OPEN HOUSE..... COME JOIN THE FUN!

Hello everyone, we'd like to invite you to an open house! it will be on Saturday, October 13 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM at West Valley City Fire station 74, 5545 west 3100 south.

Here is a schedule of events for the day...which are of course subject to change.

10:00 Flag Ceremony - presented by West Valley City Fire Department Honor Guard

11:00 Ladder demonstration. Watch the fire depertment members repel from 100 feet in the air

12:00 Meet members of the hazardous materials team. take a tour and see what it takes to work a "HAZ MAT" incident.

1:00 More fun with the truck company. Watch as members of our technical rescue team demonstrate using a rope system to bring a patient down from an elevated area.

2:00 Watch our Paramedics work a medical scene

3:00 See the Jaws of life up close and personal.

4:00 Meet Bisquit and Zach. Bisquit is our search and rescue dog, and Zach of course is his handler.

There will be many activities for the family. Weather permitting we'l have plenty of water to play with. Picture opportunities, and fun. We''ll have refreshments and plenty of stuff for the kids and grandkids. Dont miss it. Tell a friend....Heck Bring em along.

Thanks Fire Marshal Bob

Blues Brothers battle it out

Wether your a police officer or a fire fighter in West Valley City. It didn't really matter much last friday night. While both departments took different sides in an annual soft ball game, the players fans and other city employees had a different focus. We'll get to that in just a few moments, but first we'll let you know how the game went.
If the first inning was any sign of what was to come the fire department was in trouble. The police team batted through the order and built an eight point lead by the time the fire department got the obligatory three outs. Now with the chance for some offense the Fire Team  put four points on the board. Maybe this would turn out to be a game after all. After six full innings the P.D. was leading with a 20 to 12 score. Just as the Fire team members were taking the field to begin the top of the 7th, Chief Jeff Fox made the announcement that the guest of honor had arrived and was at the pavilion where a BBQ was to follow. With that message the Fire fighters put aside their pride and any hope of catching up to a very competitive PD roster. Both teams are competitive and probably would like to have kept playing until they were kicked off the field. But the hearts of these brave men and women were focused on something a bit higher than the battle on the field. It was on one family that is facing a much different battle. The family of Dave and Colleen Taylor.
Dave Taylor joined the West Valley City Fire Department in the late 80's. He had worked his way from Recruit fire fighter, fire fighter II, Senior firefighter, and Engineer. He became a paramedic for the City and worked on Ladder 75 out of station 75 on B platoon. Some time ago Dave had some medical problems that wouldn't allow him to drive the big rigs. After tests and other treatments Dave and Colleen got the news that he had a tumor on his brain. More tests and surgery revealed that it was cancerous. Dave and Colleen have faced the surgeries, treatments, and life changing events with courage, hope, and faith. On Aug 28 2012. Dave's benefit hours were expired. For any one that has more than 20 years in the retirement system you know that means long term disability, or in other words retirement. Its not the way any of us want to retire, but just one of those decisions that are made for us.
It takes abut 90 days for retirement benefits to kick in. So with that gap of income the Police and Fire fighters decided to make this years game not about bragging rights but about helping this family ease the burden they bare. If even just a little bit.
It was heart warming to see Dave and Colleen at the BBQ. They graciously spoke to everyone. I'm sure it wasn't an easy thing to do.
The Friendships and camaraderie that exist between West Valley fire and Police are unique. I cannot think of a better group of individuals that when they unite in a cause become a formidable force for good.
The group had a raffle to help raise funds to help the Taylors. We cannot begin to list all those that helped. If we did we'd miss someone and don't want to leave anyone out. So with that said we'll just say thank you to all of the sponsors, organizers and everyone involved. Through this collective effort, thousands were raised to help them ease some of the financial pressures. Just a drop in the bucket for all of the needs they have. but it is in the bucket. We were all touched as Dave took the microphone and expressed his gratitude. I know for me personally it was one of the most memorable friday nights I've had in a long long time.
The most valuable player goes of course to Dave and Colleen. Our thoughts, prayers, hope and faith are with the Taylors. Our thanks go to them for allowing us to share in this very personal experience. Thanks again to the wonderful Men ands Women we have a privilege to work side by side with.

God Bless!

Fire Marshal bob

An unfortunate farewell

West Valley City Firefighters ..... Fundraiser for Dave Taylor and family


One of our members, Dave Taylor, is being treated for a cancerous brain tumor.  He has endured numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments, as well as brain surgery to remove the tumor.  He has used all of his sick and vacation time and is now retiring after 25 years of serving the citizens of West Valley City.
Unfortunately this is not a fun retirement, as Dave is still receiving treatments and facing many battles while he fights his cancer.  His insurance and benefits are now ending and money is tight.  We are asking for your assistance in raising money to assist Dave and his family through this difficult time.
BBQ fundraiser and raffles after the softball game (West Valley City Fire vs. West Valley Police Dept).
Come and join us for the game, cheer on your team and help us in this cause for Dave and Colleen
September 14TH 2012 @ 5:00 PM
LOCATED AT CENTENNIAL PARK AT 5500 WEST 3100 SOUTH
Donations can be made at any Mountain America Credit Union by asking about the Engineer Dave Taylor Trust.
Any Questions contact:  Trevor McIntyre 801-462-1005 or Zack Hatch 801-518-2092  Please pass this on to friends and family.

Quick action by these individuals made a difference

On June 30th 2012 Medic Ambulance 74 was dispatched to a Cardiac Arrest/Possible chocking.  All other units in West Valley were on apartment fires on Dean Drive.  Medic Ambulance 74 was dispatched with South Salt Lake Engine 43.  Medic Ambulance arrived to find a 70’s year old female laying outside on the patio cyanotic, unconscious, breathing at a rate of 4 per minute.  Family had started the Heimlich maneuver and then patient went unconscious the family stared Chest Compressions.
Upon arrival Medic Ambulance 74 (Paramedic Hatch and Paramedic Fisher) realized the seriousness of the situation and knew that South Salt Lake was 10 minutes away.  The patient was laying on the ground breathing very slow. Medic 74 used the laryngoscope and the McGill forceps to try to remove the FBAO (foriegn body airway obstruction).  The patient’s family stated they were eating steak and the patient started to choke.  Upon visualizing the patients airway there was a large mass of food in the patient’s trachea.  The crew was able to remove a piece of bread from the airway but the patient gasped and the obstruction became further lodged.  Chest compression and abdominal thrusts were unsuccessful.  West Valley Police detective arrived and was summoned to get the ambulance gurney.
As the patient was loaded up by the crew South Salt Lake Engine 43 arrived and assisted in placing the patient inside Medic Ambulance 74.  South Salt Lake crew was very helpful in the success of this call.  They drove the ambulance to Pioneer Valley Hospital.  On the way to Pioneer Valley the crew members on Medic Ambulance 74 performed a surgical cricothyrotomy, after attempts to remove the airway obstruction.  This was the difference in the patient’s survival.  The staff at Pioneer Valley was surprised that a surgical airway was done and that there was such a large piece of steak in the throat.  There was no way possible to remove the object in the field.  The quick action by these crew members made a difference in this family’s life.
Pioneer Valley Hospital stated that the patient was recovering from surgery they had to place a tracheostomy in the patient but she was smiling and giving the family thumbs up. I wanted to personally thank Zackery Hatch and Cody Fisher for their work under very difficult and limited manpower situation


submitted by Engineer Curtis Harper

Sugar Beets, Fire Hydrants and Beehives

Hello everyone,
I hope that you're having a splendid summer! We recently had a house fire on Sugar Beet Drive. This fire has spawned a beehive of interest, controversy and mis-information. So I thought  I would take just a few moments to hopefully clarify and discuss some of the detail of this particular incident... at least that is my intention.



First, lets talk about the fire itself. Our department received the call just prior to 10:00 PM on July 17th. When crews arrived, the home was well involved in fire. The fire had extended from a deck at the rear of the home and into the home. Fire was venting from the front door, windows on both sides of the home and out of every opening on the rear of the home. The destruction and outcome of the fire was pretty much determined at that point. No matter what action the crews took or amount of water they had available would not have made much difference. The first crews arriving carried 500 gallons of water each. In general that is more than enough water to extinguish a normal "room and contents fire". But this fire had built to the extent that it was to the point of no return. When fire crews arrive we generally have three strategic options.
(1) Offensive, meaning we will put crews into the building and fight from a very aggressive standpoint. Fire fighters are willing to do this if the structure and contents can be saved and more importantly if there is a possibility of someone being inside.
 (2) Defensive, meaning that the risk of putting a firefighter inside is too great, and that the risk analysis is such that if anyone were inside the likelihood of their survival had past. We then fight from the exterior or from indirect attacks to get the fire to a point to move to the offensive strategy. We will always strive to protect the exposures which are other nearby buildings and property.
(3)  Investigation, meaning that whatever the reason for the call may not be completely obvious. Often you will hear the firefighters say something to the effect engine 1 has arrived, we have nothing showing and will be investigating, during the initial radio report.
The fire on Sugar Beet drive was marginal at best to be considered offensive. Once the firefighters learned that everyone was out safe and accounted for, (which we try to determine within the first minute of operations) it was an easy and intelligent decision for the incident commander to make the call for a defensive strategy.  Once crews arrive on the fire there are several things that are happening simultaneously. The company officer is completing a size up by trying to do a 360 degree walk around the scene. The engineer is working to set the engine up for pumping operations, pulling equipment for ventilation and being a second set of eyes for the company officer. The fire fighter is also getting tools ready and pulling a hose line ready to put into operation where the company officer directs. If were are lucky we may have another firefighter helping, but generally each fire rig only has a crew of three. Hopefully the ambulance crew will be there to assist. This was the case on the Sugar beet fire. Engine 72 was first to arrive with medic ambulance 72 in tow. It was decided that the crew would drop a supply line, and a fire fighter at the hydrant. They knew that the 500 gallons on board would probably knock the bulk of the fire down, but not completely extinguish it. Fortunately another engine was arriving about this time. This gave us more manpower and resources to surround and attack this fire. The firefighter at the hydrant soon realized that this hydrant was going to be difficult. The cap on the hydrant would not budge. Try as he might, it would not cooperate. With more than a few healthy whacks and i'm sure several expletives it would not open. In fact the wrench we use (which are quite robust and beefy) bent during the process. A task that usually takes three to five minutes had taken ten. the engines that were attacking the fire were getting dangerously low on "tank" water. Fortunately we were able to get the smaller caps off and use them to supply water. This allowed the crews to continue to fight this fire. We did take a second hydrant and had similar problems. While these issues are a great frustration and are cause for colorful language in the heat of battle, generally they don't effect the overall outcome. Firefighters by nature are problem solvers. They become the MacGyver of emergency services, not perfect, making mistakes along the way but almost always finding a solution.
The Question has been asked if this situation with the hydrant made the fire worse. It obviously did not help, but as I review what the initial crews faced when they arrived it did not impact the tactics, nor the outcome. It has also been asked, Why there was so much damage to the home when people were home at the time of the fire? Thats a little more difficult to answer. So I will try to give information and you can draw your own conclusions. We know that the fire started on the exterior of the home. There was a young lady in the family room on the main floor and two young men in the basement at the time the fire started outside. The young lady could smell smoke, she got up to see if she could see where it was coming from. She walked to what was the dining area and saw the fire on the outside of the home. She became excited and screamed. About this time the Smoke detectors activated. The two young men in the basement looked from a window well and could see the glow. They ran to the main floor , one went to the back door to see the fire, he opened the door and realized that was a mistake. He's not sure if he got it all the way closed before he ran to the front of the house and exited. The main floor was already filling with smoke. The second young man ran upstairs to a room to try and get some clothes and valuables. The Smoke was in chase and quickly filled the upstairs. He told me the next day that he couldn't see, and was coughing. He had the presence of mind to hold his breath and feel the wall trying to locate the window. Fortunately for everyone involved he found it and was able to get on the the roof and lower himself down. The family had a habit of leaving the windows open to let fresh air in. We believe that this helped the fire gain momentum. It is not known how long the fire had been burning on the outside of the home, but it was long enough to become a large fire before it was discovered. We also don't know how long before the 9-1-1 call was made. All of these may have contributed to this incident. the bottom line is this. No one was physically injured, and the fire did go out! The neighborhood has been a great assistance to the fire department but more importantly to their neighbors that had the fire!. Community can be a great thing. Its sad but sometimes tragedy brings out the best in us.  Thanks to all that helped.
Now lastly lets talk about the fire hydrants. It appears that part of the problem we had with these particular hydrants may be because of a painting issue. We cant say that for an absolute, but that does appear to be a contributing factor. Often time we have residents, scouts and so on ask if they can paint the hydrants. our answer is always consistent. West Valley City does not own the hydrants that supply the water. So we tell the people to call the company that sends them  their water bill.  Some cities do own the water companies,  other are similar to us. We encourage you, where ever you are, find out who has that responsibility of ownership and ask them. I'd further say that if you have a question about the last time your hydrant or area was checked to do the same. Well I hope that this diatribe has been helpful, sorry it was so long.
Now go get the visine for your eyes and the beverage of your choice to relax...

and Remember.....      Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY!    Fire Marshal Bob

Safety..... a great thing to share

Hi everyone,  well it looks like m back on my soapbox. This is just a reminder for all of us to use a little common sense and safety as we head into the 24th of July celebration. Its been a crazy summer for firefighters in the western United States. West Valley Fire had another house fire on the 17th that did about 200,000 dollars in damage. We couldn't find definitive proof, but it looks like an illegal firework was the culprit. So with that being said, please be careful! Take the time to familiarize yourself with the purchases you've made, follow all the safety precautions and for heavens sake IF YOU DOUBT..... DON'T! Remember Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY! Fire Marshal Bob

Structure Fire Red Maple Restaurant

West Valley firefighters responded to a fire at the red maple restaurant. 3361 south Redwood road in West Valley City Utah, When crews arrived they found the building well involved. Quick action from the initial crew made the difference. Even though they had a difficult time securing a water supply they were able to knock the majority of the fire down with the 500 gallons of water on board. The fire started in the kitchen as they were preparing food in a deep fat fryer. The fire quickly overcame the suppression system and spread quickly. Fire fighters had a difficult time completly extignuishing the fire because it had spread into the ceiling and roof area.


Thanks go to West Valley City Fire, West Valley City Police, South Salt Lake Fire, Salt Lake City Fire, West Jordan Fire, Metro Fire, Metro Fire Rehab and E 117

Remember Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY! Fire Marshal Bob

XXX

Two West Valley Firefighters recognized

Two West Valley City firefighters were recognized at a West Valley City Council meeting July 10 2012. The recognition comes from their efforts in a rescue of a woman that was trapped by fire on the seconds floor of her home. Fire fighters Nate Hanson and Chad Burnside brought the woman down from the second story by placing a ground ladder to a window she was near, and then helping her to escape to safety. Credit goes to the entire crew which consisted of Captain Denver Rigby and Firefighter Todd Delnocce. The quick action of these four made the difference for everyone involved. Here is some footage from that night.

West Valley Fire would like to thank Liberty Mutual for the recognition, and to all those that worked this fire. This type of effort couldn't be done with out the help of other crews, police and all that respond. Once again congratulations to Nate and Chad and thanks to Denver and Todd. You all made a difference!
XXX

Rancho Market Fire July 2, 2012 West Valley City Utah

Enjoy!





Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY!        Fire Marshal Bob

Take the pledge. Help us fight....Please dont ignite

Hi everyone were asking that you take the following voluntary pledge. Its simple and painless. Give it a try, you never know what danger you might help avoid! Pass it along if you would.

As always Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY!  Fire Marshal Bob

What I did on my summer vacation

I haven't had to write an essay like this since grade school, and I guess to be fair I dont really have to write this one. Not to mention summer has barely begun. I have been involved in the fire service for nearly 30 years and in those years I cant remember a summer or year for that matter, like this one. I surely hope that things settle down or the men and women I serve with will wear out and age ten years. Yesterday, June 30, 2012. We had a call come in of a structure fire, as I pulled out of the fire station I could see a large column of smoke rising into the Salt Lake valley skyline. Information was beginning to come in as we got closer. Engine 72 was the first to arrive. The size up went something like this. Engine 72 has arrived, we have a four-plex apartment building fully involved. We have several exposures threatened. We will be in a defensive strategy. Start a second alarm. As I pulled up I could see that one structure was a complete loss. It definitely was fully involved! Fire was not only coming out of every opening, but was covering the entire exterior of the building. The second four-plex was smoking and we had hopes that we could stop the progress there. But as the initial radio report mentioned we had several exposure problems. There were three cars that were beginning to smoke, and a duplex to the north that was heating up quickly. We decided to cool down the cars and the third building with a 2-1/2 in line. Glad we did because it would have gone to a third alarm if any of those had done more than smoke and melt from the radiant heat. We positioned ladder 75 and engine 72 and 73 on the east side, and tower 74 and engine 71 on the south side.  The hydrants were tapped and didn't give us much in the way of available water, just what you don't need when you're in a dicey situation. The crews did an amazing job at keeping the chaos to a minimum. As more resources started to arrive we divide the fire into two divisions. In the fire service a division is a geographical area that emergency responders work in. We had a south division and an east division. The crews report to a division supervisor which is generally a chief officer or captain depending on who is there at the time. Fortunately I had the luxury of have two great division supervisors. As one problem is addressed you move to the next in your list of priorities. So once we knew the cars and the duplex had stabilized we were able to start working on the initial two buildings. Our hopes of saving any of the second building were diminishing quickly. The fire in the attic was building, We assigned crews to do a quick recon and  search to make sure no one was inside. About that time the roof began to fail. We pulled those crews from harms way and began an assault with the two aerial master streams capable of pouring out thousands of gallons onto the inferno. We finally made some good progress and were able to start releasing crews back to their areas. After six hours of work the last of the crews, myself included were available. Not a bad days work. the only problem with that statement is that this fire was the third working fire of the day. not to mention the medical calls that had come in and all of the calls were to come in yet. Oh well like one of my favorite lines from the old super chicken cartoon show "besides you knew the job was dangerous when you took it"  life goes on.

Special thanks to the following folks. WVCFD, WVCPD, West Valley City Public works, South Salt Lake City Fire, Salt Lake City Fire, West Jordan Fire, Sandy City Fire, Metro Fire Agency, Metro Rehab, and Unified.

As I close this lengthy post, just a couple of thoughts. Please be careful if you do anything related to fire. whether. it a BBQ, a home fire work show, or if you smoke. Take time to do it right. Or not at all! heres my new battle cry for firefighting 2012.  HELP US FIGHT..... DON'T IGNITE!

Be Smart... Be Safe....BE READY!       FIRE MARSHAL BOB

COME ON YOU KNEW I COULDN'T RESIST

HERES MY ANNUAL REMINDER!





BE SAFE... BE READY!!!!        FIRE MARSHAL BOB

West is Best!

Hi everyone just a reminder that West Fest is upon us. Please stop by and visit the fire Department. We'll have activities and fun for the families come by and see the fire guy's drop from the air as we repel from out tower.

BE safe... Whats that flying the air?

Its a bird.... Its a plane... Its a squirrel.... No Sorry its just time for fireworks again. Hello everyone, just thought we’d pass this along.

As you remember the State of Utah passed new legislation last year. A new and exciting class of fireworks is available again this year. With the expanded availability comes expanded responsibility! There are still many illegal fireworks. Here are some other reminders.

Please, pay particular attention to safety recommendations and safety tips from manufacturers and retailers who sell fireworks. Reading instructions this year will be significantly important and necessary to help reduce the chances of a destructive fire or debilitating injury.
Purchase fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Read all instructions to help reduce the chances of a destructive fire or debilitating injury. Follow all safety guidelines exactly.
Children should not handle fireworks. You must be at least 16 years of age to handle or light fireworks. Adults are to supervise any activity that includes fireworks. Never let children handle, play with or light fireworks. Only knowing and clear-headed adults should handle fireworks.
Adults should never use alcohol or drugs or be impaired while engaged in handling, using, placing or lighting fireworks.
New aerial type fireworks are now lawful. Aerial devices, also known as “multiple tube”, “repeater”, or “cake” fireworks often look like miniature professional displays and can travel high into the air, as much as 150 feet.These fireworks need sufficient space from trees, carports, structures, power lines or other high or low obstacles. Aerial or “cake” fireworks need at least a 30 foot clearance around on the ground and at least 150 foot clearance in the air.
Not allowed still are: firecrackers, M-80’s, cherry bombs, Bottle- rockets, roman candles, single or reloadable mortars, and ground salutes are still unlawful. All local, state and federal laws must be adhered to.
Use common sense at all times when handling fireworks. Do not alter, change or experiment with makeshift or any firework device and do not allow others to violate the law.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Do not place fireworks in your pockets.
Only use fireworks out of doors. Never play with, set or light fireworks under a carport or overhang, inside a building or compartment.
Never shoot fireworks in windy conditions.
Keep a bucket of water or running hose nearby during the time of lighting and disposing of fireworks and in case of an emergency.
Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Keep all unused fireworks 30 feet away from the shooting area.
Make sure other people are out of range at a reasonable distance before lighting fireworks. Do not point or throw fireworks at people, animals or where they may not be under proper control. And remember, sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be an extremely dangerous device in the hands of children and are deceptive in nature and can cause serious burns and injuries if not cared for properly.
Light fireworks one at a time. Do not attempt to light multiple fireworks at any time. Do not relight a firework whose fuse has burned away. Do not attempt to repair broken fireworks. Soak fireworks that did not ignite in a bucket of water. Light the firework and then get away quickly.
Keep clear of the firework. Never place a body part above or around a burning firework. Never pickup a burning firework. Never look into the tube or stay close to the burning end of the device. Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
Use caution with animals. Excitement, noise and lights can cause fear and stress.
Fireworks are an American tradition. Safety and common sense are so important as we celebrate the holidays with fireworks. Shooting fireworks can provide hours of wholesome family entertainment, but must be use carefully and safely.

We’ve included the following information so you can know when you can light fireworks. Remember to be good neighbor.


2012 FIREWORKS SALES AND DISCHARGE DATES

Sales

Class “C” fireworks can be sold the following dates:

June 23 - July 27

December 29 - January 1
2 days before and on Chinese New Year’s Eve

Discharge

Between the hours of 11am and 11pm except as noted:

July 1 - July 7
(July 4 hours extended to midnight)

July 21 - 27
(July 24 hours extended to midnight)

December 31
(11am -1am Jan. 1)

Chinese New Year’s Eve
(11am - 1am the following day)


Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY!     Have a great summer, Fire Marshal Bob

Summer Safety Reminder

Summer is fast approaching. With warmer temperatures more of us will be moving our activities to the out of doors. Hopefully all of us will be able to take advantage of the fun that surrounds us. But I would like to take a moment to remind us that even the simplest family activity can take a turn for the worse if we are not paying attention. We don't want anyone's family fun to turn to tragedy.

I'll give you an example. Last night fire crews responded to a report of a drowning at one of the pools in our city. The report said that ane eleven year old had been pulled from the pool and family and bystanders were working to revive the child. Our crews quickly started working to help this young one. The equipment showed that the child was in what we call v-fib. Which simply means that heart is not doing much more than quivering, not delivering blood flow. It is the same sign we see when a person has had a heart attack and CPR is being performed. I must say our paramedics are great! They are well trained and well seasoned. They defibrillated the child and were able to get a decent rhythm. The child was still not breathing. They quickly transported the child by one of our city ambulances, providing breaths for the child. When our crews left the hospital. The young one was breathing and crying. These are excellent signs. But the outcome is still unknown. Near drowning can have many after effects. This entire event went from a family enjoying an evening by the pool, to a life changing event in less than four minutes.

So there is the reminder and warning. Please be diligent and aware in all your summer activities. thanks go to the West Valley Police and Fire departments for always being there and ready to help. .......have a great summer!

 Remember. Be Smart.... Be Safe.... BE READY!
                                                                                 Fire Marshal Bob

Quick action by West Valley Fire C shift

Fire fighters responded to a report of a shed fire at approximately 1600 w and 3300 south at around 2:30
"We could see black smoke rising into thge air from a few blocks away and called for a full assignment" said Captain Rob Huffman. The fire had quickly spread from the shed to a fence and was impinging on another neigbors garage. Quick action by the crew quickly contained the fire and they were able to keep the fire from spreading further.

Fire Marshal Bob Fitzgerald interviewed those that were home at the time of the fire. During the interview he noticed that one lad 11years of age had singed hair and eybrows. The boy quickly confessed when asked about his hair. Summer is fast approaching, Please make sure your family is safe. Always keep matches and lighters out of the hands of kids. You never know whose life you might save!

Remember Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY!!!
Fire Marshal Bob

the Boys of B shift

West Valley City firefighters battled a blaze in a split entry home located at 2768 south 3860 west. An off duty firefighter noticed the familiar odor of a fire as he was taking his family to get something to eat. He was able to alert the family and extinguish part of the fire on the outside of the home with the garden hose.

 Fire crews did a great job of keeping the fire from reaching the living area of the home, although there was a significant fire working in the attic. The fire seems to have started with a electrical problem from a lighting fixture.The Red Cross was called to assist the family of six with accommodations. Estimated damages are around 40000.00. There were no injuries reported and three cats survived the mayhem.

Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY!
Fire Marshal Bob

Fire 2700 W Parkway

2700 west parkway West Valley City West valley fire crews responded to the report of a house fire at the mountainview mobile home park. When the arrived they found large volumes of smoke coming from the home. Neighbors stated that they thought the owners were at home at the time,but could not be accounted for. Crews quickly deployed hose lines and entered the home to do a search. The fire was contained to a bedroom. The family had gone to the grocery store. Once that fire crews knew the occupants were safe they were able to concentrate on extinguishing the fire. Crews from West Valley City and South Salt Lake worked to complete the operation. The we're no civilian or fire injuries to report. The fire is still under investigation, and damages are estimated at 30,000.00 dollars Remember, Be Safe.... Be Smart... BE READY! Fire Marshal Bob

I Wonder?..Hmmmm

Do you have a questIon for the fire department? Ask away, leave us you comments or questions in the comment box. We'll answer them the best we can. If we don't know the answer we'll find it for you or try to anyway.. Remember, be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY! Fire Marshal Bob

HOT SPOTS - 3/30/2012 - 4/6/2012

WOW WHAT A WEEK!
Hello everyone. I hope you had a good week. It proved to be a busy one for the fire guy's and gals. last Friday and Saturday were very busy. High winds Saturday were a challenge for our crews. We had a structure fire late in the morning that was caused by two twelve year old boys playing with illegal fireworks, firecrackers and bottle rockets to be exact. The "two utes" (great line from a movie) were lighting them from an open bedroom window, and were also lighting them by using a paper towel outside. You can guess what happened next. The fire started on the exterior of the home. Instead of calling the fire department the boys decided to try to extinguish it with a garden hose. Fortunately for the boys a neighbor had called 9-1-1 and our guys were on the way. One of the boys took the garden hose into the house and was going to try to keep the fire from spreading into the home..... a problem with his theory was that the garden hose was not hooked up to a spigot.  Oops! About this time Captain Rekoutis and his crew arrived. They quickly deployed lines and got the boy out of the home. Almost as soon as they got him to a safe location, the fire breached the window and was ready to start its work of destruction inside the home. If the fire fighters had not taken quick action this boy would have been in more than just trouble with his dad. Nice Job C shift!

Shortly after 2:00 PM the same day, another structure fire call came in.  As battalion Chief Dean Williams pulled up to the scene it became apparent that this was no ordinary house fire. The fire started in an attached carport/shed and with the help of the wind quickly gained a head of steam and into the home. What made this fire different is that when Chief Williams arrived, not one - but two homes were well involved with fire. He quickly did his size up and Called for a second alarm so we could address both fires. Fortunately everyone was out, and safe from both homes. Crews were able to extinguish both fires in about 30 minutes of aggressive offensive firefighting, followed up by a couple of hours of what we call "overhaul". Investigators worked through the debris but there was so much damage that an exact cause was hard to pinpoint but it does appear to be accidental.

Well these are just a sampling of what went on. There were numerous calls for help this past week. In al the fire department responded on 71 fire or hazardous conditions calls. The medical end of what the fire department does is no exception. Our crews responded to over 190 calls for medical emergencies. This weeks stats don't include any of the Public education, Inspections, training,  and maintenance that our guys do. As you can see the West Valley City Fire Department continues to be one of the busiest departments in the western United States, especially when you break it down to call volume per capita, and man hours.

Hope you enjoy these updates. Remember if you've got a question or comment we'd love to hear from you.

As always,      BE Smart.... Be Safe... BE READY!
                                                                                  Fire Marshal Bob      

Hot Spots 3/25 2012 - 3/28 2012

Ever wonder what the West Valley Fire Department does in a week? Well heres a glimpse.

These stats come from March 25th to March 28 at 5:00 PM. So not a full week by any measure. So far this week we have responded to 
72 calls for medical assistance
23 Calls for fires, Hazardous materials and so on.
Our fire fighters have put in
328 hours of training
156 hours of maintenance.
These dont include any of the inspections, public education programs or other activities.

Wow and this hasen't been an extremely busy week. Just thought it would be intersting to post some iformation of the week. We will continue to do a weekly update on interesting calls and things that go on with the firefighters of West Valley.
Hope you enjoy. If youve got questions or comments drop us an email or leave your question in the comment box. We'd love to hear from you.

Remember "West is Best"

And ....... Be Smart... Be Safe.... BE READY!
                         Fire Marshal Bob

Don't forget the big CHANGE this weekend

Nuff Said

FIRE MARSHAL BOB

Be Smart... Be Safe ... BE READY!!!

West Valley City Structure Fire February 7 2012

West Valley City Utah, Fire fighters make a quick rescue on this house fire. thanks go to West Valley City Fire and West Valley City Police Departments.....Nice work!

Bulldozer Rollover!

West Valley City Utah, January 30, 2102

A heavy equipment operator was critically injured when the bulldozer he was operating went off a 40' drop and rolled. The driver a 50 year old male was thrown from the vehicle as it rolled. The bulldozer ended upright, but a piece of the dozer detached and had the driver partially pinned. When fire fighters arrived they extricated the patient and stabilized him on scene. Air Med was called in to fly the patient to a trauma center. The patient was in very critical condition when he left the scene. Authorities from MSHA were en route to investigate the incident. Remember Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY! Fire Marshal Bob

January 27, 2012 house fire

West Valley City Utah,  firefighters made a great stop on this house fire. Crews arrived to smoke coming from the front of the residence, and fire venting from the rear of the house. an aggressive offensive attack quickly controlled the fire.  Fortunately everyone got out safely. The culprit for this fire was an occupant that was smoking a cigarette and falling asleep.... never a good combination!




Remember,

Be Smart.... Be Safe....  BE READY!      Fire Marshal Bob