Fire Chief calls 3 people heroes in tense Golden Valley rescue

PHOTOS:

(3) a: The aftermath following an intense rescue effort of the resident.

(4) a: Firefighter protects the car inside the garage from the intense flames of the house fire.

Golden Valley Fire Chief Thomas O’Donohue is calling some local residents “true heroes” for acts of bravery today at a structure fire located at 5324 Destiny Way.  Firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire Friday morning at 7:38 and arrived less than two-minutes later to report a “Fully involved structure fire with exposures”. Moments later the Chief told incoming units there were reports of people trapped inside, and confirmed this when he went to the back side of the home and discovered a neighbor who had entered the home to help the 92 year old female occupant.  “The woman was being held up by a window to get fresh air as black smoke was filling her room” said O’Donohue.  The man inside, 48 year old neighbor Robert Davies had entered the bedroom when he heard screams from the woman. Neighbor Paul Bissonette, a member of the local Neighborhood Watch assisted in breaking the windows and pointing rescuers to the proper location.  Off duty Golden Valley Fire Captain Steve Winn was outside as well, helping hold the woman up because she was too weak to hold herself near the open window.  Since no fire engines had arrived yet, O’Donohue said he had no other choice but to enter the smoke filled room to assist.  “We could see the fire which had begun burning through the bedroom door, but if we didn’t act now we would have to watch a woman die in front of our eyes”.  O’Donohue and Davies struggled with the large woman, moving her closer to a bed to gain leverage from its height due to extra high windowsills. O’Donohue said Davies looked at the bedroom door and said; “The fire is in the room now”, and O’Donohue realized there was but seconds until the room would experience a ”Flashover” where all the contents suddenly erupt in flame.  O’Donohue said to Davies and the nearly unconscious woman; “We’ve got to make this push count” and they pushed the woman up and over the nearly 5-foot high windowsill into the waiting arms of Winn and Bissonette.  Davies was the next out, followed by Chief O’Donohue who said; “When we hit the ground and looked back, I saw heavy flames were coming out of the window, spelling certain death for any occupants.  O’Donohue said it took less than 7-minutes from dispatch until the occupant was rescued to safety.  “This was as close as you can come and still come out alive” O’Donohue said, giving “true hero status” to Davies who risked his life for his neighbor. In a follow-up interview, Davies shared the credit calling it a “Team effort” as did the others involved.  The home was about 75% involved in fire when Firefighters arrived in less than 2-minutes, so the home and contents are considered a total loss.  In all, there were three injuries; the 92 year old female occupant, rescuer Robert Davies who refused treatment after evaluation by paramedics and Chief O’Donohue who was seen at KRMC for smoke inhalation. Fire Officials warn residents to have several working smoke detectors, and an escape plan in case of fire. 

Hwy-68 Accident sends four to hospital

PHOTOS:

Firefighter-Paramedics treat multiple patients from this three car accident at Hwy-68 and Milky Way Road in Golden Valley

Golden Valley Firefighters responded to a three car accident on Hwy-68 Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 pm that sent a total four persons to KRMC for various injuries, including one Level-1 trauma and two children.  The collision occurred on Hwy-68 when a vehicle reportedly turned in front of a westbound pickup truck, getting struck on the passenger side.  The collision sent the vehicle into a minivan on Milky Way Road that was at the stop sign about to enter Hwy-68.  The driver of the minivan refused treatment at the scene even though she was struck by the air-bag deployment in the vehicle.  The driver of the pickup was rushed to KRMC for suspected Level-1 trauma injuries due to the high speed impact.  A mother and her two children were also transported to KRMC for evaluation of minor injuries.  Westbound traffic was reduced to one lane for approximately 45-minutes while patients were treated and DPS investigated the scene.

Structure Fire injures resident and one firefighter

PHOTOS:

(3) a: Firefighter Jeremy Celsi and Firefighter Steven Boss attack the fire from the exterior of this doublewide mobile home on Maverick Road.  

(69) b:  Chief O’Donohue comforts the resident of the home who was slightly injured in the smoke explosion when she tried to enter her home.

Friday at 3:03 pm, Golden Valley Fire Battalion Chief Dave Martin noticed thick black smoke coming from the area of Maverick Road South of Hwy-68 as he exited Fire Station-11 on Mayer Road.  B/C Martin heard a loud scream and saw this was a fully involved doublewide mobile home behind the Sonic Drive-In restaurant.  Firefighters arrived within 3-minutes and began extinguishing operations, having this stubborn fire under control within approximately 20-minutes.  The 35-year-old female resident stated when she tried to enter her home the door handle was very hot, and when she opened the door there was an explosion that knocked her back several feet. According to Fire Chief Thomas O’Donohue, explosions such as this are caused from superheated, oxygen starved smoke that explodes when mixed with oxygen when the door was opened. The blast shattered windows on the home and slightly injured the female who was evaluated by paramedics.

The fire caused two injuries; the resident and one firefighter who worked on the initial attack and close to the extreme heat and was removed from the attack crew for evaluation.  Neither the occupant nor the firefighter were transported to the hospital.  Golden Valley Fire Investigators worked on the scene well into the night to determine the cause of the blaze, which has yet to be announced.  The home located at 3342 Maverick Road was considered a total loss. 

Truck fire threatens house

PHOTO:

Firefighters from Golden Valley quickly extinguish truck fire next to home on Aztec Road

Golden Valley Firefighters quickly extinguished a pickup truck fire that was next to a home in the 700 block of South Aztec Road. The fire started in a 1983 Ford pickup truck when the owner was working on the truck and it backfired, starting the fire on the carburetor and spreading to the engine compartment.  Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire before it reached the house and there were no injuries.  The truck is considered a total loss according to Battalion Chief David Martin who responded to the scene. 

One dead in Dune Buggy rollover

Friday October 19^th at approximately 6:15 PM, MCSO Deputies and Golden Valley Firefighters responded to a single vehicle rollover accident on Centennial Road near Geronimo Road where a sandrail type vehicle appeared to have hit a deep wash in the roadway, possibly created from recent rains, and flipped.  According to Battalion Chief David Martin, there were two occupants in the vehicle when it rolled, ejecting and pinning one man under the vehicle. The approximately 53 year old man pinned under the vehicle was pronounced dead on the scene by Golden Valley Paramedics. The other occupant, a male about 56 years of age, was transported to KRMC for non life-threatening injuries sustained in the accident.  MSCO Deputies remained on scene for over an hour while the investigation was completed, blocking the roadway for the entire time.  The names of the occupants have not been released as of this press release. 

Tour bus crash on Highway 93

A tour bus carrying Australian tourists crashed Friday night on Highway 93 approximately twenty miles south of the Nevada border. Golden Valley Fire responded one Attack Unit, and two Chief Officers under the current County-Wide Mutual-Aid Agreement to assist the Lake Mohave Ranchos Fire District. The bus carried 48 passengers and required seven helicopters and ten ambulances to transport patients, six of whom were flown to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada for more serious injuries. The driver of the tour bus is believed to have suffered a heart attack, resulting in the bus hitting a ravine, lurching up a small hill and continuing another 700 feet or so over rough terrain before coming to a stop.

While firefighters and paramedics were treating patients on scene, a moving truck passing through the scene struck the Tri-State CareFlight helicopter rotors just as the pilot was preparing to lift off. The damage to the truck was minor in comparison to the estimated $400,000 in damages sustained by the helicopter. The driver of the tour bus was pronounced dead on the scene from an apparent medical issue which precipitated the accident.

3-Car accident caused by a cow on Highway 68

PHOTO:

An approximately 600-pound cow lies dead in the middle of Hwy-68 after being struck by a vehicle where it caused a 3-car accident. 

NARRATIVE:

Wednesday October 17^th at about 10:00 PM, Golden Valley Fire was dispatched to the intersection of Hwy-68 and Estrella Road for a 3-vehicle accident involving an approximately 600-pound steer. The animal was in the right-of-way in the eastbound lanes of Hwy-68. The cluster of three vehicles could not avoid the animal and was struck by the first vehicle.  A total of four individuals were injured in the accident, however all patients refused medical transport to the hospital. The steer, which caused extensive damage to the vehicles died at the scene. Golden Valley Fire and DPS officers slowed traffic for over an hour while waiting for the animal to be moved off the highway.

Fatality Motorcycle accident

PHOTO:

Golden Valley Fire District Battalion Chief Dave Martin (right) and another paramedic look over the scene after treating the downed motorcycle riders.

Details of how an accident occurred that took the life a female motorcycle rider are still coming in to DPS after Golden Valley Firefighter-Paramedics responded to a motorcycle accident on Highway-68 at Brice Road on Friday evening at 9:24 PM.  The late model Ultra Classic Harley Davidson motorcycle occupied by two riders, one male and one female was traveling westbound on Hwy-68.  Early reports indicated there may have been another vehicle involved, although there was none on-scene.  Golden Valley Firefighters arrived in approximately 2-minutes of dispatch and determined the female rider was dead at the scene and the male patient was in critical condition.  KRMC was notified of the incoming critical patient and was prepared with a trauma-team upon the arrival of the ambulance.  DPS and ADOT crews controlled traffic for over an hour while they investigated the accident scene.  Names and ages of the motorcycle riders have been withheld as of the time of this press release.

Candidate Forum

The Golden Valley Fire District’s Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) has been requested for a political candidate forum October 18th at 5:30 p.m. representing all parties.  This forum is open to all Mohave County candidates running for election in the upcoming General Election, including those running for the Golden Valley Fire District.  This is another way Golden Valley Fire is weaving ourselves into the community and making the PSTC an integral part of the community we serve.  In addition, it will give all interested voters an opportunity to hear all candidates’ presentation speeches.  The forum will provide a relaxing meet-n-greet atmosphere and the opportunity to highlight the PSTC’s availability to the community in addition to providing a single contact point for candidates and community members.

For those who are interested in submitting questions for the emcee Butch Meriwether, please forward them to: meriwether@frontiernet.net

Golden Valley Fire promotes Battalion Chief

Fire Chief Thomas O’Donohue announced the promotion of long time Fire Captain David Martin to the rank of Battalion Chief. Battalion Chief Martin joined the Fire District as a volunteer at the age of 16, leaving briefly to work for the California Division of Forestry before returning and becoming a full-time employee as of 1993. David ultimately served this organization for about 20-years, working his way through the ranks. As part of his regular duties B/C Martin will handle all the shift captains, Inmate Management program, Out of District contracts, Network / Information Technology (IT) maintenance, Radio Communication program, 911 Dispatch Center Liaison and the Wildland program to include statewide and out of state fire mobilizations.  

Chief O’Donohue stated the District is working on a structured succession planning program to assure future leadership roles are filled from within the organization whenever possible following an aggressive on the job training program in conjunction with college and training at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD to produce a strong successful leadership model.   

O’Donohue added: “It’s one of a Fire Chief’s proudest moments to see today’s Firefighters educated and mentored to produce tomorrow’s leadership from right here within the Golden Valley Fire District.”   Battalion Chief Martin has been serving as an Administrative Captain for over a year while the District was conducting a national search for an assistant fire chief, which was filled by Ted Martin in October of 2011.

Near Drowning

Friday Afternoon at 3:26 PM, Golden Valley Firefighters were dispatched to a reported drowning of a 3 year old in the 7800 block of Chino Road in Golden Valley. Arriving approximately 2-minutes after dispatch, Firefighters found bystanders performing CPR on the 3 year old child, Golden Valley Fire Paramedics immediately took over care and treatment of the patient and transported the patient to Kingman Regional Medical Center. The name of the child is being withheld until the pending investigation is completed by MCSO.

Hwy-40 rollover sends four to hospital

Traffic was slowed for about an hour on Friday at 10:47 AM, as Golden Valley Firefighter-Paramedics treated a family of four from California after the car they were driving Eastbound Hwy-40 at Mile-Post-37 lost control and rolled at least once before coming to rest on its top.  Bystanders assisted the victims to exit the vehicle just prior to the arrival of emergency crews.  In all, Golden Valley Fire dispatched two Attack Units, two Chief Officers and two ambulances. Golden Valley Fire Chief Tom O’Donohue stated that all four patients, who were properly wearing their seatbelts, were transported to Kingman Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.  ADOT and DPS officers remained on scene to determine the exact cause of the accident. 

Two transported after mountain-top rescue

Thursday’s Helicopter Rescue in the Golden Valley Fire District at approximately 1:00 PM ultimately resulted in two patients being transported to KRMC. An unidentified man approximately 43-years old called 911 after being swarmed by bees atop the mountain area just South of Kofa Road off of Hwy-68.  Golden Valley Firefighters responded and began to ascend the mountain to reach the patient.   Anticipating a 45-minute hike to the top, Captain Martin requested the Golden Valley Technical Rescue Team (TRT) be activated and the DPS Ranger Rescue helicopter to assist.  Ranger was on another mission, so Tri-State Care Flight responded.   The helicopter landed in a precarious area after hovering for 5-minutes looking for a safe landing zone. The patient was picked off the mountain top and delivered to waiting Golden Valley Fire crews and RMI paramedics on Kirkland Road.  The patient who was stung was transported to KRMC via ground ambulance. The second patient, a River Medical employee, was transported to KRMC in his own ambulance while receiving treatment by Golden Valley Fire Captain/Paramedic David Martin.

Seatbelts save at Hwy-40 rollover

Monday afternoon at 12:25 PM, Golden Valley Firefighters came upon a rollover incident while en route to another medical emergency.  Firefighters immediately stopped and rendered aid to the three occupants who were traveling eastbound on Hwy-40 at Mile-Post 42.  Firefighters reported that the car left the roadway and rolled onto its top.  The parents in their 20’s were wearing their seat belts and a 2-year who was also properly restrained in a car-seat were all uninjured.   Captain David Martin cites proper use of all supplemental restraints and a proper car-seat for the infant as one of the major reasons all occupants were able to walk away from this accident. 

Stolen car set ablaze in Golden Valley

Tuesday morning about 9:50 AM, Golden Valley Firefighters happened upon a fully involved car fire while en route a non-emergency call when they saw heavy black smoke north of their location on Chino Road. The fire was located on Santa Cruz Road just North of Chino in a sandy wash area and involved a mid 80’s Honda Accord, which was fully involved prior to the arrival of the firefighters. There were two vehicles on scene; both had been reported stolen out of the Kingman area according to MCSO deputies.  Fire Captain Boyd Lewis can be seen applying water to the fire, which was quickly extinguished. There were no occupants around and the scene was turned over to MCSO to investigate due to the suspicious nature of the incident. 

Highway 68 Brush Fire burns 17 acres

Firefighters from Golden Valley Fire were dispatched at 2:43 PM Monday and worked in triple digit heat to battle a nearly 17 acre brush fire alongside Hwy-68 at milepost 12 that spread for half a mile of highway and into the northern hillside.  Assistant Chief Ted Martin called for mutual-aid assistance from BLM, Bullhead Fire and station coverage from Kingman Fire Department while crews worked for several hours to contain and bring this fire under control. 

DPS and ADOT crews provided traffic control and ADOT provided two more Water Tenders for an additional 4,000 gallons of water. Because this was State Lands; Golden Valley Fire turned over the scene to BLM crews at approximately 8:20 PM.  In all, four fire agencies with a total of 14 fire apparatus and 28 firefighters responded to bring this under control.

Two firefighters were treated for injuries at the scene, one for heat related issues and one for an injured arm, neither firefighter required transport to the hospital.  Motorists can expect to see fire crews working at the scene for the next 24-hours to assure there are no hot-spots that may cause a flare up.

Gas Station Fire Slows HWY-68 Traffic

Around 4:00 PM, Tuesday, Golden Valley Firefighters were faced with a dangerous fire at the Outpost Gas Station & Deli when a late model Ford driven by a teenage male crashed into the fuel dock. The accident knocked over the gas pump and ignited a fire that drew about 30 onlookers and slowed Hwy-68 traffic as the car and fuel pump burned, producing thick black smoke that could be seen for a mile away.  Firefighter-Paramedic Kevin Gifford can been seen attacking the fire as the second fire engine arrived in the background to perform structure and LPG tank protection duties to prevent a catastrophic chain of events.  MCSO officers responded to conduct traffic control and investigate the accident, although no citations were issued since this occurred on private property.   The Outpost will remain open and continue to provide fueling services while the repairs are being made to the damaged fuel dock.  In all, seven firefighters responded to the fire, arriving within 5 minutes of dispatch and declaring the fire under control less than two minutes after arriving.

Brush Fire along HWY-93

Golden Valley Firefighters quickly extinguish a brush & grass fire in the median of Hwy-93 at about Mile Post 65 Monday at approximately 12:30 in the afternoon.  High temperatures and windy conditions, coupled with low humidity make this time of year especially susceptible to quick moving brush fires in the area.  Mohave County has been under Red Flag warnings several times in the past month and burning restrictions remain in place to prevent wildfires.  Firefighters suspect a mower cutting the grass in the median may have caused a spark that ignited this fire.  Golden Valley Fire Captain David Martin thanked motorists for slowing as they pass all emergency scenes making it a safer emergency scene for all involved.  Traffic was slowed for about 20-minutes while firefighters extinguished all hot spots.

Two Semi's Tangle on I-40 at Mile Post 40

Golden Valley Firefighters responded to eastbound I-40 at milepost 40, at 08:10 A.M. Saturday morning where they found two Semi/Tractor Trailers had collided. One occupant needed to be extricated from the sleeper of one of the trucks. That occupant was transported to KRMC with non-life threatening injuries by RMI. There were 3 other individuals involved and all refused medical treatment. After medical care was provided and the vehicles were stabilized for any further hazards, the scene was turned over to DPS and A.D.O.T. which had the highway reduced to one lane while they investigated and removed the wreckage.

Car vs. Motorcycle at Highway 68 & Bouse Road

PHOTO:

Golden Valley Firefighter-Paramedics prepare the injured motorcycle rider for transportation to KRMC.

Golden Valley Firefighter-Paramedics treat an approximately 60 year old man after he and a car collided on westbound Hwy-68 at Bouse Roads.  An off-duty Golden Valley Fire District member came up on the accident and reported it directly to dispatch. The patient was transferred to KRMC as a Level-1 Trauma and the driver of the other vehicle was uninjured.  Bystanders assisted with patient care until paramedics arrived.  The cause of the accident is still under investigation by DPS.

Brush Fire threatens So-Hi residents

Golden Valley Fire Firefighters’ quick action prevented a brush fire from moving through the canyon into the So-Hi community.  Approximately 9:00 am Monday morning reports came in of a fire threatening the water towers on Ranch Road in the So-Hi area.  First arriving units reported an approximately 1-acre fire with flame lengths over 9-feet into the air as fire consumed brush and dry grass. With southerly winds fanning the flames, Golden Valley Fire officials called for mutual-aid from NACFD and BLM to assure sufficient resources to handle the fire swiftly.  The winds were pushing the fire down toward the So-Hi community.  Captain Boyd Lewis stated the fire was contained within 20-minutes of arrival and complete extinguishment and mop-up operations approximately 2-hours later.  Fire officials stress that early reporting is critical in these situations where the temperatures continue to rise and humidity levels are in the low to mid teens, making fires such as these even more dangerous. GVFD officials stated residential permitted burning will be canceled soon due to both factors. In all approximately 15 firefighters responded to this incident.

PHOTO:  Aaron Green from Arizona State Forestry instructs Wildland Firefighters about boot safety and stepping into deep holes containing red hot embers.

Members of the Golden Valley Firefighter Wildland Fire Team attend a continuing education class at the new Golden Valley Fire District’s Public Safety Training Center in preparation of the summer season.  Captain Dave Martin, who manages the program stated this training is both a refresher for experienced Wildland Firefighters as well as new members who are learning about wildland fire behavior, weather patterns, tree falling, firefighter safety and how topography affects the speed which fire travels and predicable directions based on weather conditions.  Assistant Chief Ted Martin emphasized the importance of pre-season fire training that benefits the firefighters and the safety of the citizens. Assistant Chief Martin reminded homeowners of the importance of clearing a “Defensible Space” from combustible debris around your home of at least 30-feet in all directions to significantly reduce the ability of fire from reaching your home.

Highway 40 Brush Fires

Thursday around 2:45 PM, 911 received reports of multiple brush fires that extended for a 9-mile stretch of Hwy-40 between Mile-Posts 36 to 44.  Golden Valley Fire District mobilized multiple units and requested Mutual-Aid from Yucca Fire District. Fire Chief Thomas O’Donohue reported that traffic was slowed for approximately 45 minutes while crews extinguished and mopped-up at least four separate fires along the 9-mile stretch, primarily in the median of the highway. In all, six fire apparatus responded to handle the fires before they became too large.  ADOT and DPS units slowed traffic, moving it to the outside lane while fire crews worked to control the fires. Although no specific cause was identified, fires such as these are caused by a single vehicle throwing sparks from a brake fire.

Highway 68 accident claims two lives

Golden Valley and Kingman Firefighters responded to Hwy-68 at Mile-Post 26 in Golden Valley for a two vehicle collision that took the lives of two people Sunday evening at approximately 7:00 PM.  Reports came pouring in about a two-vehicle accident with one vehicle on fire.  First arriving Golden Valley Fire Captain Dave Martin reported a two vehicle collision with one fully involved off the roadway.  There were two patients in the Ford Explorer who were removed by passing motorists because the vehicle was on fire.  The driver of the Ford Explorer and a child, who was reportedly restrained in a child car seat on the back seat, were both pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of Golden Valley Firefighter-Paramedics.  The driver of the pickup truck hauling a hot tar trailer sustained only moderate injuries because he was wearing his seatbelt and the airbags deployed. The driver of the pickup was transported to KRMC with moderate injuries. Golden Valley Fire officials reported westbound traffic flowed slowly as fire crews worked the scene for about an hour.  The cause of the accident is under investigation by DPS and the names have not been released.  Golden Valley Fire Officials warn of the dangers on Hwy-68 where there are multiple serious accidents every year. 

Highway 93 Semi Fire snarls traffic

Golden Valley Fire District responded for Mutual-Aid with Lake Mohave Ranchos and Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District for a semi truck fire on Hwy-93 at Mile-Post 48. Arriving units reported a fully-involved semi trailer fire that was carrying ground rubber tire material.  The heavy black smoke could be seen for over ten miles as fire crews arrived.  Traffic was stopped for over 45-minutes until DPS and ADOT crews re-routed motorists around the wreckage.  The driver disengaged the semi truck from the burning trailer and moved to safe distance.   Fire officials warn motorist to keep in your vehicle at a safe distance to allow fire crews sufficient space to work without endangering the public during extinguishment operations.   The semi trailer and the load are considered a total loss.  The cause of the fire is under investigation and there we no injuries.

Golden Valley Firefighters were called to the scene of a Structure Fire at 3713 Maverick Rd at 2:47 PM, on Saturday April 07. Firefighters were confronted with heavy fire from the northeast corner of of the single-wide mobile home, which had several additions. Firefighters used an aggressive attack to save the south end of the home. Firefighters were met by challenging conditions on the interior of this structure, but overcame those obstacles to conserve property. Nobody was home at the time of the fire, there were no injuries. The cause of this fire was investigated by Golden Valley Fire Marshal Randy Osborn and was determined to be electrical in nature.

Captain David Martin reported that Golden Valley Firefighters responded to a single vehicle rollover accident on Sunday morning at 6:40 AM on Chino Road at Bacobi Road.  Firefighters discovered a 21 year old male that had been ejected nearly 50 feet from his truck after the Ford F150 pickup rolled multiple times, coming to rest upright. The sole occupant was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident from injuries sustained.  The accident is under investigation by MSCO deputies and the name has not been released until next of kin are notified.

A two-car accident Wednesday evening at 8:17 PM on Hwy-68 sent three persons to Kingman Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries.  Captain David Martin reports the two-car accident at Mile-Post 17.5 slowed eastbound traffic while Golden Valley Firefighter-Paramedics treated and assisted RMI with transport of the three victims.  The accident occurred when a Toyota reportedly traveling at the posted speed limit of 65 miles per hour was rear-ended by a Subaru wagon at speeds sufficient to cause significant damage to both vehicles. The husband and wife in the front vehicle were treated for neck and back injuries and the driver of the vehicle that rear-ended the Toyota was treated for neck injuries.  DPS and Golden Valley Fire units slowed traffic to approximately 25 MPH for about 30-minutes while patients were extricated and vehicles were removed.  Fire Chief Tom O’Donohue urges motorists to use extreme caution when approaching and passing accident scenes to avoid causing a secondary accident or striking emergency workers who are often forced to work in traffic lanes.

Structure Fire

Monday at approximately 6:50 a.m., Golden Valley Firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 900 block of Heber Road.  First arriving units reported a 50% involved structure that was very close to the main home.  Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and prevented the fire from spreading to the main home.  The fire consumed approximately 60% of the structure which was a mobile home with a built on bedroom and living room.  The homeowner had exited the structure and returned to discover the bedroom on fire.  The Fire Marshal said the fire appears to have been started from improper aftermarket wiring of a space heater.  The homeowner had exited the structure and returned to discover the bedroom on fire.  After a brief attempt to extinguish the fire, the homeowner called 9-1-1.  Fire Officials remind homeowners to call immediately and never return into the structure to retrieve personal belongings.  The homeowner was briefly detained by MCSO Deputies for obstructing the firefighters during initial operations.  There were no injuries to the occupants or firefighters. 

Golden Valley Fire theft

Golden Valley Fire Chief Tom O’Donohue reported six 50-foot rolls of 6-foot chain-link fencing equaling 300 feet was stolen within the last three days from the new Golden Valley Fire District Public Safety Training Center located at 423 South Colorado Road. The value of the fencing is approximately $500.00.  Arizona State inmate crews can be seen installing the fence around the 10-acres as part of an Agreement between MTC / Arizona State Prison and the Golden Valley Fire District as part of ongoing cost-savings initiatives.  Within two days the Fire District anticipates having the entire 10-acres fenced securely and security cameras operational within 24-hours which will be monitored 24 hours a day to prevent vandalism and thefts such as this.  For interim, all supplies have been placed inside the building to prevent further thefts.  A theft report has been filed with MCSO and members of the community are encouraged to contact MCSO if they have information on this theft or if they observe new 6-foot fencing being installed or if seen in a garage sale in the local area.

Vehicle Fire threatens home

Golden Valley Firefighters quickly extinguished a pick-up truck fire that threatened the home located in the 7700 block of Shinarump Road.  The call came in about 4:30 p.m. from the homeowner who reported the truck had just been used 15-minutes prior to the fire and when he noticed black smoke coming from the other side of the home; he was greeted with his 2006 Nissan cab engulfed in flames.  The fire was extinguished with minutes, preventing it from spreading to the adjacent home or the water-hauling trailer being towed by the Nissan.  Captain Boyd Lewis said the cause is still under investigation and there were no injuries due to the fire.

Assistant Fire Chief Ted Martin reports Golden Valley firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire 1449 Don Luis Rd. approximately 4:30 PM Saturday February 25th. Firefighters were confronted by smoke coming from the center of the structure, with two neighbors utilizing a garden hose, on the roof attempting to extinguish the fire. Firefighters were able to quickly advance a hose-line to bring the fire under control and to keep fire damage to a minimum. There was nobody home at the time of the fire. According to Fire Marshal Randy Osborn, the cause of the fire was due to an overloaded appliance. Because of the quick action of the firefighters the loss was kept to a minimum. This is the second fire within the same block within a two-week period, however the fires are unrelated. 

Suspicious Structure Fire

Assistant Chief, Ted Martin, reports that Golden Valley firefighters responded to a Structure Fire at 4568 N. Eden Road at 6:25 AM Wednesday February15, 2012 and discovered the residence fully-involved. Flames could be seen from several miles away upon dispatch to the incident. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and damage was extensive to the entire structure and the building and contents are considered total loss. There was nobody reported at home at the time of the fire according to the homeowner.  The cause of this fire is considered suspicious at this time and currently under investigation by the Golden Valley Fire Marshal. This address was also the scene of a structure fire in November of 2011. Firefighters were efficient in a quick attack, and extinguishment and protecting exposures. 

Vehicle Fire Appears To Be Homicide

A Golden Valley Firefighter Paramedic interviews with MCSO and DPS officers after discovering a body inside a car.
Golden Valley Firefighters responded to a reported car fire at Hwy-68 and Egar road Tuesday February 14th at about 2:00 PM. The first arriving Fire Engine reported smoke coming from the vehicle and when opening the car, discovered a body of a young woman inside and a hostile man fleeing the scene reportedly carrying what appeared to be a knife. While Golden Valley Paramedics tended to the female occupant who was later pronounced dead on scene, other GVFD members followed the suspect on foot as he traveled east along hwy-68. Arriving officers ultimately located the male and took him into custody. The names of the victim and suspect will be released from law enforcement authorities.

Vehicle Rollover

Golden Valley Firefighters extricate the lone occupant of a midsized sedan after he rolled off the shoulder of eastbound Hwy-68 into the adult book store parking lot Saturday evening at about 8:00 PM.  The rescuers removed the driver from the front of the car through the windshield.  The man who was reportedly in his late 60’s was transported to KRMC with non-life threatening injuries.  There was only one vehicle involved and no other injuries reported.

Garage Fire and Explosion Destroys Structure

Golden Valley Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 1353 Don Luis Road Friday evening at 5:38 PM.  Responding units reported seeing heavy smoke from 6-miles away as they left the fire station.  The first fire engine arrived only 6-minutes after dispatch and reported heavy smoke coming from the garage. Inside were several thousand rounds of live ammunition, recreational vehicles and acetylene tanks.  Chief O’Donohue reports at least one firefighter being struck by a round of ammunition.  During extinguishment operations, the situation quickly turned even more dangerous when an acetylene tank ruptured, knocking at least one firefighter over and pushed one back into a tree from the blast concussion.  The blast pushed out walls and rained large chucks of burning debris on the surrounding area.  Firefighters continued to protect the home that was approximately 50 feet from the fully involved garage, saving the house from any fire damage.  The fire was declared “Under Control” 36-minutes after being dispatched, however firefighters continued to work under after 9:00 PM to assure there were no hot spots that would reignite later.  The owner reported that two large tortoises were in the garage at the time of the fire and perished.  The cause of the fire is under investigation by Golden Valley Fire District Fire Investigators.  A total of 12 firefighters responded to this fire and despite the explosion, there were no reported injuries to the occupant or firefighters.   

Sohi Area Structure Fire

After a brief respite from record numbers of structure fires, Golden Valley Firefighters were again dispatched Monday at 10:00 for a residential fire in the Sohi area located at 4705 Thurman Drive.  The three occupants were seen grabbing personal belongings from inside the home as fire crews arrived.  The occupants who were home at the time, heard the smoke detector activate, which had been installed just days earlier, warning them of the growing fire.  One resident reported fire from a receptacle where there was a space heater plugged in.  The fire rapidly went up the wall into the pantry area and into the attic space.  Firefighters rapidly extinguished the fire, saving the structure and personal belongings. Chief O’Donohue warns residents to never re-enter a home for any belongings and credits the smoke detector for waking the couple who were sleeping at the time of the fire. Fire Marshal Randy Osborn indicated faulty wiring was to blame for this morning’s fire which destroyed the kitchen area and caused smoke damage throughout the home. There were no reported injuries.

Fatal Structure Fire

Two Golden Valley Firefighters battle heavy flames to gain access to the main structure to search for occupants.

Golden Valley Fire Chief Thomas O’Donohue confirmed one person died this morning at the scene of a structure fire at 1425 Verde Road.  Firefighters discovered the body of a subject after extinguishing the residential fire that was dispatched at 3:05 AM.  Firefighters were initially advised from 911 Dispatch there may be a person trapped inside the structure, which was confirmed by firefighters upon arrived.  Firefighters were on scene within 6-minutes and reported heavy flames from the apartment structure and spreading to the main home when they arrived.  In addition, live power lines that fell from the structure showered sparks near firefighters who worked around the live power lines to gain access to the victim.   Occupants of the main home who escaped, reported there was still one person inside the structure so firefighters went into Rescue Mode initially to locate the victim while simultaneously conducting extinguishing operations.  The primary and secondary search revealed the victim was not in the main house, rather an outside apartment type structure to the rear which was fully involved upon arrival of fire crews.  Golden Valley Fire Investigators were on scene combing through the evidence and working with MCSO detectives to determine the cause of this morning’s fatal fire.  The victim has not been identified until all next of kin notifications can be properly made.  At least two family dogs were also discovered deceased in the main home after the detailed search by firefighters. In all, fourteen firefighters responded to the scene in addition to MCSO Deputies and Detectives.  No other injuries were reported to occupants or firefighters.  The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Suspicious Car Fire

Golden Valley Firefighter Bryon Kimber and Captain Dave Cunningham extinguished the fire in this 2007 GMC pickup truck Wednesday at 1:53 a.m. on Klagetoh Road just north of Hwy-68.  The pickup appeared to have been abandoned and is considered a total loss.  The fire is currently under investigation by MCSO and considered suspicious at this time.  There were no injuries and the driver and occupants were not around. The road remained blocked for an hour while emergency crews extinguished the fire and assessed the situation.

Man Critically Injured on Highway 68

Monday afternoon at 12:51 p.m. Golden Valley Firefighter-Paramedics treated and assisted with transporting a 49-year old male who was struck in the head by the mirror of a passing pickup truck and critically injured.  The patient was adding gasoline to his vehicle which was stopped on the shoulder of the highway on westbound Hwy-68 at Teddy Roosevelt Road after running out of fuel.  Friends and family members were on scene and witnessed the accident.  The patient was transported to KRMC as a Level-1 trauma for immediate treatment.  The driver of the vehicle that struck the patient immediately stopped at the scene and awaited emergency officials.  KRMC emergency room staff treated the patient, who was transported to a Las Vegas Trauma Center via helicopter for critical injuries.  The highway remained blocked for over an hour while DPS officers investigated the scene.