Fire Blotter: Vegetation Fire Started in Homeless Camp

The responded to a variety of emergency calls during the week of March 11-17. The following is a breakdown of incident types recorded for this period:

Fires: 2
Explosions: 1
EMS/Rescues: 59
Hazardous Materials: 1
Service Calls: 4
Good Intent Calls: 10
False Alarms: 9
Total Incident Count: 86

Sunday, March 11

At 12:01 p.m., Engine 105, Engine 107, Truck 105, Monrovia Engine 101, Monrovia Truck 101, Rescue Ambulance 105 and Battalion 105 were dispatched to a structure fire in the 700 block of North Santa Anita Avenue. Fire crews responded and reported smoke and flames visible to the rear of the property as they attempted to make access.

Additional fire personnel accessed the rear of the property and discovered a vegetation fire that had spread into a tree. The fire was located between a block wall and a railroad right of way. The fire was extinguished and overhauled. An Arson Investigator was requested to the scene to determine cause and origin. The fire originated in an area where homeless people were camping. The cause of the fire was due to illegal living conditions. was notified and requested to the location.


Monday, March 12

At 8:38 p.m., Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a traffic collision in the 2100 block of South Third Avenue. Fire crews arrived on scene and evaluated a two-vehicle traffic collision with one driver sustaining multiple injuries. Paramedics assessed the driver of the vehicle and placed him in full cerebral spinal precautions. The patient was transported to the local emergency department for further evaluation and treatment.


Tuesday, March 13

At 3:52 p.m., Engine 107, Engine 106, Rescue Ambulance 106, Rescue Ambulance 105, Truck 105, and Battalion 105 responded to a traffic collision with persons trapped on the eastbound 210 Freeway west of Santa Anita Avenue. Fire personnel assessed the traffic collision with three vehicles involved. Three patients with minor to moderate injuries were evaluated. One patient required extrication with hydraulic tools. The patients received advanced life support at the scene; including full spinal immobilization, wound care, intravenous access, oxygen therapy, and cardiac monitoring. The patients were transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital and Los Angeles County USC Medical Center Emergency Departments for further evaluation and treatment.
Wednesday, March 14

At 7:11 p.m., Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to medical assist at the intersection of Second Avenue and Santa Clara Avenue.  Fire crews evaluated a male patient that was complaining multiple lacerations to his legs after being attacked by a dog. The dog was detained by Animal Control pending verification of vaccination records. Paramedics provided Basic Life Support on scene for bleeding control. The patient refused ambulance transportation preferring to seek his own medical attention.

Thursday, March 15

At 8:55 a.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the 800 block of Portola Avenue. Fire crews evaluated a female patient who was feeling dizzy.  Paramedics provided advanced life support measures on scene; including intravenous access, 12-lead cardiac monitoring, blood glucose reading and oxygen therapy. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Friday, March 16

At 3:13 p.m., Engine 107, Truck 105 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to reported persons trapped in an elevator in the 400 block of South Baldwin Avenue.  Fire crews utilized special elevator tools to gain access to the elevator, extricating three occupants. Paramedics evaluated an elderly female who was feeling weak and dizzy with an elevated blood pressure. Paramedics provided advanced life support; including intravenous access, oxygen therapy and 12-lead cardiac monitoring.  The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Saturday, March 17

At 1:47 p.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the 300 block of Monte Verde.  Fire crews arrived on scene and found an elderly male patient who was unresponsive. Paramedics analyzed the patient’s heart utilizing the cardiac monitor. Transcutaneous cardiac pacing was provided while transporting the patient to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.