Smoke in Johnson City Specialty Hospital Leads to Evacuation of Newborns and Mothers

NEWS RELEASE

 

Immediate Release

 

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Smoke in Johnson City Specialty Hospital Leads to Evacuation of Newborns and Mothers

 

At approximately 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday night February 25th, the Johnson City Fire Department responded to a report of smoke in the nursery of Johnson City Specialty Hospital. The Specialty Hospital is a part of Mountain States Health Alliance and is located at 203 E Watauga Ave.

 

Units were dispatched to the hospital for a reported fire and smoke in the building. The call came from a manual pull-station alarm activation and calls from staff to Washington County 911.

 

Units were on-scene within two minutes of dispatch. There was no smoke visible on the exterior of the hospital. The hospital staff was in the process of evacuating the patients to the parking lot. Washington County / Johnson City EMS was dispatched initially with the Fire Department. Upon arrival, EMS Lt./Paramedic Dan Wheeley began to work with the hospital staff to establish a triage area for the evacuated patients. Additional ALS Ambulances were request to assist with the possible transfer of patients to another facility.

 

Fire crews made entry to the hospital to attempt to located the origin of the smoke. Upon entry to the nursery area, moderate smoke was found in the hallway and rooms. The smoke was not very active and appeared to not be coming from an active fire. Additional fire personnel were working to search the area to confirm all occupants were evacuated.

 

Firefighters were able to account for all patients and staff quickly with the assistance of security and nursing staff assistance. The hospital had 11 adult patients, including one in active labor, and eight newborns. All the adult patients and newborns were transferred to Johnson City Medical Center by Washington County EMS. The transfer was done strictly as a precaution and the cool temperatures outside. The transfers were conducted quickly and efficiently.

 

Fire crews continued to attempt to locate the source of the smoke. Crews worked in the basement as well as on the roof. The alarm activation had stopped all the HVAC units and air handlers. Crews were confident one of the units was the source of the smoke. Ventilation was established and begun to clear the smoke from the hospital.

 

Crews were finally able to confirm the smoke came from an HVAC unit in the basement of the hospital. MSHA Safety Personnel and Maintenance Personnel responded to the scene and were able to assist in locating the problem.

 

None of the 11 staff members were injured. No injures occurred to Fire or EMS personnel. The JCFD's Volunteer Chaplin responded to the scene with the Rehab Unit. This unit was used to provide shelter for the Hospital Staff unit the building could be cleared.

 

Three Engine Companies, a Manpower Unit,  a Ladder Company, Fire Department Shift-Supervisor, and Rehab Unit responded to the call. There were approximately 18 fire personnel on the scene. Washington County EMS responded Five ALS Ambulances, a Rescue Unit, and EMS Shift-Supervisor to the scene. There were 12 EMS personnel involved in the call. Washington County EMA Director, Nes Levotch, also responded to the call.

 

At the time of this report MSHA officials were attempting to determine when patients would be allowed to return to the Specialty Hospital.

 

Please contact Captain Stanley Daniels (423)483-5828 or Lieutenant Jason Powell (423)483-5819 if you have any additional questions.

 

 

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Lt./EMTP Jason Powell

Johnson City, TN Fire Dept.

B-Shift - "North Battalion"

Station 5

205 Broyles Dr.

Johnson City, TN 37601

Station: (423) 283-5804

Cell: (423) 483-5819

Fax: (423) 283-5885

jpowell@johnsoncitytn.org

www.johnsoncitytn.org/Fire

www.jcfdnewsblog.blogspot.com

 

Apartment Fire at 306 W Maple Street

NEWS RELEASE

 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

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The Johnson City Fire Department responded to an apartment fire at 306 W Maple Street at 5:18 a.m. on February 19th.

 

An occupant of the apartments was awaken by the arcing of the electricity on the outside of the building. The apartment building is a large single-family home that has been converted into an apartment building with four units. All four units were occupied at the time of the fire. The building did have working smoke detectors.

 

The first arriving units found fire visible at the electrical meters. The fire appeared to be originating at the top of the meter-base. The Johnson City Power Board was contacted immediately to respond to the scene and disconnect the power. Firefighters had to use caution with their attempts to extinguish the fire because of the involvement of the live-electrical lines.

 

All of the occupants were evacuated with the assistance of fire personnel. This help prevent any injure to the occupants. The occupants of the apartments were assisted by the Johnson City Fire Department's Volunteer Chaplains and the Red Cross in finding alternate housing. It is not clear when the occupants will be able to return home. 

 

The fire extended through the wall to the interior of the structure. Crews made an aggressive attack on the interior fire in an attempt to prevent extension to other areas of the building. Following initial knockdown of the fire, it was determined the fire had extended through the open walls of the balloon-frame construction to the attic. Additional crews were able to stop the spread of fire and prevented additional damage.

 

Attempts were made to contact the owner of the building, but they have been unsuccessful at the time of this release.

 

Preliminary investigations indicated the fire was caused when the wind blew the metal conduit loose from the meter base and exposed the service wires. The occupant stated the winds were gusting when he was awakened by the arcing.

 

Three Engines, one ladder truck, the manpower unit, shift-supervisor, and Rehab Unit responded. There were 14 firefighters and one Volunteer Chaplin on the scene. Washington County/Johnson City EMS units also responded to the scene to stand-by.

 

Please contact Lt. Stanley Daniels (423)483-5828 or Lt. Mike Oliver (423)483-5817 for more information.

 

 

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Lt./EMTP Jason Powell

Johnson City, TN Fire Dept.

B-Shift - "North Battalion"

Station 5

205 Broyles Dr.

Johnson City, TN 37601

Station: (423) 283-5804

Cell: (423) 483-5819

Fax: (423) 283-5885

jpowell@johnsoncitytn.org

www.johnsoncitytn.org/Fire

www.jcfdnewsblog.blogspot.com

 

Johnson City House Fire

The Johnson City Fire Department responded to house fire at 4001 Sanford Drive on February 4^th.

The call was received at approximately 4:30 in the afternoon. The fire department arrived five minutes later to find heavy flames coming out of the front windows.

It took 16 firefighters approximately 40 minutes to bring the fire under control.  No one was at home at the time of the fire.

The house sustained approximately $85,000 dollars in damage. Two people were left homeless as a result of the fire. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Johnson City Fire Marshal’s office.

 

Lt. David Harrison

Johnson City Fire Department

Carbon Monoxide Response

The Johnson City Fire Department responded to a Carbon Monoxide detector activation at 711 N. Mountain View Circle on January 14, 2009 at approximately 11:51 am. Upon arrival the fire fighters deployed a Multi-gas detector unit called an M-40. The M-40 detects the presence of Carbon Monoxide and other gases. Upon entering the residence, the M-40 detector indicated a rapid increase in Carbon Monoxide levels as high as 400 parts per million. The EPA allows only 9 parts per million during a eight hour period. This level is extremely dangerous.

 

 The presence of such a high level of Carbon Monoxide prompted the fire fighters to wear breathing apparatus to limit exposure to the gas. For the safety of the fire fighters working in such a hazardous environment, additional Fire Department Units and Atmos Gas were called to the scene. Fire fighters began to survey the residence, starting with likely Carbon Monoxide sources, such as gas appliances (stoves, dryers, heaters). During the survey in the basement near a Radon Evacuation Unit, Carbon Monoxide levels reached higher than 1000 parts per million. This is a extremely high level of Carbon Monoxide. Depending on the levels and duration of exposure of Carbon Monoxide, symptoms may include headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, weakness, confusion, nausea, and even convulsions, eventual unconsciousness and death. 

 

A Radon Evacuation unit was installed in the basement with the outside exhaust vent improperly located next to the gas furnace vent. The location of both exhaust vents, being so close to each other, allowed the Radon unit vent to draw the Carbon Monoxide from the gas furnace vent and circulate it throughout the home. The Radon Unit was removed from the home by a HVAC contractor. The home was ventilated using large fans and by opening windows and doors.

 

All gas appliances venting to the outside should vent away from each other to prevent wind and natural air currents from pushing the Carbon Monoxide back into your home.

 

Sgt. Mark Beasley

Johnson City Fire Department

423-975-2840

 

 

 

House Fire January 10, 2009

Units from the Johnson City Fire Department responded to a house fire at 191 Degrasse Drive on Saturday evening, January 10, 2009 at approximately 8:12pm.

The first engine on the scene advised that there was heavy fire coming through the roof upon their arrival.

Six fire engines and approximately 35 firefighters were on the scene for several hours extinguishing the blaze.

One firefighter was treated for injuries while fighting the fire in the 18,000 square foot residence.

No one was home at the time of the blaze.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and is being investigated by the Johnson City Fire Marshal’s office.

The Importance of Smoke Detectors

Media Advisory

January 7, 2009

 

Contact:

USFA Press Office: 301-447-1853

Washington DC Fire Press Office: 202-345-6371

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

FIRE SERVICE LEADERSHIP TO ISSUE A NATIONAL CALL FOR WORKING SMOKE ALARMS TO PROTECT ALL RESIDENTS

 

Washington, D.C.-  Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, Baltimore Fire Chief James Clack and Washington, D.C. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin will join United States Fire Administrator (USFA) Greg Cade to ask all residents of this nation to install, maintain and test their smoke alarms today.  This national effort is a result of one of the deadliest holiday seasons in recent memory and several significant fires in the first days of 2009.  Since Thanksgiving 2008, there have been more than 158 fatal fires in the United States resulting in over 200 fire fatalities.  You are invited to join USFA Administrator Cade and these metropolitan fire chiefs.

 

News Conference and Media Availability:

 

When:             Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 4pm.

 

Where:            Washington D.C. Fire Station #3

                        439 New Jersey Ave., NW

Washington, D.C.

                       

“The 2008 holiday season and the start of 2009 may be recorded as one of the deadliest for residential fires in recent memory of the fire service,” said Cade. “Not only has there been a significant number of preventable fires, but the occurrences of multiple fatalities resulting from these fires are simply unacceptable within our nation. There should be a smoke alarm protecting every person in this nation today, particularly as we sleep.”

 

o        On Christmas Eve, four died in a house fire in Mount Sterling, Kentucky.  All of the victims were children and officials cannot be certain whether smoke alarms worked.

 

o        Four adults and three children died in a southwest Philadelphia home the day after Christmas when gasoline was used to fuel a kerosene heater. There were no working smoke alarms in the home.

 

o        In Baltimore, two people died in a fire above a grocery store.  A young couple died in the blaze and investigators found no working smoke alarms in the building.

 

 

- MORE -

 

 

o        In Washington, D.C. on New Year's Day, six individuals died in a house fire on Jackson Street, Northeast.  While the cause was listed as accidental/electrical, officials are not sure smoke alarms worked properly.

 

o        Yesterday, eight people died in a residential fire in Oswego County, New York.  The cause is still under investigation.

 

o       Yesterday, three people, including two teenage girls, died after an early morning house fire in Ringling, Oklahoma.  Officials say the fire started early Monday morning while at least two of the victims were still in bed. For the two teenage girls who lived inside the house, this was supposed to be their first day back to school after winter break. Officials say once flames broke out at 4 a.m., the girls, along with another relative, never made it out of the home.

 

In the event of a fire, a properly installed and maintained smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. Smoke alarms are a very important means of preventing home fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal so you and your family can escape. They are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home. You can prevent tragedies simply by testing and maintaining your smoke alarms and practicing a fire escape plan. All smoke alarms in your house should be tested once a month and their batteries replaced annually or as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

For additional information regarding smoke alarms, visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/

 

For additional information regarding the United States Fire Administration, visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa

 

The USFA reminds everyone to have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers and practicing a home fire escape plan

 

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Mark J. Finucane

Assistant Chief

Johnson City Fire Department

505 East Main Street

Johnson City, TN 37601

423-975-2844 (Office)

423-975-2846 (Fax)

mfinucane@johnsoncitytn.org

firebank@comcast.net

 

 

Johnson Inn Hotel Fire

NEWS RELEASE

 

Immediate Release

 

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The Johnson City Fire Department responded to a hotel fire at the Johnson Inn at 2700 W. Market Street at 7:47 p.m. on January 2nd.

 

The first arriving units found fire and smoke visible from the hotel. One room was heavily involved upon arrival. An aggressive attack was made on the fire. It was confined to one extended-stay room and the common attic. A second room was damaged during the extinguishment operations. The room of origin was unoccupied at time of the fire.

 

Power was shut off by the Johnson City Power Board to approximately 20 rooms. This forced several guests to be displaced. It was unclear how long it would take to get the guests back in a room.

 

One occupant was treated at the scene and transported by Washington County / Johnson City EMS. The patient suffered smoke inhalation. The occupant was removed from a room adjacent to the room of origin.

 

Four Engines, one ladder truck, the manpower unit, the shift-supervisor, the Operations Chief, two fire marshals, and Rehab Unit responded. There were approximately 20 Fire Department personnel on the scene.

 

Lt. Barry Richardson advised, "The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and has been referred to the Fire Marshal's Division for follow-up and cause determination." Damages have been estimated in excess of $20,000.00. The fire was brought under control within ten minutes. Units remained on the scene for approximately 3-hours overhauling and checking for extension.

 

Please contact Lt. Stanley Daniels (423)483-5828 or Lt. Barry Richardson (423)483-5823 for more information.

 

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Lt./EMTP Jason Powell

Johnson City, TN Fire Dept.

B-Shift - "North Battalion"

Station 5

205 Broyles Dr.

Johnson City, TN 37601

Station: (423) 283-5804

Cell: (423) 483-5819

Fax: (423) 283-5885

jpowell@johnsoncitytn.org

www.johnsoncitytn.org/Fire