Number of fire calls increases

Calls to Valley Fire were up 18 percent last week compared to the same time last year, with 181 emergencies reported between March 20 and Monday.

“We’re off and running again,” said department spokesman Bill Clifford.

Firefighters checked out five reports of structure fires, including power lines that fell across a residence in the 12000 block of East Walton Avenue on March 20, Clifford said

Firefighters cordoned off the area while the power company was called, he said.

Three brush fires were called in. One turned out to be smoke from a barbecue, and the smoke from the other two emanated from illegal fires, Clifford said.

In another incident Clifford said firefighters found a suspect burning insulation copper wire, which can be recycled for cash.

There were 11 fire alarms – all false, and many caused by people overcooking their food.

It was a bad week for vehicle accidents, with 13 reported and six requiring transportation to a hospital for injuries, Clifford said.

With spring in the air this is the time when many new motorcycle riders take to the streets, and Clifford made a point of encouraging drivers to be extra careful in the coming weeks.

In addition to 134 medical emergencies and three reports of hazardous material, the department also took care of eight service calls.

In one instance, firefighters came to help police at 1120 N. Pines Road on the morning of March 21 when people mistook noises in the building for a burglar stuck in a ceiling duct.

The noise actually stemmed from a gas problem and no one was found in the ceiling, Clifford said.