The Firehouse Report

By Jim Jarboe

As of August 31, 2015, the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department and the personnel of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service assigned to the station have responded to 438 fire-related incidents in 2015. The department addressed or assisted with 2,169 rescue or ambulance-related incidents for a total of 2,607.

Totals for 2014 were 458 and 1,890, representing an increase 259 incidents. During the month of August 2015, the Takoma Park volunteers put in a total 1,294 hours of standby time at the station compared to 1,585 in August 2014. Grand totals as of August 2015 are 10,741 hours compared to 11,091.5 hours in 2014, a decrease of 350.5 hours.

Maryland fire deaths

The Maryland State Fire Marshal Office reported as of September 14, 2015, 42 people have died in fires, compared to 39 in September 2014.

Fire Prevention Week October 4-10

Theme: Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, October 8-9, 1871. This two-day blaze killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.

Mark the date!

Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., there will be an “Open House” at the Takoma Park fire station. At the start of Fire Prevention Week, members will be on hand for show and tell regarding many activities on fire safety. Bring the family; it’s a time to learn and have fun.

Takoma Park VFD member receives prestigious training award

New EMT Bernice Williams was honored with the Richard B. Thompson Award for the top academic student in the class. It was presented at the EMT Class graduation held at the Public Service Training Academy on August 28. Member EMT Enoch Davis also graduated. Congratulations to both for a job well done.

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.