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PGFD Promotions

December 28, 2015, 8:29 am
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The following promotions were announced on December 24, 2015.  Congratulations to all.

Executive Administrative Aide - Effective 1/10/16
Mary Blocker (Provisional Appointment)

Fire Fighter/Paramedic Assistant Fire Chiefs (Majors) Effective 1/10/16
Gary Krichbaum
Brian Frankel

Fire Fighter/Paramedic Lieutenants - Effective 12/27/15
Marvin Perry
Mathew Yarish
Michael Brown
Donald Degraves
Stephanie Bunce

Fire Fighter Lieutenant - Effective 12/27/15
Patrick Feehley

Paramedic Lieutenant - Effective 12/27/15
Amanda Garrett

Fire Fighter/Paramedic Technicians - Effective 1/10/16
Kyle Welch
Jonathan Diiorio
Kevin Wittmer
Michael Bridgett
Ryan Sekuterski
Lauren Foreman

Fire Fighter Technician - Effective 1/10/16
Ryan Aikens
Carl Buchheister III 
Marcuse Marshall
Kenneth Fusco Jr
Timothy Barden
Jonathan Lopez
James Broughton
William Terry

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PGFD Social Media Review for 2015

December 31, 2015, 7:37 am
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Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

This is a review of the social media networks maintained by the Public Information Office of the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department for calendar year 2015.

On behalf of all the civilian, volunteer and career staff of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department we wish you a Happy and Safe New Year!!!


FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PGFDPAGE/

12685 Likes

330 average page visits weekly - 17,160 page visits  for 2015
20,000 average total reach weekly - 1,040,000 total reach in 2015
2,500 average people engaged weekly - 130,000 people engaged in 2015


TOP 5 Stories on www.PGFDNEWS.com

1.     Retired PGFD Deputy Fire Chief Carla D. Blue Passes Away - 10,495 views
2.     Firefighter Injured Battling Townhouse Fire - 3,454 views
3.     Death Notification of Don "Patch" Aker, Jr. - 3,398 views
4.     PGFD Townhouse Fire - father crashes rushing back to his children home alone - 2,610 views
5.     Helping a PGFD Fire Lieutenant and Family - 2,306 views

Youtube Account -  PGFD800

Top 5 Viewed Videos for 2014

@PGFDPIO Twitter Account for 2015


2,814 Tweets in 2015 - average of 7.7 tweets per day

9,216,000 Total Impressions

3,001 New Followers 

12,500 Total Followers


Top Follower followed by 1.41M people

Katie Couric
@katiecouric FOLLOWS YOU
Likes: Coffee everything, Ellie, Carrie, JPMs, NYC, the beach, burrata & bacon. Dislikes: You know who you are.  Global Anchor. 


Top Tweet earned 49.5K impressions

2 pieces of fire apparatus have been lost to this fire. No serious injuries
 36  274  80

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A New Year Resolution We Can Live With - Safety First Day of the Month/Year 2016

January 1, 2016, 10:01 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

January 1, 2016, a day many of us make and start our New Year Resolutions.  It is also our Safety First Day of the Month/Year.  Combine the two and make a resolution that is simple to keep, it's healthy, inexpensive and may save lives.  Make a Resolution to remember the Safety First Day of the Month.  Every 1st of every month is designated as the day to test your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to ensure they emit that life saving alert.  Simply press the test button on the front of the alarm.

Lets make a New Year Resolution we can live with and PGFD will help by reminding you every month.  This New Year Resolution just may save your life and loved ones. Finally, it is so simple to keep!!!  

"I resolve to test my smoke and CO alarms on the first day of every month."

On the first day of every month, regardless of whatever day it is, simply press the test button on the cover of your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.  What is important to note here is that you need to have smoke and CO alarms installed in your home for you to keep your resolution.

When you "Press to Test"

If you hear the audible warning – you are good for another month.

No audible warning?? – provide a fresh battery in your alarms and re-test.

Audible warning??  Yes – you are good until next month!!!  No tones – remove the alarm and replace it with a new 10-year alarm.

While you’re tending to your alarms – remove any dust or other particles from your alarm by dusting or using a vacuum.  Remember these alarms could be the difference between life and death of you and your family.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors - Keep in mind that some of our neighbors may not physically be able to reach their alarms to test or change batteries.  If you have senior citizens family members or neighbors, please, perform this lifesaving function for them. They may not ask for help but they certainly could use some.

Anyone that can not afford to purchase their own 10-year smoke alarm or batteries to rejuvenate your 9-volt alarms may call 311 and make arrangements for a firefighter to visit your home and install these life saving items for you.

Remember that it is now a law for homes that have gas service, fireplace and/or an attached garage are required to have CO alarms installed on every level of your h.

The Fire/EMS Department strongly endorses the use of 10-year, tamper proof with hush feature smoke and CO alarms on every level of your home, outside of sleeping areas and in every bedroom.

Also, design a exit drill in your home and identify two ways out of every room in the event of a fire.  Designate a safe meeting place outside and practice you exit drill at least twice a year.

**  Hint **  Other monthly tasks such as changing filter furnaces, providing our pets with monthly medications, etc. can be done on the safety first day of the month as well.

January Safety Tips

Be ever mindful of cooking and remaining in the kitchen if using the stovetop or broiler. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires and fire related injuries.

Candles should be used with extreme caution.  Keep them away from items that can burn and never leave them burning in a room unattended.

Inspect cords and bulbs on electrical holiday decorations as you take them down to store away. If cords are frayed or have wires showing, discard them now and purchase new ones later.  No good reason to try to get “just one more year” out of damaged decorations when you consider the consequence of a home fire.

While we have enjoyed warm than normal temperatures in December the forecast calls for colder weather this month.  Give space heaters space (at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn).  Turn off space heaters before you go to sleep and never use an extension cord with a space heater.

Clear clutter from around your furnace and water heater.

Never overload extension cords or power strips.  Electrical cords can overheat and ignite a fire.


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Female Seen in Image Protected by Her Pit Bull Arrested for Arson

January 4, 2016, 7:37 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

A Landover Hills female has been charged with multiple crimes after an investigation of a fire at her residence.  On December 2, officials from the Prince George’s County Office of the Fire Marshal were conducting a cause and origin investigation at a house fire in the 4800 block of 66th Place in Landover Hills that occurred around 1:00 am.  An adult male sustained minor burn injuries during this fire and was treated and released from a Burn Unit.  A female was transported from the scene to an area hospital for a medical evaluation.  During this investigation Investigators discovered evidence of an unreported fire that occurred the day before on December 1.

The unreported fire that occurred on December 1 was determined to be arson in an occupied home.  April Newell, 34 years of age, a resident of the house was identified as a suspect.  Arrest warrants were obtained on December 5th charging her with:

Arson – 1st Degree - A felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and $50,000 in fines.

Arson – 2nd Degree– A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines of $30,000.

Arson Threat - A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Malicious Burning – 1st Degree - Damage value at more than $1,000, this offense carries a potential 5-year prison sentence and $5,000 fine.

Malicious Burning – 2nd Degree - Damage value at less than $1,000, a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, penalties are up to 18 months in jail and $500 in fines.

The Office of the Prince George's County Fire Marshal confirmed that April Newell was arrested during the morning of December 31, 2015.  She is currently being held on a $500,000 Bond.

The fire that occurred on December 2nd at the same house remains under investigation.


A image from the scene captured the family Pit Bull standing guard over what appeared to be an unconscious female in a neighbors front yard on the morning of the still under investigation December 2ndfire.  The female was arrested for an unreported fire that occurred at the same location on December 1st.  The dog was subsequently captured and housed by County Animal Management Division and released to an out-of-county relative the next day.

April Newell lays in the front yard of a neighbor protected by her Pit Bull during the December 2 fire which remains undetermined and under investigation.
(Photo Credit to Billy McNeel - County Citizen Services Unit.)

April Newell, 34 years of age, of Landover Hills charged with multiple crimes after an arson fire at her residence on December 1, 2015.

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Accokeek House Fire - Jamies Way

January 4, 2016, 10:39 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

A large home is a total loss after a fire this morning in Accokeek.  At around 7:00 am, Monday, January 4, firefighters were alerted to a house fire in the 15400 block of Jamies Way.  Firefighters from the Accokeek Fire/EMS Station arrived first and reported a 2-story house with fire showing from both floors.  Other arriving firefighters on the rear of the house reported similar information and that fire was showing from the basement of the home as well.  Within a short period of time of arrival a collapse of the 1st floor occurred, fortunately, no firefighters were inside at the time.

Because this area did not have any water hydrants in the immediate vicinity a water supply task force was sounded sending several water tankers to the scene.  Water Tankers or Water Tenders, carrying upwards of 2,000+ gallons of water each, reported to the scene and provided water into a system of portable tanks that supplied water to the firefighters.
With the exception of the first few minutes of arrival the fire was fought from the safety of exterior positions.

There was one occupant at home who noticed the fire and was able to escape safely with two dogs.  The house was built in 1999 and is over 4200 square feet.  The home was equipped with both smoke alarms and a residential sprinkler system.  Part of the fire departments investigation will be to determine the role of sprinklers at this incident.  It is apparent that the volume of fire encountered by firefighters was enough to overwhelm the sprinkler system.

The fire burned for more than 90 minutes and totally gutted the house.  What did not burn off from the roof and 1st and 2nd floors collapsed into the basement.  Fortunately, there were no civilian or firefighter injuries.  A preliminary fire loss is estimated at $1.5 million.  The cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation.  Considering the damage to the structure and amount of debris in the basement it will be sometime before fire investigators can safely make entry.


The family of 2 adults and 2 dogs were assisted by the County Office of Emergency Management Citizen Service’s unit and will be making their own living arrangements.

15400 block of Jamies Way.  Photo by PGFD DFC Ben Barksdale

image provided courtesy of Brad Freitas

Water Tanker fills portable tank on Jamies Way.  Image provided courtesy of Brad Freitas

Image provided courtesy of Brad Freitas

Image provided courtesy of Brad Freitas

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Firefighter Rescued After Fall Through Roof of Burning House - Old Marlboro Pike

January 5, 2016, 2:33 pm
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Prince George’s County Fire Fighter/Medic Captain Donny Fletcher knows the feeling of falling through a burnt out section of a house and holding on for your life waiting for someone to rescue you.  Fletcher fell through a burnt out stairwell in July of 2015 and required rescue by another firefighter. Today, he heard the Incident Commander transmit a firefighter had fallen through the roof of a burning house and he knew he had to help.

Around 1:00 pm, January 5, Public Safety Communications received at least two 911 calls stating a house was on fire in the 9300 block of Old Marlboro Pike in Upper Marlboro.  Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from a 1-story single family home and initiated a search for an unaccounted occupant.  Firefighters stretched hose lines into the house and started to knock the fire down.  All searches for occupants were negative and firefighters continued with the firefight.  The fire extended up into a large attic area as firefighters from Truck 837, Ritchie Fire Station, started to open up the roof to relieve the interior of high heat and thick smoke conditions. 

Incident Commanders, Battalion Chief 3 Denny Chatel and Executive Officer Assistant Fire Chief Alan Doubleday, observed two firefighters operating on roof just as one of those firefighters fell through a weakened portion into the attic.  The firefighter fell through up to his shoulders and was enveloped in a sudden rush of high heat and thick smoke coming up from the attic. 

Having observed the fall Battalion Chief 3 transmitted that a firefighter needed assistance and activated the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) to assist.  The other firefighter from Ritchie, Volunteer Assistant Chief William Cunningham Jr., immediately went to aid his fellow crew-member and was able to support him from falling further into the attic but required help in lifting him out of hole. 

Additional assistance arrived with Captain Fletcher and Lieutenant Chris Blackistone and Fire Fighter William Philpott from the RIT team.  Members of the RIT were from the Upper Marlboro Fire/EMS Station 820.  The four firefighters lifted the firefighter up and out of attic and back onto the roof where other firefighters assisted him down a ladder to awaiting medics. 

Firefighters were careful not to overload an already comprised roof as some stood by near the roofline and ladders to assist the injured firefighter down to ground level.  

Fortunately, the firefighter that fell was wearing his full personal protective gear including his self-contained breathing apparatus with face piece on and breathing air.  This firefighter was able to walk away from this “near miss” without injury, in large part, due to his donning full protective gear and using SCBA during roof operations.  After a medic assessment the firefighter appeared to be in good shape and remained on the fire ground.

Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire within 30 minutes of arrival.  One dog was found inside the burning house with firefighters attempting resuscitative measures before pronouncing the dog deceased.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  There were no injuries reported. 

Smoke Showing from roof prior to rescue.  Photo by Brad Bell

Firefighters surrond and prepare to lift firefighter out of the attic he fell into.
(Cunningham, Fletcher, Blackistone (helmet fell off hosting FF) and Philpott)
Note the heavy smoke coming from the hole he fell through.
Photo by Fire Fighter Bryan Hogan

Firefighter is out of attic and back on roof being helped to ladder (firefighter in full PPE in front of ladder
with Captain Fletcher(black PPE) reaching out to him.
Photo by Fire Fighter Krystal Brooks

Firefighter is assisted off the roof.  Photo by Fire Fighter Krystal Brooks

Firefighter is assisted down ladder to awaiting medics.  Photo by Krystal Brooks 


Fire Captain Fletcher after the rescue, Photo by Brady.


The attic area received a thorough wet down from Silver Hill Truck 829.  Photo by Brady







http://pgfdpio.blogspot.com/2015/10/laurel-volunteer-chief-awarded-for.html
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Video Added - PGFD Seeking Information on METRO Arson Suspects

January 5, 2016, 3:37 pm
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The Prince George’s County Office of the Fire Marshal is working to identify the suspects shown in the above surveillance photographs.  

On January 4, 2016, at approximately 7:54 pm, the suspects set fire inside a train located at Addison Road Metro Station, 100 Addison Road South, Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743.  

Anyone with information is urged to contact the 
Fire Investigations Division.  

You can call 24 hours a day and remain anonymous.

CALL 301-77ARSON

301-772-7766

OR EMAIL 77ARSON@CO.PG.MD.US

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BE WARNED - Firefighters Hose Lines are Lines You Can Not Cross

January 6, 2016, 1:29 pm
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Members of the fire service totally understand a motorist’s frustration when trapped in their neighborhood or complex by fire hose laid in the street or driveway.  We may understand your frustration but we can not allow you to drive over our hoses.  Motorists need to understand that we need to do what we have to do to perform our job of extinguishing fires.

The primary reason hose lines are laid is to establish a continuous water supply from a water hydrant or other sources of water through a fire engine or pumper to the hoses used by firefighters to extinguish fires.  Any interruption in this water supply could endanger firefighters inside of a burning structure and delay extinguishment.  Driving over a non-charged hose line (no water in hose) or charged hose line (water in hose) is dangerous for firefighters, yourself and your vehicle.  It is also a violation of the law.

Driving over a non-charged hose line could cause the hose to become entangled with the underside of your car and any moving part.  This would prevent that hose line from becoming a charged hose line and delaying the extinguishment of a fire and endangering firefighters.  Your vehicle could also sustain serious damage.

Driving over a charged hose line could cause the hose to break allowing a high-pressure release of water.  This action will limit or stop the water and pressure supplying firefighting activity.  Additionally, you could become injured from the high-pressure release of water and your vehicle could be damaged. 

If endangering firefighters, injuring yourself and others, damaging hose lines and your vehicle and delaying extinguishment of a fire is not enough, there is a law restricting motorists from driving over firefighting hose lines.

Maryland Transportation Code Ann. 21 – 1110

Unless the driver has the consent of the fire department official in command, the driver of a vehicle may not drive over any unprotected hose of a fire department that is laid down on any highway or private driveway.

There is a $70 fine. $110 if it causes a collision.

Most states have similar laws addressing this violation.


We are providing a warning to all motorists that when they see a firefighters hose line in the street: DO NOT CROSS THAT LINE.  This is a law we can live with.


A recent house fire in New Carrollton resulted in charged hose lines in the roadway.  This driver thought he could negotiate over the lines.  He thought wrong!!!  His vehicle became stuck and was not allowed to move.  The driver is seen discussing the matter with a New Carrollton Police Officer.  (Image (4) by PGFD AFC Steve White).






Be Warned
Firefighters Hose Lines

A line you can not cross!!!

Unless the driver has the consent of the fire department official in command, the driver of a vehicle may not drive over any unprotected hose of a fire department that is laid down on any highway or private driveway.

There is a $70 fine. $110 if it causes a collision.

Following images by PGFD PIO Brady









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Oxon Hill Apartment Fire Quickly Extinguished - Alice Avenue

January 6, 2016, 4:19 pm
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

An apartment fire was quickly extinguished and several residents assisted out of the building by firefighters in the Oxon Hill area.  just after 12 noon today firefighters responded to 2242 Alice Avenue in the Oxon Hill Village apartment complex.  Firefighters from the Silver Hill Fire/EMS Station was the first arriving piece of fire apparatus and reported heavy smoke coming from the rear of the 3-story front/4-story rear garden style apartment building.  Dispatchers from Public Safety Communications alerted firefighters that residents on the top floor were trapped in their apartments unable to escape due to the heat and smoke in the stairwell.

Firefighters advanced a hand line into the building and initiated extinguishment while another team of firefighters made their way to the 3rd floor to search for the trapped residents.  Firefighters located occupants in two apartments and sheltered in place with them until it was safe to exit down the stairwell.  Medics evaluated the residents and everyone checked out OK.  There were no injuries during this fire.  Firefighters did locate a deceased cat in the apartment of origin.

Firefighters had the fire extinguished with 10 minutes of arrival and limited damage to three apartments.  Residents from those apartment will be displaced.  A total of 6 adults and 2 children received assistance from the County Citizen Services Unit.

It appears the fire started on the balcony of the 2nd floor apartment and extended into the 2nd floor apartment as well as up to the apartment above.  The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined.  Fire loss is estimated at $15,000.






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Fires Caused by Space Heaters Keeping Firefighters Busy

January 7, 2016, 8:15 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Within the past 4 days the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department extinguished 2 home fires that were caused by space heaters igniting nearby combustibles in bedrooms.  These 2 fires alone have displaced 11 adults and 2 children.  Fire loss is estimated at around $150,000 for both incidents.  We were fortunate no one was injured or killed during these incidents. 

According to the United States Fire Administration space heaters cause one-third of home heating fires and 4 out of 5 home heating fires deaths.

On Monday, January 4, 1:30 pm, firefighters encountered a fire in a 2nd floor bedroom of a townhouse in the 11900 block of Beltsville Drive in Beltsville.

This morning, January 7, at around 9:30 am, firefighters battled a fire in a bedroom of a single family home in the 1400 block of Early Oaks Lane in Chapel Oaks.

The cause of both fires - a space heater in a bedroom that ignited nearby combustibles (bedding material).  Because both of these occurred during the daytime, fortunately, there was no loss of life.  If you, your loved ones or other residents in your house are using a space heater, please, take the time to read our safety tips below.

“Colder temperatures during the winter season brings the highest number of home fires than any other time of year,” said Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor. “Each season, home fires increase in part due to cooking and heating fires. Fire safety and injury prevention must not be lost in an effort to stay warm. Stay warm and do so safely.  Safety First ensures everyone goes home.” 

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department recommend the following safety tips for space heaters. 






Space Heaters

·      Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
 


·      Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over or if placed too close to an object.
·      Heaters are not dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. 


 
·      Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.

·      Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use. 

  
·      Turn off at night or whenever you sleep. 
·      Never use an extension cord with space heaters - plug directly into wall socket.



Kerosene space heater 

·      Never refuel indoors.  
·      Remove the kerosene heater outdoors, turn off and wait for it to cool down before refueling and only use the correct type of fuel.




General Heating Tips  
   
•    Furnaces, fireplaces and chimneys should be cleaned and checked each year by an appropriate professional prior to using.  Clear away any clutter from these heating devices, at least 3 feet away.
•    Only use seasoned wood in fireplaces, never use ignitable liquids to start a fire and do not overload your appliance.
•    The 3-foot rule also applies to furnaces and fireplaces.  No combustibles items within 3 feet of these heating appliances.
•    Dispose of fireplace ash into a metal container and store outdoors away from structures on a concrete surface.  Fireplace ash can ignite a fire days after they have been discarded.

Finally, ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working by pushing the test button on the front cover.  Your alarms should be tested monthly on the first day of every month - Safety First Day of the Month.  If you do not hear an audible warning, replace your alarm with a new 10-year, tamper proof, with hush feature alarm.  Having a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, in hallways just outside of sleeping areas and in every bedroom in addition to a exit drill in the home plan and practiced dramatically increases your chances of surviving a burning home.  Remember to sleep with your bedroom door closed.


A working CO detector will protect you and your family from deadly "silent killer" fumes that may be building up in your home.  Remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family. 


For additional information from the USFA on Winter Fire Safety; click here.usfire.gov.


Residents are encouraged to utilize the Prince George’s County’s County 311 system to obtain information about public services and obtaining a smoke alarm installed in your home.


11900 block of Beltsville Drive $75K and family displaced as a result of a space heater fire (Brady)


Space Heater fires have kept firefighters busy over the past 4 days (Brady)






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PGFD 2015 End of Year Statistics and Notable Event Images

January 7, 2016, 8:39 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

2015 proved to be a busy year for the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, however, not as busy as the year before.  The Department showed a 3.4% reduction in total unit responses compared to 2014.  The Department also responded to about 2000 fewer incidents compared to 2014.

The Department recorded 3 civilian residential fire fatalities of accidental origin.  We suffered 5 in 2015 and 13 in 2014.  We responded to more and more incidents where occupants described their smoke alarm alerting them to the fire and escaping safely.

Busiest Ambulance  - Silver Hill Fire/EMS Station 829 with 5576 responses.
Busiest Medic Unit - District Heights Fire/EMS Station 826 with 4269 responses.
Busiest Paramedic Ambulance - Oxon Hill Fire/EMS Station 821 with 3487 responses.
Busiest Engine Company - Oxon Hill Fire/EMS Station 842 with 4053 responses.
Busiest Rescue Squad - Morningside Fire/EMS Station - 2357 responses.
Busiest Truck - Berwyn HeightsFire/EMS Station - 1102 responses.
Busiest Battalion Chief - Battalion Chief 881 - 1642 responses.
Busiest EMS Supervisor - NEMSDO - 1327 responses.
Busiest Station - Silver Hill Fire/EMS Station 829 - 18,301 responses.

For a complete list of our Fire/EMS Stations and their station number, please click here.

Many thanks to the Dennis Wood, Deputy Fire Chief, Emergency Services Command, for compiling these 2015 end of year statistics.

Dispatched Incidents By Area

829
Silver Hill                 8676
826
District Heights      6916
825
Clinton                     6768
846
Kettering/Largo      6087
833
Kentland                  6048
842
Oxon Hill                  5342
834
Chillum-Adelphi     5038
849
Laurel Rescue         4349
848
West Lanham Hills 4218
808
Seat Pleasant          3872
801
Hyattsville               3680
810
Laurel Fire               3574
844
Chillum                    3542
809
Bladensburg           3491
828
West Lanham Hills 3488
821
Oxon Hill                  3303
847
Fort Washington    3288
816
Northview               2859
823
Forestville               2835
832
Allentown Road     2835
855
Bunker Hill              2804
837
Ritchie                     2706
827
Morningside           2664
820
Upper Marlboro     2617
812
College Park            2566
817
Boulevard Heights  2547
806
St. Joes                    2516
831
Beltsville                 2489
841
Calverton                2417
839
Bowie-Freestate    2274
838
Chapel Oaks           2189
818
Glenn Dale             2054
813
Riverdale Heights  2012
814
Berwyn Heights    1990
835
Greenbelt              1933
830
Landover Hills       1916
811
Branchville            1839
843
Pointer Ridge        1683
805
Capitol Heights     1631
845
Croom                    1604
840
Brandywine           1523
807
Riverdale                1231
819
 Bowie - Old Town 1110
824
Accokeek                1064
858
National Harbor      719
836
Baden                       487
Grand Total
140794


Dispatched Unit Responses By Station
(Does not include Chief Officers/Units not assigned to stations)

829
18301
826
17744
833
11368
806
10687
825
10457
846
10103
830
9741
842
9259
812
9245
838
9070
844
8791
827
8034
810
7655
832
7292
847
7239
809
7188
821
7139
841
6814
805
6753
816
6562
818
6517
823
6494
849
6478
834
6437
801
6264
814
6110
855
5947
831
5345
840
5053
835
4629
811
4401
807
4254
845
3964
843
3848
837
3836
828
3834
820
3578
848
3515
839
3070
819
3056
824
2896
FM
2040
813
1876
836
1632
808
1479
817
1012
853
603
858
109
899
63
857
61
856
49
Grand Total
297892

Dispatched Responses by Unit (Over 1000 per year)

A829
5576
A826
4897
A833
4450
MD826
4269
A842
4254
MD829
4155
PE842
4053
A846
3926
A825
3906
MD830
3881
A830
3768
A805
3701
A832
3662
A834
3652
MD812
3602
A829B
3504
PA821
3487
PA823
3443
MD844
3370
E833
3350
PA838
3334
E828
3281
A844
3275
A827
3274
A826B
3249
PE846
3176
A801
3140
A809
3021
A806
3001
A838
2981
MD846
2961
MD825
2827
A847
2827
PA816
2773
A841
2773
A855
2768
PA806
2742
PE841
2728
E821
2698
A831
2675
MD818
2536
A835
2531
E816
2515
A807
2487
E805
2458
MD810
2362
SQ827
2357
E826
2306
A843
2278
E829
2144
PE844
2136
E809
2030
MD840
1989
MD845
1968
MD847
1897
E823B
1884
A839
1847
A819
1839
E838
1810
A848
1805
A849
1761
E845
1738
A812B
1687
SQ806
1677
E825
1672
BO881
1642
A818
1638
A820
1626
E829B
1609
A849B
1601
E801
1515
E806
1512
BO883
1476
PE830
1465
A810
1429
E834
1391
SQ814
1389
A814
1359
A813
1350
NEMSDO
1327
RE827
1323
A824
1323
A811
1313
BO884
1297
A810B
1294
BO886
1273
E835
1271
E825B
1270
RE849
1243
E847
1219
MP833
1214
SQ847
1187
E855
1141
SEMSDO
1129
E831
1124
E812
1109
TK814
1102
TW833
1090
E837B
1068
BO885
1040
TK829
1024
RE840
1022
E837
1020


Thank you to all of the people involved in capturing these images and sending them to me or posting on Facebook and Twitter.  The images are from incidents and events occurring in 2015. 








































































































































































































































































































This is a review of the social media networks maintained by the Public Information Office of the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department for calendar year 2015.

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PGFDPAGE/

12685 Likes

330 average page visits weekly - 17,160 page visits  for 2015
20,000 average total reach weekly - 1,040,000 total reach in 2015
2,500 average people engaged weekly - 130,000 people engaged in 2015


TOP 5 Stories on www.PGFDNEWS.com

1.     Retired PGFD Deputy Fire Chief Carla D. Blue Passes Away - 10,495 views
2.     Firefighter Injured Battling Townhouse Fire - 3,454 views
3.     Death Notification of Don "Patch" Aker, Jr. - 3,398 views
4.     PGFD Townhouse Fire - father crashes rushing back to his children home alone - 2,610 views
5.     Helping a PGFD Fire Lieutenant and Family - 2,306 views

Youtube Account -  PGFD800


Top 5 Viewed Videos for 2014


@PGFDPIO Twitter Account for 2015


2,814 Tweets in 2015 - average of 7.7 tweets per day

9,216,000 Total Impressions

3,001 New Followers 

12,500 Total Followers


TOP FOLLOWER FOLLOWED BY 1.41M PEOPLE

Katie Couric
@katiecouric FOLLOWS YOU
Likes: Coffee everything, Ellie, Carrie, JPMs, NYC, the beach, burrata & bacon. Dislikes: You know who you are.  Global Anchor. 


TOP TWEET EARNED 49.5K IMPRESSIONS

2 pieces of fire apparatus have been lost to this fire. No serious injuries
 36  274  80

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"Surviving a Burning House" A PGFD Community Risk Reduction Video

January 12, 2016, 9:32 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

A portion of video is shown here.

The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department’s Office of Community Risk Reduction and Outreach (CRRO) has a new tool to help educate students, residents and citizens about safety measures to help escape a burning house.

The department is taking advantage of the popular “Burning House” song by country artist and songwriter, CAM, which describes a dream she had about a broken relationship.  

Permission to use “Burning House” was obtained from Sony Music – Nashville, who is allowing the department to use the song and video only in Prince George’s County.  

The department’s video “Surviving a Burning House” plays the song in the background as images of burning houses and fire apparatus appear in the video.  Fire safety messages appear at intervals, promoting working smoke alarms, planning and practicing an exit drill in your home, and encouraging staying out of a burning house once you are out.

CRRO staff has used the video during school fire safety and injury prevention visits and has received an overwhelming positive response. 

“When you receive dozens of questions from students and staff after viewing the video, it indicates the video evoked emotion and interest,” said Teresa Crisman, CRRO coordinator. 

“The ‘Surviving a Burning House’ video uses real images of real fires that recently occurred in Prince George’s County while playing the ‘Burning House’ song, which appears to highly interest viewers, and when we interject our safety messages, it really becomes a powerful teaching instrument,” added Crisman.

The department reached out to singer Cam by way of Twitter and wrote, “Hey ‪@camcountry Prince George's County, MD, Fire/EMS Department produced a fire safety video w/Burning House. Has been very effective in schools.  We would like you to see it & know you are helping to save lives.”  Cam responded tweeting, “‪@PGFDPIO‪ how amazing!!!!! That makes me beyond happy!!!”

A copy of the “Surviving a Burning House” video was forwarded to her to watch.

The department’s “Surviving a Burning House” video will not be available on the Internet or social media per agreement with Sony Music – Nashville.  The video can be viewed only in Prince George’s County, Maryland. 

The video can be seen on Prince George’s County Public Safety access channels as well as on digital signage monitors located in most county buildings. Verizon channel 39 is up and running and Comcast/XFINITY channel 69 will start airing soon.

The department will also make the video available, upon request, to any group in Prince George’s County including schools, town hall meetings and at community events. Please call the CRRO office at 301-883-5250 for further details.

The Prince George’s County Public Safety Access channel is available 24 hours a day and provides safety and prevention tips from all of your public safety agencies. 


The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department encourages you and your entire family to tune in to your cable providers Verizon, channel 39, and Comcast/XFINITY, channel 69 to watch the entire video and to learn the proper safety procedures should you ever find yourself amongst a burning house.
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2-Alarm Fire - 9205 New Hampshire Avenue

January 14, 2016, 10:42 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO



Prince George's and Montgomery County Firefighters were alerted to an apartment fire at about 5:17 pm on Wednesday, January 13, 2016.  Public Safety Communications answered several 911 calls reporting a condo apartment on fire at 9205 New Hampshire Avenue in Adelphi.  Firefighters arrived at 5:21 pm finding a 4-story in the front with 6-stories in the rear, center hallway, flat roof apartment building with fire showing from the top floor.

Two occupants next to the apartment of origin had tried to escape through the hallway but were driven back into their condo due to the intense heat and smoke.  They retreated to their balcony where they were rescued by firefighters from the Chillum-Adelphi Fire/EMS Station 834 using their extended ladder from Truck 834 to reach and rescue the two trapped occupants.

An open hallway door of the apartment of origin created a flow patch that generated intense flames and extension of the fire into the main hallway.  The fire also quickly extended into the flat roof structure.

Firefighters attempted entry onto the 4th floor hallway but were pulled back to the safety of the stairwell as a deck gun was used to knock down a bulk of the fire from the exterior.  Firefighters re-entered the 4th floor to conduct searches and extinguish the fire.  It required 30 minutes to extinguish the bulk of the fire with another 20 minutes to complexity extinguish the fire.

In addition to the 2 occupants rescued by Truck 834 another occupant was ushered off of the third floor by firefighters from Branchville.  This occupancy dropped from a 4th floor balcony to the third floor and was assisted out through the main stairwell.  He was evaluated by medics but did not appear to be injured.

Two occupants i n the apartment of origin sustained burn injuries and were transported to a Burn Unit.  They were in good condition and expected to be treated and released.

The incident did escalate to 2 alarms which sent over 25 fire/EMS and support vehicles to the scene.  There were about 90 Prince George's and Montgomery County firefighters and EMS personnel on the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  At this point in the investigation nothing has been found out of the ordinary or suspicious.  Fire loss is estimated at $200,000.

There are 40 condo units in the building.  All 40 units, 101 residents, were displaced with many making their own arrangements.  Four units, 10 residents, required assistance from the American Red Cross with temporary shelter.

There were a total of 2 civilian and 3 firefighter burn injuries.  All were treated and released.

The video seen is from a media helicopter piloted by Brad Freitas,  he arrived just minutes after our initial arriving units and captured a rescue from the 4th floor by Truck 834 and the intensity of the apartment fire.
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WUSA 9 Report on Fire and Rescue - 9205 New Hampshire Avenue

January 15, 2016, 1:45 pm
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Four Firefighters Sent to Hospital After Battling Seat Pleasant Apartment Fire

January 16, 2016, 1:24 pm
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Four firefighters were sent to area hospitals after fighting a Seat Pleasant apartment fire.  On Friday, January 15, at around 9:30 am, fire/EMS units were alerted to an apartment fire in the 6500 block of Central Avenue and arrived to find fire and smoke coming from a top floor apartment of a 2-story front/3-story rear building.

Firefighters made quick work in extinguishing the fire.  Four firefighters, 2 with burn injuries and 2 with symptoms of hyper-tension, were transported to area hospitals for treatment and further evaluation.  All four were treated and released.  Hypertension symptoms were detected in the rehab area where medics evaluate firefighters after they have completed their assignments.  If a firefighters vital signs do not return to normal limits within an allotted time they are sent to the hospital for additional evaluation and treatment if needed.

There were 12 adults and 5 children displaced.  They were assisted through management, County Citizen Services Unit and the American Red Cross.

It appears the fire started in a bedroom of a top floor apartment.  The cause of the fire is undetermined, however, the investigation is on-going.  Fire loss is estimated at $70,000.


Conditions on arrival (PGFD Battalion Chief Grady Valencis)

Image by PGFD Assistant Fire Chief Steve White

Image by PGFD Assistant Fire Chief Steve White

Image by PGFD Assistant Fire Chief Steve White

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Search

Female Rescued from Burning Temple Hills Home

January 17, 2016, 10:11 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

A female was rescued this morning by firefighters from her burning Temple Hills home.  Firefighter/Medics were alerted at around 9:15 am, Sunday, January 17, to a reported house fire with a person trapped.  Firefighters from Silver Hill Fire/EMS Station 829 were the first to arrive to find smoke coming from the 1-story with basement duplex in the 3100 block of Bellbrook Court. 

With a report of someone being trapped in the basement firefighters made an aggressive interior search quickly locating a female and removing her to awaiting paramedics.  The fire was quickly extinguished. 

Medics quickly loaded the 20ish year old female into their unit and transported her to a Burn Unit.  She appeared to be suffering from 2nd degree burns to about 40% of her body and smoke inhalation.  She is currently being treated and is listed in serious condition.

Other residents in the house smelled smoke and tried to make their way to the source of the smoke in the basement but were driven back by the thick smoke.  Occupants stated their smoke alarm apparently was non-working and failed to activate.

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined and remains under investigation.  Fire loss is estimated at $50,000.  Firefighters from the Silver Hill station were going to return to the community today to check on smoke alarms to ensure they are working.

All residents should check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on the Safety First Day of every month to ensure they are working.  Alarms that are 10 years or older should be replaced with a new 10-year alarm and install one on every level of your home near sleeping areas and inside of bedrooms.  Sleep with your bedroom doors closed.


Prince George’s County residents needing a working smoke alarm and can not afford to purchase one should call 311.  A firefighter will come to your house and install one for you free of charge.
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Keeping Your Pet Safe During Cold Weather

January 18, 2016, 10:23 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Prince George's County
Department of the Environment/301-883-5952

or

Mark E. Brady, PGFD Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Can’t stand being outside in the cold temperatures?  Imagine how your pet feels.  When frigid air hits, the Prince George’s County Animal Management Division reminds pet owners that if it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold for your pets and advises owners to keep their animals indoors and to closely monitor their exposure to winter elements.  But if your pet must stay outdoors, County law requires you to provide the following protection:

·         A dog house of appropriate size that is dry, draft free and elevated off the ground.
·         A wind flap attached to the doghouse to keep cold air out and warm air in.
·         Non-absorbent bedding like straw or wood shavings to help keep the dog warm.
·         Fresh drinking water; routinely check your pet’s drinking water to make sure it is not frozen and use a secured container to prevent tipping.
Other cold weather safety tips pet owners should consider include:
  • Keep kittens and puppies under six months, and small or short-haired dogs inside.
  • Consider indoor house training for puppies as they do not handle cold temperatures like their mature counterparts.
  • Consider dressing your pet in specially made coats or sweaters; some pet owners also use booties or other shoe like foot protection.
  • Increase your pets protein to help keep the pets fur healthy.
  • Don’t let your dog off its leash in the snow or ice; they can easily become lost and snow and ice can be dangerous when they are running loose. 
  • Make sure your pet always wears ID tags and is properly licensed and microchipped.
  • Wipe or dry your pet’s feet, legs and stomach when they come in out of the sleet, snow or ice.
  • Never leave your pet in a closed car in the winter. Cold temperatures can quickly create a freezer-like environment in a car putting your pet at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. 
  • Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep with a blanket or pillow, away from drafts.
  • Check your car. Outdoor and feral cats seek shelter from the cold under car hoods, in wheel wells and underneath cars. Knock on the hood and honk the horn to remove any cats nestled in these areas.   
If you’re looking for a dog or cat to keep warm in your home, contact the Animal Services Facility at (301) 780-7200 or visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com.
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Avoid Hypothermia and Frostbite During Colder Weather

January 18, 2016, 10:38 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO


Stay Healthy

With colder temperatures and dangerously low wind chills being a part of our forecast, The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department wants our residents to avoid serious health problems that can occur due to prolonged exposure to cold weather. The two most common conditions are hypothermia and frostbite.  Remember, by staying healthy will help the Fire/EMS Department by you not having to call 911 for an ambulance.

The Fire/EMS Department would like to share recommendations by our Health Department for you to stay healthy during cold weather.

All residents must take precautionary actions as a primary defense against injuries and illness resulting from extreme cold weather conditions. When exposed to cold weather, our bodies lose heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in bodily injury, illness, and even death.

The Fire/EMS Department advises all residents to check on your elderly relatives and neighbors to ensure they have adequate heat and protection from the cold.  Limit the amount of time your pet spends outside.  Indoor pets when outside in the freezing cold, can also contract hypothermia very quickly.

Hypothermia is one of the serious health problems that can be caused by exposure during cold weather.  If a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees, immediately seek medical attention.

In mild cases the symptoms include:

•    Uncontrollable shivering
•    Pale and cold skin

Other more serious signs include:

•    Confusion or sleepiness
•    Slurred speech
•    Shallow breathing
•    Weak pulse
•    Stiffness in the arms or legs
•    Or, poor control over body movements

In the case of serious symptoms, contact the victim’s doctor or call 911.

In either case, until help arrives or a doctor sees the person, move the person to a warm room, warm the body with dry layers of blankets or clothing, and give warm beverages.

Frostbite refers to actual freezing and subsequent destruction of body tissue which is likely to occur any time skin temperature gets much below 32F.  The areas most likely to freeze are toes, fingers, ears, cheeks and the tip of the nose.

Individual at risk for frostbite include those with impaired circulation, the elderly, the very young and anyone who remains outside for prolonged periods.  The danger increases if the individual becomes wet.

Symptoms of frostbite include:

•    Gradual numbness;
•    Hardness and paleness of the affected area during exposure,
•    Pain and tingling or burning in affected area following warming; and
•    Possible change of skin color to purple

NEVER MASSAGE OR RUB FROSTBITTEN AREAS AS THIS MAY CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE SKIN.

Follow these tips to weather the winter in a healthy way:

•    Cover your head.  You lose as much as 50 percent of your body heat through your head.
•    Wear several layers of lightweight, loose fitting clothing.  The air between the layers acts as insulation to keep you warmer.
•    Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect lungs from direct, extremely cold air.  Cover your ears and lower part of your face as well.
•    Wear mittens rather than fingered gloves.  The close contact of fingers helps to keep your hands warm.
•    Wear warm leg coverings and heavy socks or two pairs of lightweight socks.

•    Wear waterproof boots or sturdy shoes to keep your feet warm and dry.
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Two Fire Fighter/Medics Injured in Crash on Beltway

January 18, 2016, 8:53 pm
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Two Prince George’s County Fire Fighter/Medics were injured and their unit sustained significant damage in a crash on the Capital Beltway in Oxon Hill this evening.  Just after 8:00 pm, Monday, January18, Paramedic Ambulance 821, from the Oxon Hill Fire/EMS Station on Livingston Road, had just cleared a call and was returning to the station.  While travelling on the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway approaching the St. Barnabas Road exit a civilian vehicle side swiped the unit on the drivers side.  The collision was hard enough it caused the unit to move across the Beltway towards the slow shoulder.  The ambulances travelled head-on into a steep muddy and tree filled embankment.  It travelled several more feet on the soft shoulder striking a light pole and coming to rest in a ditch.

Both medics on board sustained injuries and were transported to a Trauma Center for evaluation and treatment.   The injuries are non-life threatening.  The striking vehicle continued up the Beltway another 200 yards and stopped on the shoulder.

As of 11:00 pm, both medics were listed in good condition and were still being evaluated at the Trauma Center.

The County Police Department was interviewing the driver of the striking vehicle and information about any possible charges was not immediately available.


A rather bizarre secondary incident occurred when the Paramedic Ambulance struck the light pole.  The light poles along the Beltway are designed to break away from the base when they are struck.  This allowed the pole to fall towards the travel lanes.  A vehicle was slowing as the crash had occurred just in front of him.  The pole pierced his roof, went through the interior and came out the bottom of the car.  The pole missed striking the vehicle driver by mere inches.  He was able to walk away from that episode unharmed.









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Chillum House Fire - Four Fatalities

January 19, 2016, 8:36 am
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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Four members of a Chillum family perished when their home caught fire and they were trapped inside.  Firefighters were alerted to the house fire at 2:03 this morning after a neighbor called 911 to report a house across the street was on fire.  Subsequent 911 callers reported that people were trapped inside the burning house at 6720 Knollbrook Drive in Chillum.  Firefighters arrived just 4 minutes after being alerted and arrived to find a 2-story single family home with fire and smoke showing from every window and door on the front, rear and side on both floors of the house.  Frantic family members out front confirmed to firefighters that multiple people were trapped inside.

Firefighters knocked down a portion of the fire from the homes exterior before making entry to search for the trapped occupants.

Firefighters quickly found and brought out 2-year twins, Anna Omijie and Israel Omijie, and immediately began CPR and transported them to Children's National Medical Center.   Tragically, both children were pronounced deceased a short time after arriving at the hospital.

The twin’s grandmother, 55-year-old Caroline Omogbo, was brought out by firefighters, where paramedics pronounced her deceased on the scene.

Samson Omogbo, 63-year-old grandfather, was also pronounced deceased inside the home.

All of the deceased were located on the second floor in bedrooms.  The twins in one bedroom and the grandparents in their own bedroom.

The mother of twins jumped from a 2nd floor window and was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries to her extremities.

Two other adult female family members were able to escape unharmed.

Prince George’s and Montgomery County Firefighters completed extinguishment of the fire within 30 minutes of arrival. 

Fire Investigators stated there is no evidence of a smoke alarm found in the home.  The cause and origin investigation continues and for now the cause of the fire is undetermined.  Nothing suspicious was found during the course of the investigation leading Investigators to believe the cause will be accidental, however, the investigation remains open and on going.  Fire loss is estimated at $250,000.


Firefighters will be returning to the Knollbrook community at 1:00 pm to check on neighbors smoke alarms.  If one is found to be non-working, over 10 years old or missing a new 10-year smoke alarm will be installed, free of charge.

Image by Mark E. Brady

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