Yuma News Now

Yuma Arizona - Fire House Facts Sunday November 30, 2008 through Saturday December 6, 2008. The Yuma Fire Department responded to 253 emergency calls for services

11 - Commercial Assignments Including:  A van on fire near a commercial building, underground wiring in a mobile home park shorting out and igniting tree roots, and various alarms.

2 - Hazardous Materials Assignment Including:  A gas spill at fuel pump, and ¾ of fuel tank leaking from an SUV.

31 - Motor Vehicle Crashes Including:  3 involving 3 or more vehicles, 1 involving a vehicle hitting a convenience store, 1involving a motorcycle, 3 involving pedestrians, 1 involving a bicycle, 1 involving a rollover and 1 involving a law enforcement vehicle.

184 - Other Medical Emergencies (serious to minor) Including:   32 for difficulty breathing, 10 for chest pain, 22 fall victims, 13 unconscious people, 12 seizure cases, 7 diabetic emergencies, 9 suicidal subjects, 6 possible stroke cases, 3 overdose case, 3 involving children locked in vehicles, 2 burn injuries, and misc. other illnesses and injuries.

25 - Special Duty, Public Assistance, and Residential Assignments Including: A snake removal, several reports of smoke or natural gas odors, 2 trash can fires, report of people stuck in elevator, power pole arcing, a piece of furniture burning in an alley, and various alarms.

With Christmas just weeks away, don’t forget to keep safety in your holiday celebrations. During the four-year period of 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires per year that started with Christmas trees. These fires caused an average of 16 deaths, 25 injuries, and $13.1 million in direct property damage each year.

If you have an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as flame retardant. If it is a “live” tree, pick one that is fresh. Needles should be green, flexible, and not come off when run your hands over the branches.

When you get it home, cut 1or 2 inches from the bottom (like you do for cut flowers) and keep the water container at the base of the tree filled (check it daily). This water is sucked up into the tree and helps to keep it fresh longer. Place your tree so it is at least 3 feet away from any heat source and farther from fireplaces or open flames. Heating vents or space heaters blowing on the tree can dry it out faster too. Use only lights that are intended for indoor use, and never place candles on a tree.

Have a safe and happy holiday! For more information about fire safety and injury prevention, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at (928) 373-4855.