LABOR REP: NICK LANDRY
DAN MUNSEY DIVISION CHIEF
BY RYAN VACCARO
The winter proved to be busy as expected across
Division 3. Even though El Nino didn’t deliver as
much rain and snow as expected, the Division 3
emergency call load carried on. From structure
fires and traffic collisions to ambulances on
draw-down, Division 3 continued to be the
busiest division in the department.
INCIDENTS
On Jan 26, crews responded to a commercial structure fire in Victorville.
Medic Engine 311 arrived on scene to find a fire well established inside
the center room on the second floor of a two story motel. Aggressive efforts
by ventilation and interior attack crews kept the fire to the room of origin
preventing any further lateral spread.
On February 20, crews from Victorville and Apple Valley Fire Protection
District responded to a traffic collision with extrication on Interstate 15
south of Dale Evans Parkway. Medic Truck 311 arrived on scene to find a
single SUV with major damage. The call was immediately upgraded to a
multi-casualty incident (MCI). There were a total of nine people involved
(two with serious injuries, six with minor injuries and one fatality). H-80
from CHP assisted along with five AMR ambulances.
On March 9, crews responded to a report of a garage fire with possible
victims trapped in the City of Victorville. Medic Engine 312 arrived on scene
to find heavy pressurized smoke coming from the attached garage of a
single story residence. Firefighters were hampered with poor visibility and
heavy fire conditions. The occupants were able to escape prior to firefighters’
Captain Bill Villarino discusses SLICERS during
phase 3 of the company officer workshop
arrival. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters despite tough
conditions.
On April 1, crews from Baker responded to a truck fire with possible
hazardous materials on the freeway. Engine 53 arrived on scene to find
a fully involved semi hauling motor oil. The incident was on Interstate 15
just north of Baker. Units from the Barstow Marine Corps Logistic Base
Fire Department assisted with the extensive fire fight and overhaul.
TRAINING
Division 3 completed all three phases of the escalated threat training.
On the final phase, Divisions 2 and 3 along with law enforcement
participated in a three-day escalated threat drill. The drill took place at
an abandoned school in the City of Victorville. The goal was to quickly
triage, treat and remove victims from the hazardous environment. All fire
personnel practiced with their new escalated threat gear acquired from
a recent grant. It was a successful training that gave all participants the
skills needed in the event of an active shooter response.
CONCLUSION
Phase 3 of escalated threat training completed for Divisions 2 and 3.
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FIREWIRE • Spring 2016
Like anywhere in the department, the call volume in Division 3 continues
to increase. Despite units being overtaxed and ambulances delayed,
the men and women of Division 3 continue to accomplish training,
inspections, and special programs in the midst of it all. In true County
Fire fashion, they accomplish all this with professionalism.
Spring 2016 • FIREWIRE
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