Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Community Message: WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER

Community Message has been issued by the Saint Paul Fire Department.
Wednesday May 26, 2010 3:09 PM EDT
WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER

This feature is called "Fire & EMS Blotter" is a weekly update of the activities of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

During the week of May 19 thru May 25, the Saint Paul Fire Department responded to 715 emergency calls.  Here is a sampling of some of the emergency and non-emergency activities from information provided by the fire department.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK - On May 19 at 9:16 p.m. paramedics raced to the scene where a 30 year old male was struck by a vehicle on Jackson Street and Warner Road.  He sustained major injuries.  He was treated and transported to a nearby hospital.

VEHICLE FIRE - On May 20 at 4:17 p.m. on the 100 block of Isabel Street East, the homeowner was in his backyard with his children conducting an experiment on the flammability of cotton from their cottonwood tree. The resulting fire spread too quickly to be extinguished with a nearby garden hose and caused minor damage to the rear underside of a van.

ARSON FIRE - On May 21 at 12:09 a.m. on the 700 block of Case Avenue a fire started in the backyard that involved a couch and a wooden privacy fence. There also was exposure damage to the adjacent detached garage.  This fire is under investigation.  Damage is estimated at $1,500.

ELECTRICAL FIRE - On May 22 on the 600 block of Winslow Avenue, a tree fell onto the overhead electrical service drop to the house pulling the weatherhead and service raceway away from the meter.  There was no electrical interruption. On May 24 at 2:11 p.m. the homeowner returned home to find flames coming from the service entry on the south exterior. Arcing through the service raceway resulted in fire extension into the 2nd floor floor joists and walls.  Xcel on scene. Damage is estimated at $7,500.

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE JUMPER - On May 24 at 10:22 p.m., firefighters and police were called to the Wabasha Street Bridge where a man in his 40's was about to jump into the river below.  At 10:51p, the man jumped into the river where Saint Paul Fire Boat 15 rescued him from the cold, dark water and took him to an awaiting ambulance on shore.  He remained conscious while paramedics treated him for related injuries and transported him to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.  His condition, identity, and motives are unknown at this time.

HEAT EXPOSURE - On May 24 at 2:55 p.m. a 37 year old male suffered heat exposure at Fort Snelling and was transported to the VA Hospital.

MOTOR VEHICLE ROLLOVER - On May 25 at 8:26 p.m. a 32 year old female struck a concrete barrier and water buffers causing her vehicle to rollover on I-94 and Snelling.  Paramedics treated and transported her to a nearby hospital.

BURNS - On May 25 at 5:59 p.m. a 22 year old male sustained 2nd degree burns to his foot from radiator fluid on Hwy 280 and Larpenteur Avenue West.  He was treated at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Community Message: WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER

Wednesday May 19, 2010 4:23 PM EDT
WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER
This feature called "Fire & EMS Blotter" is a weekly update of the activities of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

During the week of May 12 thru May 18, the Saint Paul Fire Department responded to 682 emergency calls. Here is a sampling of some of the emergency and non-emergency activities from information provided by the fire department.

VEHICLE FIRE - On May 12 at 3:09 a.m. on L'Orient Street and Minnehaha Avenue, an arsonist set fire to a vehicle that was found under the freeway bridge fully involved in fire. The vehicle was towed to the impound lot.

·   Arson if the 3rd leading cause of fires in Minnesota.

TRASH CAN FIRE - On May 12 at 9:49 p.m. on the 400 block of Van Buren Avenue witnesses heard an explosive sound and ran outside to see a trash can on fire. An aerosol can that was in the burning trash exploded. The fire was intentionally set.

BURNS - On May 12 at 2:37 p.m. on the 100 block of Geranium an 11 year old male was at home with friends when they were playing with paper and branches in a fire pit and his shirt caught fire. He was treated at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital for 2nd degree burns.

BICYCLIST STRUCK - On May 13 at 9:12 a.m. on Hoyt and Victoria Street North a 38 year old man was hit by a vehicle while riding his bike. He was thrown over the car causing the window to burst and a dent to roof of car at point of impact. He was wearing a helmet. Paramedics treated him at he scene and transported him to a nearby hospital.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK - On May 13 at 3:04 p.m. paramedics raced to the scene where a 13 year old boy was struck by a car on University Avenue and Dale Street. Witnesses saw him fly into air and strike the car's windshield. He was treated and transported to a near by hospital.

UNATTENDED COOKING - On May 14 at 8:57 on the 1500 block of St. Paul Avenue crews responded to a fire where an occupant was heating oil in a pan to deep fry fish when she went downstairs to check her laundry. When she came out of the laundry room, people were leaving the building stating there was a fire on the third floor. She went to investigate thinking the oil started the fire. When she tried to get into her apartment she encountered heavy smoke and was forced to evacuate. The fire started on the front right burner and was the result of unattended cooking. Smoke damage was noted throughout the apartment with charring to the cupboards above the stove and extending outward. The power was shut off to the affected apartment and Red Cross was called. Damage is estimated at $20,000.

·   Careless cooking is the leading cause of building fires in Saint Paul. Never leave cooking unattended.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK - On May 14 at 5:39 p.m. an 11 year old female was struck by a car as she rode her bike out of the driveway on the 1400 block of West Seventh Street. She was treated and transported to a nearby hosital.

COMMERCIAL DUMPSTER FIRE - On May 16 at 9:19 p.m. on the 400 block of Pierce Street a commercial dumpster was fully involved in fire with exposure damage to a vehicle. The Fire Investigation Unit is unable to rule out carelessly discarded smokers material or charcoal as a cause. This fire appears accidental.

STABBING - On May 17 at 5:33 p.m. on the 1800 block of East 7th Street a 16 year old male was stabbed. Paramedics treated and transported him to a nearby hospital.

TRASH CONTAINER FIRES - On May 18 at 2:02 a.m. fire companies responded to a series of three arson fires in one alley on the 80 block of Congress Street West and Winifred. All three fires originated within the wheeled trash containers, extension to one detached garage. Estimated damage to the garage is estimated at $15,000.

On May 18 at 2:04 a.m. on the 90 block of Bates Avenue there was a fire in a wheeled trash container in the alley. No extension to detached garage.

On May 18 at 2:45 a.m. on the 100 block of Bates Avenue, there were multiple fires originating in wheeled trash containers in the same alley, with extension to a 3-car detached garage and two vehicles. Paramedics were also dispatched for a 25 year old female who tried to put out one of the fires with a garden hose and suffered shortness of breath.

Fire in trash container one block from 5 similar incidents in same time frame on the 600 block of Plum Street.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Community Message: WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER

Community Message has been issued by the Saint Paul Fire Department.
Wednesday May 12, 2010 4:14 PM EDT

WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER
This feature we call "Fire & EMS Blotter" is a weekly update of the activities of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

During the week of May 5 thru May 11, the Saint Paul Fire Department responded to 620 emergency calls. Here is a sampling of some of the emergency and non-emergency activities from information provided by the fire department.

CARELESSLY DISCARDED SMOKER'S MATERIAL - Fire companies were dispatched to the 1600 block of Cohansey on May 5 at 3:33 a.m. where a carelessly discarded smoker's material caused a fire in partially enclosed exterior stairwell. Occupants evacuated via the upper deck. Red Cross was called to assist residents with emergency housing. Damage is estimated at $10,000.

·   Careless smoking is the lead cause of deadly fires. More-and-more people are smoking outdoors and carelessly discarding their smoking materials. Even outdoors, smokers should use an ashtray or other non-combustible container to discard smoking materials.

ELECTRICAL FIRE - On May 5 at 9:55 a.m. on the 1200 block of Thomas Avenue, high winds caused a large tree branch to break off of a maple tree and fall on the electrical service to the house. This pulled the mast down from the house and caused arcing in the exterior meter box causing a small amount of charring to the structure. There was no extension and Xcel was on scene. Damage is estimated at $1,000.

GARAGE FIRE - Fire crews were dispatched to a fire in an unattached four-car garage on May 7 at 5:54 p.m. on the 800 block of Duluth Street. The occupant stated no one had been in the garage before the fire and she has not had electrical service for at least the last 6 months. A neighbor thought he heard what sounded like a generator running earlier. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage is estimated at $40,000.

CAR TO TRAIN ACCIDENT – On May 8 at 5:09 a.m. paramedics raced to the scene of a 24 year old male who was involved in a car vs. train accident on the 1000 block of Shop Road. The male was on the tracks facing the train going 40 mph. He was ejected from the car and landed in a ditch. He was treated and transported to a nearby hospital for his injuries.

HYPOTHERMIA - On May 8 at 3:34 p.m. on Joy and Atwater Street a 87 year old male suffered from hypothermia after he accidentally put the car into drive, instead of reverse, stepped on the gas and went into the river. Passerbys rescued him from the sinking car. Paramedics treated him at the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital.

SHOOTING - On May 8 at 9:14 p.m. paramedics were dispatched to the 600 block of Fuller Avenue where a 19 year old male was shot several times while walking down the street. He was was treated and transported to a nearby hospital.

UNATTENDED COOKING – On May 9 at 10:10 p.m. fire crews were called a home in the 1200 block of McAfee where the owner was cooking sausage in a toaster oven that was kept on plastic shelving in the garage. He went into the house when he later heard a crackling noise in the garage. He opened the door to the garage and discovered heavy smoke. The fire was confined to the area of origin with minor smoke damage to the dwelling and two vehicles that were in the garage. Damage is estimated at $5,000.
·   Careless cooking is the leading cause of building fires in Minnesota. Never leave cooking unattended.

VEHICLE FIRE - A vehicle was found under the freeway bridge fully involved in fire on May 12 at 3:09 a.m. on L'Orient Street and Minnehaha Avenue. Police were on scene and had the vehicle towed to the impound lot.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

New LawMate Peephole Reverser

The LawMate Peephole Reverser is now available and allows users to place the device up to any door viewer (commonly used by an occupant inside a home or building to look outside before opening a door) and actually see inside. By using reflective lens technology the Peephole Reverser takes an obscure image and makes it appear as normal so that the user - from outside - can actually use an installed door viewer to see inside. Great for law enforcement applications, landlord - tenant issues, and/or dorm situations.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Community Message: WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER

Community Message has been issued by the Saint Paul Fire Department.
Wednesday May 5, 2010 4:21 PM EDT
WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER

This feature called "Fire & EMS Blotter" is a weekly update of the activities of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

During the week of April 28 thru May 4, the Saint Paul Fire Department responded to 645 emergency calls. Here is a sampling of some of the emergency and non-emergency activities from information provided by the fire department.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK – On April 28 at 2:18 p.m. a 63 year old female was struck at Snelling Avenue North and University Avenue West by a truck traveling less than 25 mph. She was treated at the scene and transported to a near by hospital.

BICYCLIST STRUCK – On April 28 at 7:11 p.m. a 10 year old female was struck by a vehicle. She was treated and transported to a near by hospital.

FALL - On April 28 at 1:31 p.m. on the 80 block of Cook Avenue West, a 37 year old male fell
12 feet from ladder. He was treated at the scene for his injuries and transported to a nearby hospital.

GARAGE FIRE - On April 29 on the 900 block of Reaney Avenue at 2:58 a.m. a passerby called
9-1-1 stating a fire in a trash container was burning the garage. There was no structural damage. The fire was contained within the wheeled trash container with extension to the vinyl siding of the detached garage. Damage is estimated at $2,500. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

DWELLING FIRE - On April 30 at 11:48 a.m. fire crews were called to the 1000 block of Mackubin Street. A neighbor saw smoke and flames from the upper part of house across the street, called 9-1-1, knocked on doors in attempt to alert the occupant. No one was at home at the time of the fire. Origin of fire at corner exterior light fixture. The occupant reported a bird's nest was on top of the light. Fire extended into attic above enclosed front porch. Exposure damage to the asphalt shingles of detached garage next door. Damage is estimated at $30,000 to the house and $5,000 to the garage.

CARELESS SMOKING - On May 1 at 5:03 a.m. a 57 year old male who is on oxygen on the 900 block of Carroll Avenue was evaluated after having a small couch fire that had been extinguished before crews arrival.

EXHAUST FAN FIRE - On May 1 at 2:27 a.m. on the 100 block of West Arlington, a ceiling mounted exhaust fan in a laundry room malfunctioned, overheated, and ignited plastic housing of adjacent light fixture. One sprinkler head activated. Damage is estimated at $2,000.

CARELESS SMOKING - On May 1 at 4:45 a.m. on the 900 block of Carroll Avenue, the occupant got out of bed, sat on couch to have a cigarette, and dozed off. He awoke to fire on the couch, yelled for wife and son to help. Fire confined to carpet and couch. Damage is estimated at $1,000.

IMPROPERLY DISCARDED SMOKERS MATERIAL - On May 2 at 10:14 a.m. on the 1300 block of Eustis Street, the caretaker stated she saw smoke from a recycling container in the parking lot and extinguished with water. Investigation into contents of container revealed a cigarette butt had burned a few papers. No damage to dumpster. Cause of the fire is accidental due to improperly discarded smokers material.

STABBING - A 20 year old male was stabbed multiple times on the 1800 block of Suburban Avenue on May 3 at 1:21 p.m. He was treated for his wounds and transported to a near by hospital.

SHOOTING – On May 3 at 4:20 p.m. paramedics raced to the scene where a 19 year old male and a 20 year old male had been shot at Syndicate Street North and St. Anthony. They were transported to a nearby hospital for their injuries.

BBQ GRILL FIRE - On May 3 at 2:57 a.m. on the 1600 block of Ruth Street, an occupant awoke to flames outside of her bedroom window and alerted the family to a BBQ grill on fire that was on the wood deck. Owner attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. No damage to the structure.

·   Hot BBQ coals should be safely disposed of in a bucket of water.

KITCHEN FIRE - On May 3 at 9:15 a.m. on the 1600 block of Bush Avenue, the occupant was cooking in a pan when she went up to the second floor to use the phone. She was unsure how long she was upstairs but smelled smoke and came down to investigate. When she got to the kitchen there was a small fire on the stovetop. The occupant attempted to activate an extinguisher but was unable. Damage extended throughout the kitchen and into the living room. Damage estimated at $50,000.

·   Cooking is the leading cause of building fires in Minnesota. NEVER leave cooking unattended.

DWELLING FIRE - On May 3 at 2:24 p.m. upon fire companies' arrival on the 1700 block of York Avenue they found fire venting out a first floor living room window. The fire spread to two adjoining rooms before being extinguished. Xcel was called. The fire is suspicious and is under investigation. Damage is estimated at $70,000. There were no injuries. The house was not sprinkled.

CARELESS SMOKING - On May 4 at 4:39 p.m. on the 100 block of Granite Street, there was fire in construction debris between two houses which melted the vinyl siding of both houses. The subcontractor had carelessly discarded smokers material into the debris pile. The fire was exacerbated by strong winds. There was no fire damage to the interiors. Damage is estimated at $1,000 and the other house at $3,000.

·   Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in Minnesota.

SHOOTING - A 27 year old male was shot at 1:43 a.m. on West 7th Street and St. Clair Avenue on May 4. He was treated and transported to a near by hospital.

ARSON AWARENESS WEEK, May 2 - 8 – The United States Fire Administration announces this year's Arson Awareness Week theme – Community Arson Prevention. Arson robs communities of its valuable assets – lives and property. Arson destroys more than buildings: it can devastate a community resulting in the decline of the neighborhood through increased insurance premiums, loss of business revenue, and a decrease in property values. Here are some tips to preventing arson and its terrible consequences:

·   Be alert to any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, especially around vacant buildings, and call 9-1-1.
·   If you see any open windows or doors, call the City of Saint Paul at 266-8989.
·   Keep your trash containers in your garage and lock it.
·   Make certain you have working smoke detectors inside – and outside – of each bedroom and on each level of your home. Test them at least monthly.
·   Have at least 2 ways out of any room used for sleeping. Have a fire escape plan and practice it.