Fire Blotter: Teen Driver Falls Asleep Behind Wheel, Crashes Car into Telephone Pole

Total calls during this period: 121         

EMS: 92                         

Fire/Service: 15                                    

Other: 14

On July 15, firefighters were dispatched to a report of light smoke near the Purdy Fruit Stand. Upon arrival and investigation, a small 2-by-2 unattended campfire was seen nearby under the Purdy Bridge. It was extinguished without further incident.

On July 16, the fire department received a report of a small beauty bark fire on Olympic Drive. When crews arrived, they found a smoldering cigarette butt in the bark in the north parking area, and extinguished without it spreading.

On July 17, a 16-year-old female said she fell asleep while driving on 146th Street and Peacock Hill Avenue. The vehicle went across the road and struck a telephone pole head on, completely breaking the pole off its base. The car ended up on the driver’s side, with the pole lying on top of the passenger side. The driver was unable to get out until crews cut out the windshield. She was wearing a seatbelt, and airbags were deployed. She was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.

On July 18, engines arrived at St. Anthony Hospital after a fire alarm sounded. Upon investigation, a malfunctioning smoke detector caused it to activate.

On July 19, a 63-year-old male was having stroke-like symptoms starting with a headache, numbness in his arm and some confusion. Medics evaluated and transported him for continued care at a hospital.

On July 20, a 78-year-old male was standing in the kitchen and suddenly fainted, waking up on the floor. He was transported to a hospital for further treatment.

On July 22, a large barn with a loft caught on fire with flames spreading toward the trees on 85th Street NW. Upon arrival, overhead power lines were also threatened by the fully involved structure. Both foam and water was used to extinguish the flames. Its cause is still under investigation by the Fire Marshal.

On July 23, the fire department received a report of heavy flowing water from a pipe near and the new construction area. On arrival, no flow was visible but crews did discover a large pool of water in a landscaped area, and appeared to be a faulty sprinkler system that caused the excess water.

On July 24, a 73-year-old woman experienced dizziness, blurred vision and difficulty walking for the last 3 hours. She was examined by medics and transported to a hospital for further treatment.