On October 13, 2007 at approximately 5:45 pm, three North County Fire Authority fire companies, two EMS units, one EMS supervisor and one Chief Officer responded to a two-car vehicle accident involving a passenger car and a pickup truck on Highway 280 in Daly City. 

Two occupants had to be extricated from the passenger vehicle.  A nine year old female was pronounced dead at the scene.  An adult female was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead also.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident.

On October 9, 2007 fire companies responded to a reported structure fire on Rio Verde Street Drive in Daly City.  The first arriving fire company reported flames showing from the second floor and the roof of a single-family dwelling. Initial reports indicated that there were residents inside who were in need of rescue.  A second alarm was immediately called for to provide additional resources to fight the fire.   A total of 11 fire companies, 1 EMS unit, 1 Battalion Safety Officer, 2 Fire Investigators, 1 Information Officer and 6 Chief Officers responded to the fire.

Upon arrival the fire company found that two Daly City Police Officers had been able to assist two residents escape from a rear bedroom window on the second floor using a ladder that was located in the rear yard. 

The fire confined to the kitchen and dining room, and was controlled in about 15 minutes.  Crews remained on scene for approximately 3 hours to complete the extinguishment and overhaul. 

Two of the residents were treated at the scene by AMR for minor smoke inhalation.  Both residents refused transport to the hospital.  A Daly City Police Officer was treated at the scene for a minor laceration to the hand.

Five adults and two children were displaced by the fire, but were provided with living assistance by the American Red Cross. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Prevention Bureau.

On October 7, 2007, just before noon, 12 fire companies, one bulldozer, 1 CalFire hand crew, two air tankers, on helicopter, one air attack coordinator, on Incident Dispatch Team, one information officer and fire chief officers responded to a three-alarm grass fire on the hillside behind the 600 block of Crespi Drive in Pacifica. 

The first arriving fire company was on scene within approximately four minutes after being dispatched and reported heavy smoke and flames running up the hillside.  A second and third alarm was subsequently called for to obtain the necessary resources to fight the fire.

Firefighters, with assistance from the CalFire air tankers, were able to contain the fire to approximately 10 acres.  The fire was controlled in about one hour with complete extinguishment and overhaul completed in about four and a half hours.  No structures were threatened by the fire.  The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Prevention Bureau.

At approximately 1:37 pm fire crews were also dispatched to a grass fire behind the Linda Mar school located at 830 Rosita Road in Pacifica.  Three fire companies and two chief officers responded to the fire.  The first arriving fire company found a small grass fire on the playground behind the school.  The fire was quickly extinguished with no damage to structures.  Witnesses reported seeing two juveniles in the area immediately prior to the fire.  The Fire Prevention Bureau and the Pacifica Police Department are investigating.

There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians in either of the fires.

On July 15, 2007 North County Fire Companies were called out to a fire at a gas station in Daly City.  A total of 6 fire companies, 1 EMS Unit, 1 Battalion Safety Officer, 1 Information Officer, 1 Fire Investigator and 2 Chief Officers responded.  Upon arrival the first in fire company reported 40 foot tall flames showing from vehicles beneath the canopied pump station.

The fire was controlled in approximately 12 minutes with complete extinguishment and overhaul finished in about 2 hours.  One citizen was treated for minor injuries by firefighter/paramedics and transported to a local hospital.  There were no injuries to firefighters.

The fire was caused by a vehicle striking the gas pumps, causing ignition of the vehicle and subsequently the canopy of the gas station.  Both the manual and automatic shut off devices to the pump stations were activated, cutting off the fuel source to the pumps.  The cause of the vehicle accident is under investigation by the Daly City Police Department.

On July 11, 2007, at 12:15 am, four fire companies from the North County Fire Authority responded to a grass fire behind the homes along the 600 block of Foothill Drive in Pacifica.  The first arriving fire companies found a slow moving grass fire approaching the homes.  The fire was contained in about 25 minutes with overhaul lasting another 45 minutes.

The fire was involved just under an acre of land.  Neighbors reported seeing a bright flash and lound bang immediately prior to the discovery of the fire.  It is suspected that fireworks may have been involved.

On July 6, 2007 at 7:15 pm North County Fire Authority fire companies responded to a reported grass fire behind the homes on Wellington Ave in Daly City.  Upon arrival, the fire company found a fast moving flames threatening homes in the area.

A second alarm was called for to provide structure protection to the homes.  The fire was stopped short of the homes and no evacuations were necessary.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Prevention Bureau.

On June 10, 2007 at 4:45 p.m. six fire companies, one EMS unit and two Chief Officers from the North County Fire Authority responded to a fire at a single-family dwelling in Daly City. 

The first arriving Fire Company was on scene within approximately four minutes after being dispatched.  The fire company observed large amounts of smoke from coming from the first floor and garage area of a two story home.

An aggressive fire attack confined the fire to the garage and living room.  There was moderate smoke and heat damage to the front of the house, front door and the entry staircase.

The fire was controlled in approximately 15 minutes with complete extinguishment and overhaul completed in about 2 hours.

There were no injuries to firefighters or residents.  A total of 10 people were displaced from the home.  They were provided with living assistance through the American Red Cross.

On Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 4:01 pm fire companies from the North County Fire Authority, South San Francisco and CDF responded to the report of a grass fire between Guadalupe Canyon and Mission Blue in Brisbane.  A total of 18 fire companies, 1 helicopter, 1 bulldozer, 1 safety officer and 6 chief officers responded.  The incident subsequently went to 3-alarms.

The fire was contained in approximately one and a half hours with complete extinguishment and mopp up completed in another two hours.  The fire was contained to approximately 10 acres.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Prevention Bureau.  No structures were damaged in the fire and there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

At 10:38 pm Saturday, June 2, 2007, 10 fire companies and five Chief Officers responded to a two-alarm structure fire on Third Ave in Daly City.   The first arriving fire company was on scene within approximately four minutes after being dispatched.

The structure involved was a three-story apartment building containing four dwelling units.  The fire was contained to one apartment unit on the second floor.  There was some heat and smoke damage to two other adjacent apartment units. 

One resident was treated at the scene by firefighter/paramedics for minor injuries, but declined transport to the hospital.  Neighbors within the apartment building alerted one another to the blaze and were able to get out safely.

Four families were displaced by the fire.  Some were able to find shelter with family and friends, while the others were provided with living assistance by the American Red Cross. 

On May 8, 2007, at 1:22 pm, two fire companies responded to a report of a swimmer in trouble along Sharp Park Beach in Pacifica.  Upon arrival firefighter/parmedics immediately assumed patient care and continued medical aid unit the arrival of the ambulance.  The patient was transported to a near-by hospital.

With warm weather upon us, be sure to take all safety precautions while enjoying outdoor activites.  The ocean can make a great location for an enjoyable afternoon swim, but you should always be aware of currents, cold water temperatures and heavy wave action as you enjoy our local beaches.

On April 5, 2007 at 6:45 pm fire companies from the North County Fire Authority, including its Beach Rescue Unit, responded to a cliff rescue from the beach below Westline Drive in Daly City. 

A 54 year old paraglider had crash-landed on the beach 400 feet below the crest of Westline Drive.  Firefighters, working in conjunction with the Daly City Police Department and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, lowered two firefighters over the cliff to render aid to the patient.  A Coast Guard helicopter stood by to assist during the rescue efforts.

Firefighters stabilized the man who had suffered trauma to his lower right leg, and used a rescue basket to lift the paraglider up the cliffside to safety.  Once atop the cliff, AMR paramedics continued to render medical aid and then transported the patient to a local hospital for further treatment.

Emergency services were alerted to the downed paraglider when friends he was flying with realized that he had disappeared.

Photo Curtesy of Jeff Christner

Photo Curtesy of Jeff Christner

Photo Curtesy of Jeff Christner

On April 1, 2007 at 1:41 am, 6 Fire Companies, 1 Fire Investigator and 3 Chief Officers responded to a reported structure fire at 120 Vendome Ave in Daly City.  The first arriving fire company was on scene in approximately three minutes and found heavy smoke conditions in a two-story single family dwelling.  The home is located off of a narrow dirt road which provided some difficulty for fire crews in getting to the home.

The fire originated in the entryway of the home where an old floor furnace was located.  The single resident of the home stated that she was awakened by the smoke alarm to find flames coming up through the floor where the floor heater was located.  She was able to safely exit the home.

The working smoke alarm is credited with preventing serious injury to the resident and for limiting the damage resulting from the fire.  Everyone should take the time to check their smoke alarms to assure that they are in good working order and have fresh batteries.

It is also a good idea to have your furnace serviced yearly to make sure that is safe and efficient.

On March 23, 2007 at 12:38 pm, 4 Fire Companies, 4 EMS Units, 1 Information Officer and 2 Chief Officers responded to a multi-casualty traffic accident on Southgate Ave in Daly City.

One patient was trapped inside a vehicle and had to be extricated.  A total of seven patients (four adults and three children) were triaged and treated at the scene before being transported to a local hospital by AMR. 

The Daly City Police Department is investigating the cause of the accident.

On March 22, 2007, at 7:25 pm, North County Fire Authority fire companies responded to the report of a structure fire on Longview Dr. in Daly City.  The first arriving fire company arrived on scene in less than a minute after being dispatched and reported flames showing from the garage of a two story, single family dwelling.  A second alarm was called for.  A total of 10 fire companies, 1 Breathing support unit, 1 Information Officer, 2 Fire Investigators responded. 

The major portion of the fire was confined to the garage, with extension to the second floor and attic area.  There was no damage to the neighboring residences.  The fire was controlled in approximately 19 minutes with complete extinguishment and overhaul completed in two and a half hours.

Three residents were displaced and were assisted with shelter through the American Red Cross. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Christner

On March 3, 2007, North County Fire Authority fire companies responded to a public assistance call along Mori Point in Pacifica.  Upon investigation, firefighters found that a dog had fallen over the cliffs along Mori Point, landing approximately 350 feet down onto the rocky beach below.

A woman had been hiking with her unleashed dog along the cliffs of Mori Point when the animal strayed too close to the edge and fell below.  Two Fire Companies, one Cliff Rescue Unit and one Chief Officer assisted in the stabilization and rescue of the one year old Whippet/Great Dane mix.  Two firefighters used rope rescue equipment to repel down the cliff.  Using a backboard device, they were able to stabilize the animal and safely lift it up to safety.

A concerned citizen had hiked his way down to the dog prior to the arrival of the fire companies and was able to give vital information of the dog's status to the fire crews above.  A third firefighter repelled down the cliff to assist the Good Samaritan with hiking back to the top of the mountain safely.

The Peninsula Humane Society was dispatched and assisted with the medical care of the dog once it was brought to safety.  The dog was transported to the Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital for further stabilization, and then taken to a local emergency veterinary hospital for treatment.

It's important to remember to keep your pets on leashes when walking them along steep and fragile cliff edges.  Weather conditions and land erosion can make our sea cliffs unpredictable and we should take proper precautions to keep our pets safe.

On July 31, 2006 at 2:49 p.m. North County Fire Authority fire companies responded to a building collapse at 2665 Geneva Ave. in Daly City.  The initial call came in as a report of "wires down" in the area of Geneva Ave and Rio Verde.  Upon arrival the fire company found that a wall had collapsed onto the street, crushing some automobiles.  Additionally, there were numerous energized electrical wires on the ground due to several utility poles being downed.  Occupants of a mini-van were trapped inside their vehicle because live electrical wires had fallen across their van.  These people were able to remain inside their van until the utility company was able to de-energize the wires.

Additional fire companies responded to the scene and began urban search and rescue (USAR) activities.  Two vehicles were found underneath the collapsed wall.  One vehicle was found to contain a single occupant, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The coroner's office took charge of the victim.  Search and rescue dog teams were called in to assist in the search for possible victims buried in the ruble.  The search operations continued until approximately 9:00 p.m. when it was determined that there were no additional victims.

The response to this incident involved 6 fire companies, 2 USAR companies, 2 EMS units, an EMS Chief, 2 search and rescue dog teams and 6 Chief Officers.

On July 5, 2006 North County Fire Authority personnel, with support from surrounding agencies, responded to two 2-Alarm fires within twenty-five minutes of each other.

The first call of a structure fire on West Cavour Street came in at 2:40 pm.  The initial fire company reported that upon arrival there was heavy smoke and flame showing from a single-family dwelling.  The houses on this street are in the San Francisco style with zero lot lines.  A compliment of 9 fire companies, one EMS unit, an Incident Dispatch Team and 4 Chief Officers responded.  An aggressive fire attack limited the fire damage to the neighboring houses to minor exterior damage.  The investigation into the cause of this fire is on-going.  The American Red Cross was called in to assist seven residents with temporary housing and basic necessities.

At 3:05 pm a second call of a structure fire on Half Moon Lane was received.  This fire involved a unit within a condominium complex.  The condominium that was involved was surrounded by other units.  The first-in fire company reported flames showing out of an upstairs window.  A second alarm was called for with a total of 9 fire companies and 4 Chief Officers responding.  Firefighters were able to contain this fire to the room of origin.  The investigation found that the fire started in an up-stairs bedroom.  Two juvenile girls were home alone at the time of the fire.  Both were able to escape unharmed.  The family was provided assistance by the American Red Cross. 

No citizens or firefighters were injured in either of the fires.

On Monday evening, June 12, 2006, four fire companies and one Chief Officer, responded to a report that a person had fallen over the cliff at Pedro Point in Pacifica.  When the fire crews arrived they found that a male victim had fallen approximately 50 feet down to the rocks below.

Three paramedic firefighters rappelled down the cliff side to access and treat the victim.  It was determined that he had suffered major injuries.  The victim was treated and stabilized to prevent further injuries. 

The firefighters then set up a ropes system to bring the patient to the top of the cliff.  After securing him to a stokes litter and basket, the victim was raised to the top of the cliff and then transported to a local hopsital.

Firefighters were on scene for approximately two hours perfoming the rescue operations.

On May 2, 200t at 4:30 p.m. five fire companies and five Chief Officers responded to a structure fire in a single-family residence at 887 Southgate Ave. in Daly City.  The responding fire companies could see smoke and flame from several blocks away.  A second alarm was initiated.

The fire was found to be in a bedroom at the front of the building.  During the primary search of the home, the resident was found sitting in a wheel chair in the kitchen.  He was unresponsive as the fire crews rescued him from the home.  The tenant was treated and stablized by fire department paramedics and then transported to a local hospital.

The fire was confined to the front bedroom and was brought under control within about 10 minutes.  Firefighters remained on scene for another two hours performing overhual and salvage operations.  A total of 38 personnel responded to this incident.

The Fire Prevention Bureau is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.