 and Rescue 10, command was transferred and the rescue effort was supplemented with the crew and tools of Rescue 10. Engine 37 was dispatched and given the assignment of establishing a landing zone (LZ) for MedCenter Air.

(18) Firefighters were needed to affect the rescue of the survivor who was quickly placed in MEDIC’s care, and moved to the LZ via a ground unit. The survivor was flown to Carolinas Medical Center-Main with life-threatening injuries and subsequently transported by air to the burn center in Chapel Hill.


Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Public Information Officer
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

Go to http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm for more CFD News & Information


On Sunday January 17th at 11:38 pm, (11) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (4) Engines, (3) Ladders, (2) Hazardous Materials Response Team, (3) water tankers, (2) Battalion Chief, and the Hazardous Materials Battalion Chief responded to a call for service at 6801 Freedom Drive. Firefighters from nearby Station #21 were first to arrive and reported a flash fire and gasoline leaking from the piping system on the property. Under direction of the Incident Commander, crews immediately set up foam operations using water supplied from a nearby hydrant. The application of foam applied on the product provided a blanket to suppress the vapors coming from the gasoline. (48) Firefighters needed 1-hour to control this hazardous material incident. Officials from Mecklenburg County Land Use & Environmental Services (LUESA) and Federal Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) were notified and responded to the scene. No injuries were associated with this incident.


Submitted by
Rob Brisley | Captain | PIO
Office of Public Affairs

Go to http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm for more CFD News & Information



Incident #10-0081832
Water Rescue
14420 Ballantyne Lakes Road
January 12, 2010
4:09 pm

On January 12, 2010 (8) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (2) Engine Companies, (1) Ladder Company, (1) Dive Unit, (2) Heavy Rescue Companies, and (2) Battalion Chiefs were called to service for reports of persons who had fallen through a frozen over pond. Firefighters from nearby Station #32 arrived at 4:14 pm and reported two adult males in a pond at a multi-use commercial and residential complex. Teams of firefighters deployed ground ladders and used rescue rope throw bags to pull the two men out of the frigid and partially frozen waters. Both men became stranded in the frigid water after successfully rescuing a 9-year-old girl who had fallen through the partially frozen pond after attempting to retrieve a ball. If not for the efforts of these two men and firefighters this incident may have had a tragic conclusion. The two adult males and girl were transported to an area emergency room for further treatment.

Fire Officials offer these tips for pond ice safety:

• Never assume the ice is safe.
• Never go out onto the ice to retrieve an animal or toy.
• Never attempt to walk or skate on an untested lake or pond.
• The only safe ice is at a rink.

Submitted By:
Mark Basnight | Spokesman
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

For updated information including photos go to: http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm


Incident #10-0079844

Structure Fire

9801 Emerald Point Drive

4:40 am

01/08/2010

On Friday January 8, 2010 at 4:40 am (22) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (8) Engine Companies, (4) Ladder Companies, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (3) Water Tankers, (3) Battalion Chiefs, and (3) Fire Investigators were called to service for reports of a structure fire at the Emerald Point Condominiums in Southwest Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station 38 were first to arrive and reported heavy fire and smoke showing from a 3rd floor unit at 9801 Emerald Point Drive. A working fire was declared and a 2nd alarm was transmitted bringing additional firefighters and apparatus to the scene. Firefighters used nearby fire hydrants to establish a water supply supporting multiple hoselines deployed in an effort to knockdown this well-entrenched fire and keep the flames from spreading. Firefighters from Engine 38 and Ladder 26 used a 40-foot ground ladder at the rear of the structure to rescue (2) female occupants trapped on the 3rd floor because their stairway was blocked by smoke and fire. (62) Firefighters were needed to knockdown the fire and bring it under control in 90 minutes, but not before the fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage. At least (9) units were damaged as a result of this fire displacing numerous residents. The Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to assist families displaced by this early morning fire. Fire Investigators determined that this fire was intentionally set and have made an arrest. Stephen Anthony O’Brien has been taken into custody and charged with first-degree arson. There were no injuries associated with this incident.

Submitted by:
Rob Brisley | Captain | PIO Charlotte Fire Department Office of Public Affairs

For more CFD News & Information go to: http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm

Incident #10-0078555
Structure Fire
929 Cantwell Street
11:36 am
01/05/2010

On Tuesday January 5, 2010, (10) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (4) Engines, (1) Ladder, (1) Heavy Rescue, (2) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators responded to reports of a structure fire at 929 Cantwell Street. Firefighters from nearby Station #13 arrived at 11:41 am and reported flames and smoke showing from the 1st floor of a 2-story apartment building. Firefighters found the lone male occupant in the front yard apparently suffering from burns he sustained as a result of this fire. Firefighters and EMS personnel (Medic) treated the homeowner for his injuries and he was transported to Carolinas Medical Center with potentially life-threatening injuries; no other injuries were reported. Firefighters used water from a nearby fire hydrant to establish a water supply and support hoselines they deployed, while other teams of firefighters searched the structure and determined that no one else was home at the time of this incident. Fire Investigators say the fire started in the living room area and determined the cause was accidental. (23) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in 11 minutes, but not before the fire caused an estimated $15,000 in damage.


Submitted by:
Rob Brisley | Captain | PIO
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

CFD Homepage: http://www.charlottefire.org
CFD News blog:  http://www.charlottefire.org/infromation.htm

For more CFD News & Information go to: http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm

Incident #10-0077821
Haz-Mat/Carbon Monoxide Exposure
212 Tyvola Drive, Unit #4, Yorktown Apartments
01/03/2010
6:23 pm


On Sunday January 3rd at 6:23 pm, (6) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (3) Engines, (1) Ladder, (1) Hazardous Materials Response Team, and (1) Battalion Chief responded to a report of smoke in building at 212 Tyvola Drive in South Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station #12 were first to arrive at 6:27 pm and were greeted by an occupant of the apartment building who stated his carbon monoxide alarm had sounded and he could smell smoke coming from the apartment below him. Upon further investigation, firefighters forced entry into unit #4 and found a family of four, (1) female adult and (3) children ages 10 years old and younger semi-conscious and exhibiting the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Unable to self-evacuate, firefighters carried the four patients outdoors. Firefighters determined the carbon monoxide in parts of the structure had reached dangerous and potentially life-threatening levels. The family of four was transported to Carolinas Medical Center in serious condition. The cause of the carbon monoxide exposure was determined to be a charcoal grill being used indoors to cook food.

Charlotte Fire Officials would like to caution the community at large to:

STAY WARM, BUT STAY SAFE, AND STAY ALIVE!

• Don’t use cooking appliances such as stoves/ovens, charcoal or gas grills, to heat your home. Using
  charcoal or gas grills indoors will produce deadly amounts of carbon monoxide.

• Leaving your vehicle running in a garage will produce deadly amounts of carbon monoxide.

• Always have a working smoke & carbon monoxide alarm in your home.


Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Captain | PIO
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

CFD Homepage: http://www.charlottefire.org
CFD News Blog:  http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm

For updated information including video go to: http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm 

Incident #10-0077060
Structure Fire
5151 Beckford Drive
01/01/2010
6:22 am

On Friday January 1st, 2010 (18) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (7) Engines, (2) Ladders, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (1) Deputy Chief, (3) Battalion Chiefs, and (4) Fire Investigators were called to service for a report of a structure fire at 5151 Beckford Drive. Firefighters from nearby Station 16 arrived at 6:28 am and reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor and roof of a large 2-story home. The officer assigned to Engine 16 declared a working fire and established command. A 2nd Alarm was transmitted at 6:30 am requesting additional fire companies.

The crew of Engine 16 deployed and advanced an 1 ¾” hoseline to the second floor of this approximately 4000 square foot structure where they encountered heavy fire conditions. Engine 19 was the second engine company to arrive on scene and established a water supply utilizing a nearby fire hydrant. The crewmembers of Rescue 3 and Engine 19 advanced a second hoseline (2 ½”) to engage the fire which was now well entrenched on the 2nd floor and in the attic space. Firefighters from Engine 39 made their way to the rear of the home and rescued a small dog from the screened-in-porch with significant burns. The dog was taken to an area Veterinary Clinic for treatment.

Firefighters were forced to exit the structure and revert to defensive tactics after a partial roof collapse and the structural integrity of the home was in question. The aerial device from Ladder 16 was deployed and additional hoselines were stretched to protect exposures in Divisions B & D. A total of (45) firefighters were called to bring this fire under control in 1 hour and 6 minutes. There were no injuries reported to the lone occupant or firefighters. Fire Investigators say the fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage, but the origin and cause remains under investigation. The Red Cross responded to the scene and assisted the lone occupant in procuring temporary housing.

Submitted by:
Mark Basnight | Captain | Spokesman
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

CFD Homepage: http://www.charlottefire.org
CFD News Blog:  http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm

For updated information including video and photos go to:
http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm


On Wednesday morning, 12/23/09 at 1:21 am, (11) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (4) Engines, (1) Ladder, (1) Heavy Rescue, (2) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators were called to service for a reported structure fire at 5311 Greenbrook Drive in East Charlotte. Firefighters from Station 23 were first to arrive at 1:27 am and reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the side of a 1-story duplex.

The fire crew assigned to Engine 23 gained access to the burning unit by climbing through a window to search for the lone occupant who was reported home when the fire broke out. Within minutes of searching the burning home, firefighters located a male victim who was quickly removed to the front yard where CPR and resuscitation efforts began. Firefighters found the occupant lying on a couch in the living room of the burning duplex. Additional fire crews on scene deployed and advanced hoselines to attack this fire while other teams of firefighters provided ventilation to allow heat, smoke, and super-heated gases to escape. The occupant identified as 51-year-old Kelly Wayne Sipes was transported to Carolinas Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. One adult from the next-door unit was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

(27) Firefighters were called to bring this incident under control in 12 minutes. The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force worked on scene throughout the night to determine the fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking unattended on the stove. The fire, which caused extensive damage to this structure, was estimated at $70,000.


Submitted by:
Rob Brisley | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

Mark Basnight | Captain
Office of Public Affairs
Contributor

CFD Homepage: http://www.charlottefire.org
CFD News & Information blog: http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm

For more CFD News & Information go to: http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm

Incident #10-0073364
Structure Fire
5620 Flagstaff Drive
12/22/09
11:35 am

At 11:35 am on Tuesday (9) units from the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) including (4) Engines, (1) Ladder, (1) Heavy Rescue, (2) Battalion Chiefs, and (1) Fire Investigator responded to reports of a fire at the Yorktown Apartments located at 5620 Flagstaff Drive. Firefighters from nearby Station #12 were first to arrive at 11:35 am and reported heavy smoke showing from the 2nd floor of a two-story apartment building.

Firefighters quickly deployed hoselines into the fire apartment and knocked down the fire while other teams of firefighters searched the building and provided ventilation to allow heat, smoke, and super-heated gases to escape. Twenty-three firefighters were needed to bring the apartment fire under control in 13 minutes. The family which occupied the apartment unit where the fire began were away from home at the time of the fire, but returned to find that firefighters were able to save the majority of their Christmas presents.

Fire Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be electrical in nature resulting in an estimated $20,000 in damage. A total of two families were displaced and no one was injured. The American Red Cross (Carolinas Chapter) responded to assist those displaced and property management relocated the affected families to vacant units.

Submitted by:
Rob Brisley | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

Mark Basnight | Captain
Office of Public Affairs
Contributor

CFD Homepage: http://www.charlottefire.org

Incident#10-0071707
December 18, 2009
Structure Fire
7412 Rock Island Road
9:28 am


Friday morning at 9:28 am, (11) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (4) Engines, (1) Ladder, (1) Heavy Rescue, (3) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators were called to service for a house fire at 7412 Rock Island Road in Southwest Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station 38 were first to arrive and reported heavy smoke and flames issuing from the second floor and roof of an approximately 3000-3500 square foot2-story home. The fire crew assigned to Engine 38 deployed and advanced an 1 ¾“ hoseline to the second floor to attack this fire which was well entrenched in the attic space. Fire crews from Engine and Ladder 26 stretched an additional 1 ¾” hoseline and deployed the aerial device to the roof of the structure. Firefighters battled this blaze without pause until they were able to knockdown the bulk of the flames. Firefighters received reports of two cats inside the home and diligently searched for them. (1) Cat was rescued within minutes and the other was discovered sheltering under a piece of furniture after the fire was knocked down. (28) Firefighters were needed to bring this incident under control in (42) minutes. Fire Investigators have determined the fire began in an upstairs bedroom and was deemed accidental. The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in damage and displaced a family of two. There were no injuries to report.

Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

Incident #10-0071490
December 17, 2009
Structure Fire
5437 Albemarle Road, Sailboat Bay Apartments
5:02 pm

On Thursday evening December 17, (11) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (4) Engines, (1) Ladder, (1) Heavy Rescue, (1) Deputy Chief, (2) Battalion Chiefs, and (1) Training Officer responded to reports of an apartment fire at the Sailboat Bay Apartment complex located at 5437 Albemarle Road. A Battalion Chief was the first unit to arrive and reported a two-story apartment building with a first floor apartment heavily involved with fire and smoke issuing from a second floor apartment and attic. Fire crews assigned to Engine and Ladder 23 were next to arrive and were given assignments to engage in a fire attack and to search and provide ventilation. Firefighters assigned to Engine 3 deployed a hoseline and engaged in a firefight with this well entrenched fire. Firefighters assigned to Ladder 23 deployed their aerial device to the roof of the structure and cut a hole to allow heat, smoke, and super-heated gases to escape. Engine 3 was given the assignment to establish a water supply to a nearby fire hydrant and this assignment was carried out successfully. As the result of a well-coordinated fire attack, the fire was knocked down and confined to the first floor unit. (29) Firefighters were needed to bring this blaze under control in 14 minutes. The occupants of the fire apartment were home at the time of the fire, but escaped uninjured. Fire Investigators determined the fire began in a bedroom and was accidental. The occupants of two apartments have been displaced as a result of this fire. There were no injuries to report.

In Service,

Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Information

Report #121609-081

Incident #10-0070711

Structure Fire

December 16, 2009

3300 Dexter Street

12:44am

On Wednesday December 15^th at 12:44 am (10) units from the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) including (4) engines, (1) Ladder, (1) Heavy Rescue, (2) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators were dispatched to 3300 Dexter Street for a reported fire with entrapment. Engine 2 arrived on scene at 12:48 am and reported heavy smoke and fire issuing from a 1-story single family dwelling. This structure was a 900 to 1000 square feet 1950’s era home with an addition in the rear adding approximately 800 additional square feet. The crew from Engine 2 began stretching the first hoseline to attack this well entrenched fire, while the crew of Ladder 2 immediately began a primary search of the home. After the initial assignments consisting of deploying 300’ of supply line, two 1 ¾” attack lines placed, the primary search and vertical ventilation, command was assumed by the 1^st Battalion.

(27) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in 26 minutes, but not before the fire caused extensive damage resulting in displacing the occupants. Fire Investigators determined the fire originated in an exterior closet used as a laundry room and extended into the newer addition of the structure. The cause was determined to be a dryer in this room. There were approximately 10 occupants present in this home at the time of the fire who were alerted of the fire by a neighbor, of which (9) self-evacuated the structure prior to the arrival of CFD companies. If not for the actions of the neighbor, the outcome would have been different and may have been tragic. There were no reports of injuries from this incident.


Submitted By:


Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department


Kent Davis | Battalion Chief
Contributor

On December 13th, 2009 at 2:34 pm, (14) units from the Charlotte Fire Department were called to service for a building fire at 1100 Hawthorne Lane, the Barnhardt Manufacturing complex. Engine 64 from nearby Station #8 arrived quickly and reported a large commercial structure with heavy smoke showing. Battalion 1 arrived shortly thereafter and assumed command and transmitted a 2nd alarm at 2:41 pm. Initial assignments were made in which 800’ of 5” supply line was reverse laid and pumped from the hydrant, three 1 ¾” pre-connects and one 2 ½” apartment load were stretched to extinguish a large amount of cotton bales. In addition Ladders 1 and 4 combined their efforts to cut 15 vent holes in pre-designated fiberglass skylight panels while the crew from Engine 4 opened all exterior doors. These initial operations allowed for a quick knock down and control of the smoke conditions to a point where a control time was given and companies still in staging were released. Forty firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in 34 minutes. The fire was contained to the area of origin in a processing area located in the back building of the complex next to the rear entrance guard shack. The initial source of ignition was narrowed to a piece of machinery, which skims the top off of bulk material (much like a wood planer) and blows it through piping into bailers. This caused the material to ignite both in the bulk material and in multiple bailers causing large quantities of smoke to be generated throughout the building. The majority of damage caused by this fire was to content (machinery & product), there was minimal structure damage. At this point companies began removing materials with on site forklifts to a location in the parking lot. At this location overhaul was continued with the aerial device from Ladder 1 along with a hand line utilizing a foam eductor and surfactant kept on site. There were no injuries reported.

Respectfully submitted

Kent Davis, Battalion Chief
Mark Basnight, Captain
Charlotte Fire Department

3 Escape House Fire, 1 Injured


On Friday December 11, 2009 at 9:37 pm 10 units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (4) Engines, (1) Ladder, (1) Heavy Rescue, (2) Battalion Chiefs, and (2) Fire Investigators were called to service for a house fire at 2101 Vanderbilt Road. Engine 11 arrived on the scene at 9:39 pm and reported a working fire in a 1-story wood frame residential dwelling.

Fire crews from Engines 11 and 4 deployed hoselines while Ladder 4 split their crew to perform a primary search and ventilation. An injured civilian was located outside the home and Engine 7 provided patient care. Initial injury reports for the civilian were minor lacerations, but upon closer examination by EMS personnel, the injuries were found to be more extensive and the patient was transported to a nearby trauma center. Two occupants of the house had escaped without injury. (27) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in 14 minutes, but not before this fire caused an estimated $95,000 in damage.

Fire Investigators determined the fire began in a bedroom and the occupants attempted to extinguish the fire prior to calling 911. The occupants quickly realized that they would not be able to extinguish the fire as it began to spread throughout the bedroom. (2) Occupants exited the dwelling via the front doorway, and the other was forced to jump from a rear bedroom window. A working smoke alarm was credited to alerting the occupants of the fire. The injuries sustained by the one civilian were the only injuries noted; there were no injuries to firefighters. A total of (3) adults were displaced.

Fire Officials would like to remind the community-at-large that:

• A working smoke alarm is still one of the best insurance policy’s you could invest in.
• If you discover a fire in your home or business, get out and stay out.
• Plan and practice an escape route and designate a meeting place.


Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

Haz-Mat Response
3111 Central Avenue
Charlotte
Sunday, December 6, 2009
TIME: 4:06 am

On Monday December 7, 2009 at 4:06 am (2) units from the Charlotte Fire Department responded to a report of an unconscious patient at an apartment located at 3111 Central Avenue. Firefighters arrived quickly and were confronted with multiple occupants feeling lightheaded and complaining of headaches. Recognizing these symptoms could be related to elevated levels of carbon monoxide (CO), firefighters immediately began removing occupants from the apartment and used gas meters to detect the presence of CO. After monitoring the apartment firefighters found dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide levels.

All occupants were evacuated to ambulances for treatment. While firefighters continued their monitoring efforts they discovered elevated carbon monoxide levels in the adjacent second floor apartment, but levels in the two lower level apartments were within safe thresholds. The three residents of the adjacent second floor apartment were evacuated and treated on scene.

A faulty furnace was identified as the source of the CO in apartment C. Both affected apartments were ventilated and monitored until carbon monoxide levels decreased to acceptable levels. No other buildings in the complex were affected. The other three units were rendered safe and all residents were able to remain in those units.

• Fire Officials urge the community to have a working carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

• Check your carbon monoxide alarm on a regular basis.

• If your carbon monoxide sounds, get out of your home and dial 911

Respectfully,

Rob Brisley
Captain | Public Information Officer
Charlotte Fire Department

CFD Home Page: http://www.charlottefire.org
CFD News & Info: http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm

Structure Fire
1204 Ogden Place
Charlotte
Sunday, December 6, 2009
TIME: 4:58 am

House Fire Leaves One Injured

On Sunday December 6, 2009 at 4:58 am, (7) companies (3 Engines, 1, Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs) from the Charlotte Fire Department were dispatched to the report of a structure fire at 1204 Ogden Place. Firefighters from nearby Station #27 were first to arrive at 5:04 am and reported smoke showing from a two-story single-family dwelling. Ladder 27 also reported a fire victim outside of the home and requested EMS to respond. Engine 34 established a water supply using water from a nearby fire hydrant and assisted Engine 40 and Ladder 27 with fire attack. Engine 35 provided patient care for the victim who presented with smoke inhalation and minor burns. Engine 27 accessed the roof via portable ladders where they cut a hole to allow heat, smoke, and super-heated gases to escape assisting the firefighters inside to quickly knockdown the fire.

A primary search of the home was completed at 5:11 am, and a control time was declared at 5:27 am. The origin and cause of this fire remains under investigation. Damage is estimated at $75,000. There were no injuries to firefighters. There were no smoke alarms present in this home.

• Fire Officials would like to remind the community-at-large that a working smoke alarm is one of the
cheapest, but most valuable life insurance policies you can buy.

• Test your smoke alarm once a month.

• Plan an escape route and a meeting place in the event of a fire or other emergency in your home.


In Service,

Mark Basnight
Captain | Public Information Officer
Charlotte Fire Department

CFD Home Page: http://www.charlottefire.org
CFD News & Info: http://www.charlottefire.org/information.htm

House Fires Displace 3 Families Kills Family Pet


Charlotte Firefighters were busy Tuesday battling three residential structure fires with a common characteristic. The first call for service came in just after 9:30 am when firefighters were dispatched to a house on fire at 4826 Baywood Court in northeast Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station #34 arrived and reported smoke pouring from this 2-story home. (27) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in 17 minutes. The fire caused an estimated $35,000 in damage and left the family displaced. The fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking unattended. Firefighters were able to rescue the family dog and no injuries were reported.

While firefighters were preparing to go back to their stations firefighters were called at 10:35 am to service for a second reported house at 11429 Antebellum Drive in southwest Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station #26 were first to arrive and reported heavy smoke showing from a 1-story home. (27) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in just 18 minutes. This fire also began in the kitchen and the cause was determined to be food left cooking unattended. There were no injuries to report, but significant damage to this home left another family displaced.

After a short break in action, at 4:37 pm firefighters responded to a report of another house fire at 11935 Painted Tree Lane located off Carmel Road in south Charlotte. A Battalion Chief and firefighters from nearby Station #24 quickly arrived and reported heavy smoke and flames showing from this 2-story home. (27) Firefighters needed 38 minutes to control this fire in 38 minutes. Despite resuscitation efforts by firefighters the family dog perished as a result of smoke inhalation. The damage to this home was extensive and is estimated at over $100,000. This was the third fire of the day which began in the kitchen; left yet another family displaced, and caused by… you guessed it… food left cooking unattended.

Your Charlotte Fire Department would like to offer the community-at-large these cooking safety tips and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

• Avoid distractions when cooking
• Avoid cooking when you’re sleepy
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking

Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs

On Friday, November 27th at 1:50 pm, 14 companies from the Charlotte Fire Department including (5) Engine Companies, (1) Ladder Company, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (1) Hazardous Materials Response Company, (1) Urban Search and Rescue Company, (1) Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Company, and (3) Battalion Chiefs were called to service for a traffic collision with multiple passengers trapped at the intersection of Billy Graham Parkway and West Boulevard. The collision involved a City of Charlotte sanitation truck used to collect yard waste, which had overturned and struck a 4-door SUV trapping the occupants. Firefighters from nearby Station 17 were first to arrive and reported four occupants trapped in the passenger vehicle. Teams of firefighters were able to quickly free two of the four passengers trapped using various rescue tools and equipment, but continued to work feverishly for over an hour to free the other occupants. Despite their efforts one of the passengers of the SUV died on the scene. The other three occupants of the passenger vehicle were taken to an area hospital with significant injuries. The driver and one of the workers of the sanitation truck were transported to an area hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Mark Basnight | Captain
Charlotte Fire Department
Office of Public Affairs