Keizer Fire Has Busiest 24 Hours in its History

Fire Chief Jeff Cowan noted that despite the heavy volume of calls, Keizer Fire District personnel and equipment were able to handle all of their calls for service with one exception, where an ambulance from Salem was needed.

Photo by Bonnie King Salem-News.com

(KEIZER, Ore.) - Keizer's Fire District experienced its busiest day for a 24-hour period between 7:00 AM. on December 21st and 7:00 AM on December 22nd, 2008.

The Keizer Fire District's Spokesman Jim Trett, says crews responded to a total of 37 calls for service during the period.

"The District then broke that record between December 22nd and December 23rd during the same time frame when they responded to 39 calls for service," Trett said.

Keizer Firefighters and Paramedics work 24-hour shifts from 7:00 AM one day to 7:00 AM the following day. Volunteers covered calls from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM during the two days.

Trett says that during the shift on December 21st to 22nd, Keizer Fire District personnel responded to 10 emergency medical calls, 6 calls for downed power lines, 3 calls for blown power transformers, 11 good intent calls (where the lines down were telephone and cable television cables and not power lines), 1 fire alarm malfunction and 1 car fire during the 24-hour period.

"The following shift from 7:00 AM on December 22nd to 7:00 AM on December 23 handled 8 calls for emergency medical services, 19 calls for downed power lines, 2 good intent calls, 3 public service calls, 1 blown transformer, 1 fire alarm sounding and 2 calls for the smell of smoke."

Trett says that in addition, there were two responses to motor vehicle crashes.

"One engine crew also was dispatched to provide water to an equestrian stable that could not provide water to 21 horses because the pump of the facilities well was without power. The crew filled three water troughs at the stable. The operators of the stable, and reportedly the horses involved, were grateful for the assist," Trett said.

Keizer Fire District crews also responded to help Marion County Fire District #1 with two emergency medical calls and 1 motor vehicle accident. Crews also responded to assist the Woodburn Fire District on two emergency medical calls.

Fire Chief Jeff Cowan noted that despite the heavy volume of calls, Keizer Fire District personnel and equipment were able to handle all of their calls for service with one exception, where an ambulance from Salem was needed.

Cowan said, "crews were busy and tired but got the job done".

Cowan added that residents of the District could take pride in their volunteer and professional firefighters and paramedics".

Residents were reminded that they should call 9-1-1 only for imminent threats of damage or injury to people or property and to call non-emergency number located in the phone book for other concerns.