From Sunday November 27, 2022 through Saturday December 3, 2022, the Yuma Fire Department responded to 342 emergency calls for service:
10 General Fire Responses
Including: 1 for smoke coming from an electrical outlet, and various alarms
4 Mutual Aid
Including: 4 for assisting Rural Metro with medical emergencies in the County
29 Motor Vehicle Crashes
Including: 1 involving a pedestrian, 2 involving motorcycles, 3 involving a rollover, 1 involving a light pole, 1 involving a head-on crash, 1 involving a bridge, 1 involving a bicyclist, 1 involving a wall, and 2 involving three vehicles
277 Other Medical Emergencies (both serious and minor)
Including: 38 for difficulty breathing, 29 for chest pain/cardiac issues, 41 for fall related injuries, 20 for unconscious people, 9 seizure cases, 8 possible stroke case, 2 for an intoxicated person, 3 for a person under the influence of drugs, 11 for psychiatric problems (7 threatening or attempting suicide), 6 for medical alarms, 1 for a child locked in a vehicle, 2 for allergic reactions, 19 for altered or decreased level of consciousness, 2 for fever, 1 for broken bones, 3 for diabetic emergencies, 1 for a dog bite, 3 for man down calls, 3 for bad headaches, 1 for an assault, 3 for back pain, 12 for abdominal pain, 2 pregnancy related, 4 for a deceased person, 1 for alcohol withdrawals, 1 for a laceration, 13 welfare checks, 1 for a 2 year old with a finger stuck in a hole in a ladder, 1 for a 2 year old stuck in between 2 doors, and other illnesses and injuries (Note: 1 of the week’s total responses were to the USBP holding facility)
22 Special Duty, Public Assistance, and Residential Assignments
Including: 1 to assist YPD breaking a window, 1 for a small brush fire, 1 for an illegal trash fire, 1 for a dumpster fire, 1 for propane leaking from an RV, 3 for a person stuck in an elevator, 1 for a blown transformer, 1 for a fallen light pole, 3 for vehicle fires, and various alarms
The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is traditionally a time of great expectation for family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the season and maybe relax before the start of a new year. It is also a time for increased calls for service in the fire service. Remember to “Candle with Care” and keep fire safety in mind when doing your holiday decorating. Here is some information from the National Fire Protection Association.
U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average of 780 home structure fires per year that begin with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. These fires cause an annual average of 3 civilian fire deaths, 34 civilian fire injuries and $12 million in direct property damage.
One-fifth (21%) of the decoration fires started in the kitchen. Sixteen percent started in the living room, family room or den. One out of every three-candle fires start in the bedroom. Three of every five (60%) candle fires started when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations, was too close to the candle.
Keep decorations at least 3 feet away from any heat source.
Never leave candles burning unattended.
Open flame candles and decorations do not mix.
The two peak days for candle fires were Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Consider electronic candle alternatives. Have flashlights and battery powered lighting available in case of a power outage, to avoid using candles! Safety is no Accident.
For more information about fire and injury prevention classes we offer, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 373-4855, you can also “Follow” us at www.twitter.com/YumaFireDept or on Instagram @YumaFireDepartment
