Fire Chief's Briefing for November 28 through December 12, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of November 28 through December 12, 2011.

We responded to 104 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

EMS/Rescue: 61

Hazardous Condition: 5

Service Call: 6

Good Intent: 16

False Call: 16

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Monday, November 28 at approximately 9:39 am:

E1 was dispatched to a Fire Department Assistance call due to a light fixture in a commercial occupancy which had produced a small flame and smoke when turned on.  The store manager turned off the power to the light prior to FD arrival.  E1 visually inspected the area and found a small burned patch near the ceiling where the wiring and light connected.  E1 then checked the area with the TIC and ensured that no additional hazards were present.  The manager was advised to keep the power to the light fixture off until an electrician could provide service.

Tuesday, November 29 at approximately 1:25 am:

E4 was dispatched for a report of a tree down in the roadway. Two vehicles had struck the tree, but there were no injuries. Crew members utilized E4’s chainsaw to remove the hazard.

Tuesday, November 29 at approximately 4:41 pm:

E3 was dispatched on a report of a gasoline spill. Upon arrival, E3 found a portable plastic gasoline container melted to the exhaust near the engine of a passenger vehicle. A jack was utilized to lift the vehicle, allowing for the removal of the can. Oil absorbent was applied to the area to contain the spill. With the hazard mitigated, E3 returned to quarters.

Tuesday, November 29 at approximately 9:33 pm:

E1 was dispatched on a report of a person trapped in elevator.  E1 arrived on scene to find the elevator car on the 1st floor.  The responsible party on-site had been able to open the exterior doors; however the interior doors would only open approximately 6" before stopping/jamming.  E1 personnel contacted the elevator service personnel and secured power to elevator. The elevator technician returned their call and was given an explanation of the situation.  E1 was then able to determine that a jam existed near the bottom of the left interior door.  Per discussion with the elevator technician, E1’s haligan tool was used to pry up on the jammed area of the door until the jam cleared.  The uninjured occupant was freed without further incident.  The cause of the jam was determined to be a drywall screw that had wedged in the track of the door.  The screw was removed and the elevator was placed back in service.   

Thursday, December 1 at approximately 9:02 am:

E3 responded on a report of a 2 year old locked inside a vehicle. Upon arrival, crew members located the vehicle and utilized their lock out kit to unlock the vehicle and free the uninjured child. With no further hazards, E3 returned to quarters.

Saturday, December 3 at approximately 7:04 pm:

E3 was dispatched for 1 PT reportedly choking.  Upon arrival the PT was found sitting at a table in the food court breathing normally and showing no signs of distress. The PT stated that they choked on a hot dog and that their family member administered the Heimlich maneuver and was able to dislodge the obstruction prior to arrival of E3. The PT refused further treatment or transport to the hospital.

Sunday, December 4 at approximately 8:54 pm:

All BFR units were dispatched on a reported structure fire. C3 was the first unit to arrive on scene and reported a faint smell of smoke in the garage. E2 and E1 arrived on scene and began searching the home for a possible electrical short circuit due to the smell. Crews determined that while replacing a light bulb the owner had created a short circuit and tripped the breaker. The bulb in question was removed, the breaker turned off, and the homeowner was directed to have the fixture replaced by an electrician. All units not on scene were cancelled, and all units on scene were placed available and returned to quarters.

Friday, December 9 at approximately 7:55 am:

All BFR units responded on a reported structure fire. E4 arrived on the scene and established Incident Command. Personnel were met by the homeowner who stated that there was a strong smell of electrical burning in the house.  No smoke or fire was evident. All units with the exception of E2, R1, and C5 were staged and ultimately cancelled. E4, E2, and R1 investigated the residence and determined that the heating element on the interior HVAC unit had overheated. Personnel recommended the homeowner contact an HVAC technician to have the unit inspected. Personnel checked the residence for any further hazards, none were found. Command was terminated; all companies cleared the scene and returned to quarters.

Friday, December 9 at approximately 7:15 pm:

E4 responded non emergent to a report of smoke in a residence. The homeowner reported to Dispatch that the fireplace damper had shut and caused smoke to fill the house. The homeowner had reopened the damper and opened the windows. Personnel aided in ventilation with a PPV fan. Personnel also used the TIC to check the attic, upper floors, and exterior for extension from the chimney. No extension was found. Personnel advised the homeowner to contact a chimney sweep and fire recovery company for odor removal. Personnel cleared the scene and returned to quarters.

Sunday, December 11 at approximately 10:18 am:

E2 and R1 were dispatched on a report vehicle accident with entrapment. Upon arrival crewmembers found 2 vehicles in a T Bone style collision with 1 PT entrapped in the vehicle. R1’s extrication tools were utilized to remove the PT from the vehicle for transport to an area hospital. With no further hazards, the scene was turned over to PD and all units cleared the scene.

Fire Chief's Briefing for November 22 through November 27, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of November 22 through November 27, 2011.


We responded to 33 emergency calls for service.


These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 2

EMS/Rescue: 21

Hazardous Condition: 1

Service Call: 3

Good Intent: 4

False Call: 2


Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:


Tuesday, November 22 at approximately 9:37 pm:

All BFR units were dispatched to a report of a structure fire. During response E2 was alerted by dispatch that the caller stated a light switch was sparking inside the wall and smoke was filling the house. Upon arrival E2 entered the structure to investigate and found a dimmer switch that was hot and smelled of melting plastic. All other units were canceled. E2’s crew disassembled the partially melted switch and removed it from the wall. The homeowner was made aware of the situation and advised to contact an electrician to perform repairs. No other hazards were found.


Thursday, November 24 at approximately 8:58 am:

E3 was dispatched to a report of a commercial fire alarm. While en-route, alarm upgraded the call to a structure fire and dispatched all remaining BFR units after the occupant called to report a dryer fire in the laundry room. E3 arrived to find that the fire had self-extinguished. Crew members checked the dryer and vent pipes before setting up a positive pressure vent fan to remove smoke from the structure. All other responding units were cancelled except for the next due engine and C3. E4 crew members ventilated the main hallway and reset the alarm. This was the second fire in 4 months in this same dryer, and the occupant was advised to have both it and the fire extinguisher (which was used the last time the dryer caught fire) in the room serviced. All units were released from the scene and returned to quarters.


Friday, November 25 at approximately 3:49 pm:

All BFR units were dispatched to a possible structure fire. Upon arrival, the first in engine’s crew met with the homeowner who stated that they were concerned about the smoke smell throughout their home. He stated that they had a fire burning in the fireplace earlier in the evening, but that prior to leaving the home they extinguished it. Upon their return they had noticed a light haze in the house.
E1 investigated the entire structure for smoke and did not find any significant problems. Crewmembers then went through the house with the CO monitor to verify their findings. Once everything was clear E1 allowed the homeowner and their family to return to the house and cleared the scene. All units returned to quarters.


Saturday, November 26 at approximately 10:24 am:

E1 was dispatched on a reported commercial fire alarm. E1 arrived to find that the alarm had been activated by a small fire on a stove due to someone heating butter in an unattended skillet. The cook returned, carried the skillet to the sink, and extinguished the fire. The range hood fire extinguishing system did not activate. E1 reset the fire alarm. With no further hazards present, E1 returned to service.


Sunday, November 27 at approximately 5:47 am:

E2 was dispatched on a medical call for a report of difficulty breathing. Upon arrival, E2 found one PT unresponsive, pulseless, and not breathing. Bystanders reported that shortly before E2 arrived the PT lost consciousness. Crew members immediately began CPR, initiated O2 therapy, performed ventilation via bag valve mask, and connected a cardiac monitor to the PT. CPR and ventilations were continued, and upon arrival of EMS, PT care was transferred before loading the PT into the ambulance. Cardiac drugs were administered, and the PT was transported emergency traffic to an area hospital with one firefighter on board to assist with continued PT care while en-route.

Fire Chief's Briefing for November 16 through November 21

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of November 16 through November 21, 2011.

We responded to 47 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:
EMS/Rescue: 26
Hazardous Condition: 2
Service Call: 3
Good Intent: 6
False Call: 10

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Monday, November 21 at approximately 10:09 am:
E1 was dispatched to a report of a personal injury accident. Upon arrival crew members found one vehicle on its passenger side. E1 found that the patient was stuck in the driver’s seat and needed to be helped from the vehicle. Crew members removed the windshield from the vehicle and assisted the driver out through the opening. Once outside the PT was helped by EMS into the ambulance. Engine 1 cleared the scene and returned to quarters once the wrecker arrived and removed the vehicle from the roadway.

Fire Chief's Briefing for November 2 through November 15, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of November 3 through November 15, 2011.


We responded to 89 emergency calls for service.


These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 1

EMS/Rescue: 62

Hazardous Condition: 4

Service Call: 8

Good Intent: 9

False Call: 5


Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:


Friday, November 4 at approximately 6:58 pm:

E3 was dispatched on a medical call for an unresponsive PT. Upon arrival, E3 assessed the PT and began basic care to include oxygen therapy, cardiac monitoring, and monitoring of vital signs. The PT’s blood glucose level was found to be low. Finding a vein to administer intravenous glucose was difficult, so medical personnel administered glucagon via intramuscular injection. PT care was transferred to EMS for transport emergency traffic to an area hospital.


Sunday, November 6 at approximately 3:38 pm:

E2 was dispatched on a medical call for a report of injuries from a fall. Upon arrival, E2 found 1 PT lying supine exhibiting symptoms of a head injury including confusion and trauma. Bystanders stated that the PT had lost consciousness for approximately 2 minutes. E2 assessed the PT, provided supportive care, and packaged them for transport, including full spinal immobilization and a cervical collar. EMS arrived on scene and PT care was transferred for emergency transport to an area hospital.


Monday, November 7 at approximately 8:42 am:

E4 was dispatched on a residential fire alarm. Upon arrival, E4 was met by the homeowner who stated that they had burned breakfast and the resulting smoke had set off the detectors. With no hazards found, E4 used their electric fan to assist the homeowner with removing smoke from the residence. Once this was complete, E4 returned to its previous assignment.


Tuesday, November 8 at approximately 5:39 pm:

E3 was dispatched on a reported MVA involving four vehicles. R1 was called for to extricate one PT that was uninjured but unable to exit their vehicle due to it being trapped between the wall and another vehicle. R1 and E3 crew members cribbed the undercarriage and were able to have the driver exit via the rear hatch. All but one person involved refused treatment and transport. E3 applied 80 pounds of oil absorbent to vehicle fluids leaking onto the road. E3 also stood by while damaged vehicles were loaded onto wreckers. Two TDOT Emergency Highway responders took over vehicle control; E3 terminated command and left the scene.


Wednesday, November 9 at approximately 2:03 pm:

E3 and C3 were dispatched on an automatic aid call for Franklin Fire Department due to a report of a structure fire in Franklin. E3 arrived on scene with FFD Engine 6. E3 and FFD E6 began investigating the apartment that the fire was reported to be in. There was no fire or smoke, only an odor of burnt wiring. E3 located the electric panel and noted that the water heater breaker was tripped. FFD E6 removed the cover to the water heater thermostat and noted that the wiring had apparently arced and burnt out. E3 was released by FFD E6. C3 was cancelled en route. E3 marked available and left the scene.


Wednesday, November 9 at approximately 11:28 pm:

All BFR units responded to a report of a structure fire. E1, L1, and C3 were the first units on scene, and upon their arrival they discovered that the occupant of a hotel room had fallen asleep with a pizza in the oven. There was no fire in the room but smoke was coming from the oven. All other units were cancelled en-route while E1 and L1 crew members set up ventilation to remove smoke from the room and first floor of the hotel. All occupants were allowed back into the hotel a short time later. All companies cleared the scene and returned to quarters.



Friday, November 11 at approximately 12:57 pm:

E1 was dispatched on a report of a child and a dog locked in a vehicle. Upon arrival the parent stated that the dog had locked the doors with the child still in the vehicle. E1 utilized its lockout kit to open the vehicle without damage. Once all occupants were out of the vehicle E1 returned to service.


Saturday, November 12 at approximately 1:13 pm:

E2 was dispatched on a medical call for a report of injuries from a fall. Upon arrival, E2 found 1 PT with an obvious dislocation/fracture of the ankle. Supportive care and immobilization (both of the injured leg and spine) were provided until EMS arrived on scene for PT care and transport to an area hospital.


Saturday, November 12 at approximately 7:45 pm:

E1 was dispatched on a reported brush fire in the area of Scales Elementary. Upon arrival E1 found a large brush fire on a hilltop overlooking Holly Tree Gap RD. Once the proper address was obtained to access the fire E1 attempted to access the scene by driving up a driveway. However, it was quickly discovered that the only access to the fire would be by climbing the slope leading up to the hill top or ridge area. Engine 1 scaled the side of the ridge up to the top, and once there began containing the fire with hand tools. By this time all other BFR units had been called to respond to the scene to assist due to the size and location of the fire. Eventually off duty personnel were also requested to come in to provide further manpower. Containment of the fire took about three hours and involved all BFR units, off duty personnel, and the Williamson County Rescue Squad.


Sunday, November 13 at approximately 6:19 am:

All BFR units were dispatched on a reported Structure Fire. E4 was the first unit on scene. Upon arrival, crew members found a two story home with no smoke or fire showing and established command. The occupants of the home were in the front yard spraying landscaping with a garden hose. E4’s investigation showed that an outdoor light had been covered by mulch, which later ignited before spreading to a bush and causing smoke to enter the home. Crew members overhauled the area and also checked the structure and found no hazards. Command was terminated and all units returned to quarters.


Sunday, November 13 at approximately 2:58 pm:

E3 and C3 were dispatched for automatic aid for a reported structure fire in Franklin. E3 arrived to find multiple FFD units already on scene and the incident under control. E3 was tasked with covering FFD district 3, and cleared the scene. C3 was cancelled en-route.

Brentwood Fire & Rescue/ United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program – 2011

Press Release for Brentwood Fire & Rescue/ United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program – 2011

As the 2011 holiday season quickly approaches, Brentwood Firefighters hope to help spread a little holiday cheer this year. Brentwood Fire & Rescue is once again joining forces with the United States Marine Corps Reserves to provide drop off points for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. Each fire station, as well as the Brentwood City Library and Brentwood City Service Center on General George Patton Drive, will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need throughout the middle Tennessee area. Collection started the beginning of November and will last through December 25th.

Brentwood Fire Chief Brian Goss commented on the program, “We once again look forward to the collaborative effort between our department and the United States Marine Corps. This is our third year collecting for Toys for Tots and we hope to build upon the success we’ve enjoyed in years past.” Brentwood Fire & Rescue collected over 1,100 toys in 2010 with an estimated value of nearly $12,000.

Staff Sergeant Scott Benaske with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines and the Nashville Area Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program Coordinator is excited for this year’s Toys for Tots. “Last year Toys for Tots in Middle Tennessee provided over 70,000 toys to over 28,000 children. This would not have been possible without organizations like the Brentwood Fire & Rescue who were instrumental in the success of the 2010 Toys for Tots campaign in Williamson County.” Staff Sergeant Benaske added, “Toys for Tots is honored to work with Brentwood Fire & Rescue again this year.”

The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation oversees the nation-wide program that serves over 500 communities in all 50 states. They are an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Since 1991, the Toys for Tots Program has donated over 80 million toys valued at close to $490 million.

This year, Brentwood will be concentrating on the Toys for Tots program only. They will not be accepting used Christmas decorations as they did last year which was designed to assist flood victims. You can help the Marines and Brentwood Fire & Rescue with their mission by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at one of the four Brentwood Fire Stations, the Brentwood City Library, the Brentwood City Service Center, or any Toys for Tots drop off location. Just look for a drop off location by spotting a Toys for Tots poster in the window of a business or visit the Nashville Marines Toys for Tots website at www.ToysForTots.org and select Nashville, Tennessee.

The addresses for the four Brentwood Fire Stations can be found at the Brentwood Fire & Rescue website, www.Brentwood-Tn.org/Fire. Toys can be brought by any time. Toys that are damaged or opened from their original package cannot be distributed.

For more information on the Toys for Tots program, please visit www.ToysforTots.org. For information about Brentwood Fire & Rescue, visit www.Brentwood-TN.org/Fire or call (615) 371-0169.

Fire Chief's Briefing for October 26 Through November 2, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for period of October 26 through November 2, 2011.

We responded to 65 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

EMS/Rescue: 35

Service Call: 1

Good Intent: 7

False Call: 22

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Saturday, October 29 at approximately 9:50 pm:

C3, E2, R1 were dispatched to a report of an unresponsive bicyclist who had been struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival one PT was found to have regained consciousness but was disoriented and had obvious trauma to their head. The PT had been wearing a helmet, which was still intact. No other injuries were apparent. The driver of the vehicle stated that she had been traveling approximately 45 MPH and did not see the bicyclist prior to striking them. On-scene personnel took spinal immobilization precautions and began treating the wounds. The PT was packaged for transport and transferred to the care of EMS for emergency transport to an area hospital.  Units remained on scene to provide lighting for PD during their investigation.

Monday, October 31 at approximately 4:00 pm:

E2 responded to an investigation of a reported smell of gas inside a residence. Upon arrival, crew members were met by the occupant who stated that they smelled natural gas in the kitchen prior to cooking. The homeowner then cooked a pizza, so that’s all crew members could smell in that area. E2 used their gas detector throughout the house, in the crawl space, and around the furnace but nothing out of the ordinary was detected. With no hazards found, E2 cleared the scene and returned to quarters.

Tuesday, November 1 at approximately 5:44 pm and Wednesday, November 2 at approximately 1:37 pm:

E1 responded on a report of a child locked in a vehicle. E1’s crew utilized their lockout kit to remove the child from the vehicle who was uninjured. No damage to the vehicle occurred.  E1 cleared the scene and returned to quarters.

Fire Chief's Briefing for October 19 through October 25, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of October 19 through October 25, 2011.

We responded to 50 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 3

EMS/Rescue: 29

Service Call: 4

Good Intent: 4

False Call: 10

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Wednesday, October 19 at approximately 6:45 am:

E1 was dispatched on a report of a tree down on Maryland Way that was impeding traffic. E1 arrived on scene, cut up the tree, and removed the debris from the roadway before returning to quarters.

Wednesday, October 19 at approximately 5:37 pm:

E4 and R1 responded on a reported vehicle rollover. E4 arrived on the scene and found one SUV which had rolled but was once again resting upright. There were two occupants trapped inside the vehicle, neither of them injured critically.  E4 established Incident Command and called for E2 to be dispatched for additional manpower. As R1 arrived on the scene, E4 stabilized the vehicle, deployed a hand line, and disconnected the battery to deactivate the air bags. R1 prepared the hydraulic cutters for extrication and E2 arrived on the scene to assist. Personnel used the cutters from E4 and R1 to remove the vehicle's roof by cutting the roof support pillars.  Both patients were removed and BFR personnel assisted in packaging and loading the pts for transport to an area hospital by EMS. Command was terminated; all companies cleared the scene after being released by BPD.

Thursday, October 20 at approximately 3:52 pm:

E3 responded to a report of a 3 month old baby locked inside a vehicle. Alarm advised E3 that the child had been in the vehicle for approximately 2-3 min. Upon arrival, the vehicle was already unlocked by the parent. The parent stated that while E3 was enroute they checked the back door of the vehicle and it was unlocked. The child was uninjured and the parent stated that they did not need any further assistance.

Friday, October 21 at approximately 10:03 pm:

At approximately 10:00 p.m. Friday night, Brentwood Fire & Rescue personnel were dispatched to a structure fire at 17 Oxmoor Ct. in Governors Club.  Upon arrival just minutes later, Engine 4 reported black smoke coming from the eves and chimney area.  Moments later they reported a working attic fire.

Crews made an aggressive attack via an interior stairwell and quickly located the main body of fire.  Crews were attacking the fire when it broke through the roof on the C (right) side of the home approximately 10 minutes after arrival.  Interior crews continued to make progress and the fire had completely darkened down when it moved through an adjacent attic space.  The roof structure was complex and the attic contained several cuts and void spaces which enabled the fire to travel unchecked.  The home also contained a heavy slate roof which held the heat, impeded roof-top ventilation, and lead to early roof collapse simply due to sheer weight (27 pounds per square foot).  Heavy slate tiles the size and weight of bricks were falling around fire personnel all night.

The fire was deemed under control at approximately 3:00 a.m., although resources would remain on scene for the next 24-hours.  Brentwood Fire & Rescue personnel removed three pets, four cars, and several boxes of photos and belongings.  The fire was held to the roof, attic and part of the second floor with water damage to the basement and first floor.

Saturday, October 22 at approximately 10:41 am:

All BFR units were dispatched for a report of a fire in a chimney with flames visible. E3 was the first unit to arrive on scene. E3’s officer reported light smoke showing and established command. Smoke was visible inside the structure, and a small fire was found in the fireplace which was quickly extinguished.  The rest of the structure was searched with no extension found.

E4's crew was sent to the roof to check the eve vents and remove the chimney cap to check for fire. The chimney cap, along with a section of attached flue pipe, was removed.  Once the cap was on the ground, personnel discovered a large, partially-burned bird's nest.  It was determined that the nest had ignited, causing smoke to bank-down and fill the home.  Further evidence of the nest was found around the damper.  No further evidence of fire extension was discovered.

 Monday, October 24 at approximately 3:37 pm:

All BFR units were dispatched for a reported structure fire in east Brentwood. E4 was the first unit to arrive on scene and reported light smoke showing before establishing incident command. Upon entry the fire was located in the front right corner of the house and quickly extinguished. The fire was contained to a chair in the room of origin and damage did not extend beyond the immediate area. After extinguishment, a Thermal Imaging Camera was utilized to check for extension. None was found. Crews began evacuating the smoke from the structure as well as vacuuming up the water to try and prevent further damage.

INAUGURAL PUBLIC SAFETY DAY FESTIVAL A SUCCESS

Saturday, October 15, 2011 marked yet another first for Brentwood Fire and Rescue. The department held its first annual Public Safety Day which was made a success due to a great turnout from the community. Both the Brentwood Fire and Police Departments participated, as well as Williamson County EMS. 

In case you missed it, now is your chance to catch up on some of the day’s activities. The city’s newest Engine and Ladder Truck were on display, as well as one of the original Fire Engines from when the department was founded in 1986. The Police had a patrol car and a D.A.R.E. vehicle on display, and EMS brought out an ambulance and their decontamination station for everyone to see. They also provided free CPR lessons.

 

Children were able to grab a fire hose and help firefighters extinguish mock flames on a roof before climbing a ladder to rescue stuffed pets stranded in a tree.

Members of BFR and Williamson EMS put on a live demonstration of vehicle extrication.

 

Sally the Fire Beagle helped everyone learn about Fire Safety.

 

Hydro the Fire Hydrant, seen here in front of BFR’s original pumper, was also a real crowd pleaser.

Another demonstration by BFR personnel showed the difference between a fire in a home with no fire sprinklers…

and one protected by sprinklers.

The Fire Safety House was present, helping children learn about Fire Safety in the Home.

In addition to the main event being held on Franklin RD, each of the City’s four Fire Stations were open for visits and station tours.

 

See you next year!