Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "sac fire"

Budget cuts impact resources for major hazmat incident in South Sacramento

2011-07-07T01:43:59Z

Sacramento, CA | A level 3 Hazmat situation shuts down a large industrial area in South Sacramento. Budget weakend hazmat team has to reach out with unusual mutual aid requests.

Wednesday morning, the Sacramento City Fire Department was called to Mike and Sons Inc, in the 8500 block of Elder Creek Road, for a commercial trailer fire. When firefighters arrived “they realized the doors were shut and there was a very pungent odor; so they turned this into a level three hazmat which is the highest level of hazmat response that we have”, Niko King, Assistant Chief for Sacramento City Fire Department stated.

As things progressed, they contacted the shipper and the property owner discovering that there were over forty household products in the trailer, King stated. “For some unknown reason, something happened in there and there was a chemical reaction taking place.”

Evacuations began immediately. King stated that as a result of the off-gassing of the product and wind direction, over fifty-five business were evacuated which equated to 520 people. Reverse 911 was utilized to assist with the evacuations. Traffic was backed up all the way down Young Creek Drive as area workers vacated the industrial park. King stated that the evacuation was in place for about four hours. King also stated that a seven digit hotline was put in place to update evacuees and let them know when they could return to their businesses.

One person, who reportedly inhaled a good amount of the vapors, was transported to the hospital via paramedics.

Large fire suppression lines were put in place in the event they had to fight fire, and measures were taken to protect storm drains from potential contaminated water runoff as a result of firefighting efforts.

“What’s unique about this, Sacramento Fire department just experienced some budget cuts; it cut our hazmat team right in half,” King stated sternly. “…so, we had mutual aid resources from Metro Fire, Hazmat 109 come in. And what was really unique, we had to reach out and get Roseville’s hazmat team to come into the City of Sacramento to assist in mitigating this incident.”

It was finally determined that the substance was some sort of refrigerant oil. The assumption is that due to the warm rising temperature in the trailer, the container of product exploded then mixing with other materials in the trailer.

Many agencies responded to this incident to assist Sacramento City Fire, such as: Sacramento Metro Fire, Roseville Fire, and CERT to name a few. The Red Cross also responded with their Disaster Relief unit.

King stated that all the hazards had been mitigated and the incident would be turned back over to the shipping company.

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Violence and bottles break at downtown Parlare Euro Lounge

2011-05-22T01:01:00Z

Sacramento, CA | Fists and bottles fly early Saturday morning at Parlare Euro Lounge, leaving one person in serious condition.

Just around midnight Saturday, a fight started at the Parlare Euro Lounge on the corner of 10th and J Streets in downtown Sacramento.

“The fight spilled out from the club into the street. One of the security guards was hit in the head with a bottle, subsequently fought with the original suspect who in turn, turned and fought with another suspect who was also hit with a bottle,” Sargent Wendy Brown, Sacramento Police Department stated.

Later the area was deemed a tapped off crime scene with CSI collecting evidence and photos as one of the injured person’s condition worsened. Per Sargent Norm Leong, Sacramento Police Department’s Public Information Officer, the subject is now listed in serious condition.

Vist the scene via raw footage and hear from Sargent Brown about the incident>>

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DUI driver injures three in Downtown crash

2011-04-17T03:35:58Z

Sacramento, CA | An alleged drunk driver crashed into an occupied taxi cab early Saturday morning in Downtown Sacramento, next to City Hall.

Early Saturday morning, at the intersection of I St. and 10th St., a drunk driver crashed into an occupied taxi cab.

Two people were transported to the hospital in critical condition, a third was transported with minor injures.

Being struck by the alleged DUI driver, the taxi cab careened across the front lawn of City Hall and came to rest on against a light pole and across the sidewalk next to the steps of City Hall.

After being given a field sobriety test and refusing to take an in field breathalyzer test, the driver was arrested for DUI.

See more Downtown action>>

Single apartment destroyed by fire

2011-01-22T23:03:22Z

This morning just before 10 a.m. Sacramento Regional Dispatch center received multiple calls reporting an apartment fire with explosions. Fire crews from both Sacramento and Sacramento Metro Fire Departments responded and arrived within minutes to find fire blowing out of an upstairs window. The apartment was occupied at the time of the fire and officials were informed that citizens assisted one adult male occupant from the apartment that was on fire.

Quick actions of the fire crews kept the fire from spreading to adjacent apartments; however during the fire operations Sacramento Police were requested to respond to restrain the resident from attempting to re-enter the apartment while it was on fire. Fortunately no one was injured and the initial reports of explosions were determined to be from the fire burning materials inside the apartment.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and has not yet been determined. The upstairs apartment was completely destroyed and adjacent upstairs units suffered minor smoke damage. At this time the Sacramento Fire Department would like to remind everyone not to attempt to re-enter a building once it is on fire. Fire doubles in size every sixty seconds, and one inhalation of smoke can be fatal.

Sprinkler Activation Causes Major Flooding in Downtown Apartment

2011-01-10T02:52:16Z

Firefighters responded to Globe Mills Apartment complex for a water flow alarm. Crews arrived to find a flowing sprinkler and no signs of fire. The sprinkler activation was isolated to unit 438, which was a single apartment on the fourth floor. Before firefighters were able to shut off the water, substantial flooding occurred to the affected unit, the 4th floor hallway and units on the third and second floor that were located directly below apartment 438. There was also several hundred gallons of water in the basement, as a direct result of the activated sprinkler. Fire crews spent several hours on scene pumping water out of the basement and restoring the sprinkler system. Portions of the complex, mainly on the fourth floor and affected units, will be without electrical power until residual water can be addressed.

The cause of the sprinkler head malfunction was undetermined by fire crews, and there were no fire department mandated evacuations. It is unknown if the occupant was home at the time of the activation; however fire crews were notified by the alarm company. Building management advised they were in the process of working with a restoration company to address the residual water and maintenance issues associated with flooding.

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DUI driver injures several in Midtown wreck

2010-12-31T02:35:12Z

Sacramento, CA | A drunk driver with passengers collides head-on with a Taxi minivan leaving several injured in Midtown early Thursday morning.

At approximately 1:47 am Thursday morning, a black compact car collided head on with a taxi cab minivan at 20th and N Streets in Midtown. Occupants in both vehicles were injured and transported to area hospitals with non threatening injuries, per Sacramento Police department. more from this incident and about Midtown DUI checkpoint >>

In memory of Captain Terrence Gee

2010-12-21T01:40:33Z

On behalf of Fire Chief Ray Jones, Deputy Chiefs Troy Malaspino and Lloyd Ogan, it is with great sadness we deliver this message.

Early this morning our brother, Fire Captain Terrence (Terry) Gee, age fifty-four, passed away. He was surrounded by his immediate family in his home. In February of this year, Terrence was diagnosed with cancer, as a result of job related exposures. He leaves behind is wife Nancy of twenty-four years, son Samuel age twenty-two, and daughter Amanda age twenty, as well as, a great number of other family and friends.

Terry began his career in the fire service with Sacramento Fire Department in February 1985. He spent a great time of his career as a firefighter and was assigned to Engine 57 where he worked with his dear friend and Captain Bob Kiehne. In December 2005, Terry promoted to the rank of Fire Captain and worked at a number of stations; however his most recent assignment prior to illness was Station 60.

In addition to his work with the Sacramento Fire Department, Captain Gee was an elected Member of the Board of Directors for the Florin Fire District. In that role he guided the District through the merger with the American River Fire District in 1997. "Terry Gee was a tireless advocate for both the District and the residents it served. Without his leadership and perseverance the merger between American River and Florin Fire Districts would not have occurred" said Rick Martinez, retired Fire Chief for both Districts. Following that merger Captain Gee continued to support the regionalization of the fire service which led to the creation of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

The Sacramento Fire Department and Local 522 will be planning a fire fighter funeral service. More information and details on the services will follow in the coming days.

Please keep the Gee Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Two Firefighters Injured In South Sacramento House Fire

2010-11-22T21:14:05Z

Yesterday at approximately 4:21 P.M. firefighters responded to a reported house fire at 4309 39th Avenue. Fire crews arrived four minutes later to find heavy brown smoke coming from the roof and front door of the residence.

During extinguishment of the fire two firefighters from Engine 56 received first and second degree burns to their face and ears. One of the two firefighters, Doug Calvert a four-year veteran, was transported to U C Davis Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire was from an unattended cooking pan. No civilians were injured; however Red Cross did respond to assist with providing shelter and clothing for both occupants of the home.

Sacramento Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind citizens to turn off cooking appliances before leaving their homes and replace old batteries in smoke detectors.

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Thanksgiving weekend safety tips

2010-11-22T21:09:21Z

As we approach Thanksgiving Day the Sacramento Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy holiday; in addition to providing you with several safety tips to ensure your holiday is also a safe one. Each year many fires and other emergencies occur from un-attended cooking or burning fires. Therefore we are asking that you consider these tips as you enjoy your holiday.

·Turkey roasters’, remember to use a pan large enough to contain the grease that is produced from a roasting turkey.
·If you are going to sleep or leaving your home, make sure all cooking appliances are off.
·Outdoor cooking should occur outdoors and NOT in a garage or under a low covered patio.
·Make sure candles are not left unattended while burning and are placed in holders that will catch the melting wax.
·Don’t go to sleep with fires left in the fireplace. Make sure the fire is out before leaving or going to bed.
·Ashes from fireplaces should be placed in a metal container and placed outdoors, free of paper or combustible products, and allowed to cool 24-48 hours before placing in an outdoor garbage can.
·Make sure you have replaced the batteries in all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

By using these safety tips we all can make it a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend for everyone!!

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Smoke Detector Saves Life in South Sac Three-Alarm Apartment Fire

2010-11-16T01:07:35Z

At approximately 4:04 A.M. Sunday morning Sacramento Firefighters responded to reports of an apartment building fire at 8010 Pocket Road. When crews arrived they found heavy fire coming from the front door and rear balcony of an upstairs apartment unit. The fire quickly spread through the attic, affecting a second upstairs unit, causing fire commanders to request a second and third alarm response. This brought over eighty firefighters to the scene

The occupant of the apartment where the fire started was awakened by a smoke detector, enabling him to escape his apartment without injury. Fire crews assisted evacuating other occupants that had not yet evacuated the eight, unit building within the complex. Fortunately there were no firefighter or civilian injuries and Red Cross assisted with providing shelter and food for several of the occupants that had to be evacuated, as well as, those that experienced personal property damage from the fire, water and smoke.

The cause of the fire is to believed to have been a candle left unattended, based on an interview with the occupant of the apartment where this fire started. Thankfully this occupant had a working smoke detector that assisted in saving his life.

At this time the Sacramento Fire Department would like to remind everyone that as the cold weather approaches, they remember to unplugged electrical heating equipment that may be used for heating their homes, as well as, blow out candles or extinguish any type fire before going to bed. Last but not least, replace your smoke detector battery if you haven’t and city residents may call 311 if they do not have a working smoke detector and would like one installed. Free smoke detector batteries are still available at Sacramento Fire Department Headquarters.

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Replace Your Smoke Detector Batteries This Weekend!

2010-11-04T20:51:03Z

The Sacramento Fire Department wishes to remind everyone that when you move your clock back an hour this weekend be sure to replace the batteries in all of your smoke detectors.

Smoke detectors save lives. It is estimated that 65% of home fire deaths occur in homes that don't have a working smoke detector. Smoke detectors alert people to fire in its early stages, giving people the time needed to escape safely. It’s important for every home to have them in all required locations, including bedrooms.

The Sacramento Fire Department offers the following tips for making sure the smoke detectors in your home are maintained and working properly:

· Install smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

· Test smoke detectors at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in your home knows their sound.

· Replace batteries in all smoke detectors at least once a year.

· If the detector “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

· Replace all smoke detectors, including detectors that use 10-year batteries or that are hard-wired, when they are ten years old (or sooner) if they do not respond properly when tested.

To help promote this important effort, Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs have donated a limited number of batteries to the Sacramento Fire Department for distribution to senior and low-income citizens. However all citizens are encouraged to participate and can pick up a 9 volt battery, while supplies last, now thru November 10th at the Sacramento Fire Department headquarters, located at 5770 Freeport Blvd, from 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday thru Thursday. Batteries will also be available for seniors, while supplies last, at the Ethel MacLeod Hart Senior Center located at 915 27th Street.

In addition, if you live in the Sacramento city limits and do not have a working smoke detector in your home and cannot afford to purchase one, you may call the Sacramento City Operator at 311 to request one. Arrangements will be made for a fire company to come to your home to install the device.

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Help Sacramento arson investigators

2010-10-23T00:01:11Z

Sacramento arson investigators need your help locating two people of interest regarding a commercial structure fire located at Bisla's Sports Bar, addressed 7042 Folsom Blvd. Citizens can report any information as to the identity of these two individuals and any information regarding the fire to the Sacramento Fire Department Arson Tip Line at (916) 808-8732 or Crime Alert at 1-800-AA-CRIME or wanted@crimealert.org.

The incident occurred on 10/13/10 and was reported at 0445 hours. The incident number is 10-309696.

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4-Alarm Midtown Fire Destroys Food Bank and Extends to Diocese

2010-10-21T21:08:04Z

This morning at 1:46 am Sacramento firefighters responded to multiple reports of fire located at 1325 27th Street in midtown Sacramento. Initial fire crews arrived under five minutes and encountered heavy fire and smoke from the rear and attic of the second floor of the building. This building was identified as the River City Food Bank. Its contents consisted of mainly administrative office furniture and supplies. At 1:55am, a second alarm fire dispatch was requested, as the fire had quickly spread to the attic of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California located at 1327 27th Street.

Impinging flames from the roof of the food bank nearly ignited a third apartment; however swift application of direct large water streams by firefighters prevented the building from igniting. The thick wooden ceiling inside the food bank made it nearly impossible for firefighters to breach the ceiling from the inside in order to extinguish the fire. After thirty minutes of interior operations, all firefighters were evacuated from the building and large streams of water from ladders extending over the roof were used to extinguish the fire.

It took firefighters over one hour to gain control of the fire and four alarms; bringing over one hundred firefighters from Sacramento City and Metro Fire Departments to extinguish the fire. Both buildings remain standing and the Diocese damages were confined to the attic and several upstairs rooms. The Food Bank damages consist of the entire attic, roof collapse, and all upstairs rooms.

Fortunately no firefighters or civilians were injured; however one cat died and several residents from adjacent and surrounding apartments were temporary displaced due to the large amount of smoke and fire in the area. The cause of this fire is currently under investigation and Sacramento Fire crews will remain on scene until the investigation is complete.

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I've replaced the batteries but my smoke detector won't stop beeping!

2010-08-31T21:57:40Z

If you have changed the battery in your chirping smoke detector and it still chirps, you might think your detector is bad.

Before you replace that smoke detector or go out and purchase another new pack of nine-volt batteries, there are a couple things you should know about your smoke detector, and a few things you can do to address this problem.

There are several different types of smoke detectors, however, the most current model detectors found in homes and apartments operate by low-voltage electrical wiring with a battery backup.

These smoke detectors have internal processors that store error codes, and a week battery chirp is a common error code that may be retained, even after the old battery is replaced. The only way to clear this error is to reset the smoke detector, which can be done by following these simple steps:

* Turn off the power to the smoke detector at your circuit breaker.
* Remove the detector from its mounting bracket and unplug the power supply.
* Remove the battery from the smoke detector.
* With the battery removed, press and hold the test button for 15-20 seconds.
* Replace the new battery in the detector and plug in the power supply.
* Restore power to the circuit breaker.
* Reattach the breaker to mounting bracket.

When the power is restored, the smoke detector should chirp once. However, your low-battery chirping should no longer be a problem. There is one other thing you can do to reduce the possibility of ever hearing chirping from your smoke detector, and this is to change your batteries before the chirp is heard.

A good rule of thumb and industry standard is to change the batteries in your smoke detectors every six months. October is fire prevention month and a good time to change all your detectors in your home. However, if your detectors are chirping, change your batteries immediately.

If your smoke detector is more than 10 years old, the unit should be replaced with a newer one.

Detectors can be purchased at your local hardware stores, or your local fire department may have a program to distribute them. It is recommended that smoke detectors be installed in each bedroom of your home and a hallway. However, if you only have one smoke detector, placing it in the hallway outside of all bedrooms is the best location for placement.

If you live in the city of Sacramento and would like to get more information on how to get a smoke detector installed in your home call 311 from a hard-line telephone. For useful and up to date information on current events you’re welcome to follow the Captain Jonathan Burgess, Public Information Officer of the Sacramento Fire Department, on Twitter or Facebook by using the links below.

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2 Alarm Fire Destroys Two Mobile Homes

2010-06-21T23:21:49Z

City of Sacramento Fire Department Press Release:

A two alarm fire destroyed two mobile homes in the Acorn Village Park located at 5800 Stockton Blvd. The fire was reported at 1:07 P.M. and Sacramento Engine #10 was on scene in about 2 ½ minutes. A small propane tank had exploded and more propane tanks were threatened. A second alarm was requested.

Firefighters did a great job of preventing the fire from spreading to other homes and keeping the fire from exploding more propane tanks. Engine #6, which would have been the second due Engine Company, was browned out today. The delay did slow down firefighting efforts. Luckily there were no reported injuries.

A Sacramento Fire Investigator is on scene trying to determine the cause. Firefighters from Sacramento Metro Fire also responded as did the American Red Cross. They assisted one family with housing assistance.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Breaking News: 2 mobile homes burn in fire

2010-06-21T20:55:19Z

Fire crews battled a big fire in Acorn Mobile Home Park along Stockton Blvd. They are still at the scene, with the fire under control. No injuries. Fire started around 1pm. Investigation underway.

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

What does Disney Radio and brush fire have in common?

2009-07-16T07:37:11Z

Sacramento, CA- Were you listening to Disney Radio Wednesday and wondered why all of a sudden it dropped off?

At about 11:51 A.M. Wednesday morning, Sac Fire received a call for a vegetation fire in the wild land are off of Commerce Circle and Lathrop Way. This area is located between Discovery Park and the Cal Expo area, just west of The Radisson Hotel and bordered by the bike trail on the south side of the levee.

Firefighters arrived to find difficult terrain to access off the levee, but were able to attack the fire within ten minutes of the call.

In this wild land area were three radio towers over 200 feet high belonging to ABC Radio. One of the tower's collapsed and a witness stated that when the guide wires from the tower snapped, it sounded like gun fire. Captain Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department stated, "A small building at the base of the collapsed tower was destroyed by the fire. The building housed radio equipment." The second tower was damaged and leaning during most of the blaze. Firefighters were on guard working around the second tower; in the event guide wires broke loose.

Firefighters had to shuttle water back and forth to the fire. Doucette noted that heat was a factor for the firefighters fighting the blaze.

While the cause for the fire is still under investigation, Captain Doucette stated, "The Investigator is looking into the possibility that something electrical inside the building caused the fire, but it is not known at this time."

Firefighters rescue sleeping man from burning house fire

2009-07-14T01:15:26Z

At 3:16P.M. Monday, Sacramento Firefighters were called to the 7600 block of Tattershall Way. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming from the home and a well involved fire in the kitchen area.

On a primary search of the home, firefighters found a sleeping man in the back bedroom and quickly removed him from the burning home. He was transported to the hospital with smoke inhalation.

Engine 57 arrived within three and half minutes of the call. Captain Jim Doucette stated "If not for the quick response of Sacramento Firefighters, and the next door neighbor quickly reporting this fire, there is a very good chance this man would not have survived."

Doucette also noted that the home had no working smoke detectors.

*WHY DO THEY DO THAT?
Onlookers at incidents often ask, "Why are they doing that?", when they see firefighters tearing into the walls and ceilings and cutting holes in the roof. "Are they just destructive boogers and into tearing up things or is there actually a reason they are doing that?"

In the posted photo of the interior of this fire, you will notice there is no fire damage in the front room, but the ceiling is all torn out. During a structure fire, fire will get into the attics and walls and travel. To be sure the fire has no "extensions", firefighters use tools called "closet hooks" and "pike poles" to pull the ceiling apart to ensure that the fire has not traveled and has been completely extinguished.

Action News Capsule for Saturday P.M., July 11/12, 2009

2009-07-12T18:19:24Z

ELK GROVE SHOOTING: A man was shot multiple times just after 10pm on Rightwood Way in the City of Sacramento. He was transported code 3 to UCDMC and his condition was not known at the time of the incident.

MARRIOTT SMOKE BOMB: A person set off a smoke bomb just before 11:30pm in a hallway of the Spring Hill Suites on Venture Oaks Way in the City of Sacramento. The smoke filled the hallways of two floors of the hotel and caused a brief evacuation while fire fighters use fans to blow out the smoke.

FATAL FIRE: The latest in a string of fatal fires to hit the Sacramento area occurred just after 1:30am on Prairie Ct in the Penryn area of Placer
County. The female occupant of the large two story home was able to escape without injury but her husband was killed in the fire that
quickly consumed the building and spread to the wild land around the property.

MEDIA SOURCES: Full photos, video and write-ups available by emailing media@maverickphotography.us or calling 916.340.1926
Photography by MaverickPhotography.us, Available Video by Andrus Media
Incident briefs by Calvin Andrus

Action News Capsule for Friday P.M., July 10, 2009

2009-07-12T02:50:52Z

VEHICLE vs UTILITY POLE: Around 6:30pm a vehicle slammed into a utility pole on 47th Ave. near Wire. The older model vehicle sustained major front end damage, the utility pole split and collapsed and the driver sustained only minor cuts on the forehead. Power in the area was out for several hours.

PARTY STABBING: Around 12:30am a female victim way stabbed at a party in the area of 4th Ave and 65th St. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with what appeared to be a minor stab wound to the
upper body.

PALLADAY FIRE: Around 4:00am a large grass fire occurred off Palladay Rd and Base Line Rd in Placer County. Units were called from CDF, Placer County Fire, Sutter County Fire and Sac Metro Fire to extinguish the fire.

Hero saves sleeping Asian family from fiery demise

2009-07-10T10:01:38Z

Sacramento, CA- A sleeping family lives today because of the heroism of Santino Deanda

Lyndsay Deanda stated she and her husband Santino were on their way to the hospital with their daughter traveling down H Street, when in the 3700 block Santino spotted the back of a house on fire.

Santino stopped the vehicle, instructed Lyndsay to call 911 and headed to the front door to wake the family. Santino actually went into the burning, smoke filled house several times to be sure every one was out.

The blaze started in a couch on the back patio up against the house. The fire quickly spread catching the back side of the house on fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Santino was transported to UC Davis Medical Center by paramedics to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Battalion Chief King indicated that if not for the heroic act of Deanda, this could have been a very bad situation. While Deanda is credited with saving many lives, King noted that firefighters go into fires and smoke filled homes prepared with a vast array of safety equipment and tools. "Inhaling one breath of the superheated toxic smoke of a structure fire will drop you to floor".

Deer lands through family truck windshield near downtown

2009-07-07T23:11:06Z

Tony Pineea and his four sons got a big shock when a deer landed in their windshield.

Tony Pineea was traveling North on Highway 160 out of downtown Sacramento Tuesday morning with his four sons when a deer emerged from the light rail area adjacent to the highway and jumped in front of their pickup truck at the Del Paso exit.

The deer hit so hard in the windshield area that the windshield broke through and collapsed in. The driver only sustained very minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital. Per Pineea, his sons were seatbelted and uninjured.

The deer did attempt to run off, however it was too severely injured. An on scene CHP officer had to euthanize the deer on site to end its suffering from unrecoverable injuries. The Del Paso off ramp was closed for a short time.

Per Captain Doucette of the Sacramento City Fire Department, deer do commonly roam that area this time of year and an occasional mountain lion can be seen.

Brush fire delays south area Light Rail

2009-07-02T23:52:45Z

Sacramento, CA- Early Thursday after noon, a small blaze broke out off of Hing Avenue, near Franklin and 47th. The fire was contained to the dry field area between the homes and railroad tracks.

Light Rail service was minimally impacted. Trains were briefly delayed during the high part of the blaze then permitted to move through at a reduced speed due to limited visibility resulting from heavy smoke, per on scene RT rail worker.

Several structure firefighting engines were in place to protect the homes along the field, while brush rigs and crews moved through the field to attack the fire and bring it under control. Per Captain Doucette, the cause of the fire is unknown.

Brush fire threatens Sac State structures

2009-06-28T03:21:46Z

Sacramento, CA- A brush fire on the campus of Sacramento State University broke out Saturday afternoon, between the buildings and the railroad tracks. The fire was against one of the buildings however firefighters made a quick attack and the structure was saved with no internal damage.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation but believed to be arson. Subjects in a red car were witnessed setting the fire. At the time of posting, full details are not available, but check back for follow-up information.

Pest control worker killed in porch collapse

2009-06-16T01:26:33Z

When this pest control worker went to work today, he probably didn't expect to never come home for dinner again.

Two pest control workers had been working on termite damage on a Curtis Park home the past few days. The previous owner of the home was a lady who lived to be 100 and passed away a few months ago. The home was up for sale with extensive termite and dry rot damage.

Today, the two men were working under the cement slab front porch when the edges gave way and the entire weight of the slab came down on them. Capt. Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department guestimated the slab to be well over 1000 lbs.

The surviving partner stated that they were removing some "dark dry rot damage under the floor and the concrete floor it gave way and came down on us…it was about three inches thick and it came down on us." He escaped with very minor injuries.

Sacramento Firefighters arrived within one minute from the time of the call and the extrication took 25 minutes. Firefighters had to use pneumatic air bags to raise the cement and wood cribbing to shore it up to enable the extrication.

The worker was pronounced dead on scene.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation by Cal OSHA.

The identity of the worker has not been released pending family notification.

Midtown dumpster fire escalates to garage fire and threatens apartments

2009-06-13T15:38:12Z

Sacramento Midtown apartments were threatened earlier this morning when a dumpster fire spread to the large all wood garage surrounded by the apartments.

Firefighters were called to the rear of 1015 26th in the alley for a "dumpster fire" Engine four arrived on scene quickly, just five minutes from the time the call came in to 911. When they arrived the garage was well involved with fire. The two dumpsters on fire were pulled away from the garage and after gaining access the firefighters made an aggressive attack, knocking down the blaze.

While the major part of the fire was immediately taken care of, some fire remained in the eves and roofing. Due to remodels and several layers of siding, firefighters had a challenge getting the fire completely extinguished immediately, but kept it under control and from spreading to the adjacent apartments.

The early morning fire hailed a compliment of five engines, three truck companies, one HazMat Company, two Medic Units, five Command/Support staff and 50 firefighters.

In a press release, Capt. Doucette stated, "A Sacramento Fire Department Haz Mat Team was called out to monitor the water run off."

There were no injuries in this incident however the cause is under investigation. Short after the fire, "the person of interest" was sighted down the street going through dumpsters.

Pocket Fire Blaze impacts two homes, one destroyed the other damaged

2009-06-12T03:57:20Z

Two homes caught fire Thursday around 2:51 p.m. As firefighters arrived, the fence between the two homes was completely on fire and the side of the two story home on the left was well involved. The second home (one story), caught fire and burned into the attic.

There was an initial report that victims may have been in the home. The first in engine crew executed a search of the home and no one was found.

In the end, the two story home experienced a partial roof collapse while firefighters were inside. Firefighters pulled out and went into defensive mode to save the one story home and protect other surrounding exposures. The two story was a total loss and the one story home had fire damage in the attic and back bedroom as well as contents.

SacCity Firefighters were on scene in less than five minutes from the time of the call. Deputy Fire Chief Lloyd Ogan stated that weather definantly played a factor with the Delta Breeze picking up.

In a press release, Acting Battalion Chief, Jim Doucette stated, "There were no reported injuries and Sacramento Fire Department Investigators are on scene trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Additional Firefighters from Sacramento Metro and Cosumnes Fire also responded." A total of 75 firefighters and 4 command staff were engaged on this incident.

House fire under investigation

2009-06-06T01:34:27Z

At 2:54 p.m., Thursday afternoon, Sacramento City Firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire. When they arrived they found a two story home well involved.

Per Capt. Jim Doucette, the occupants were out of the house when firefighters arrived, however the family dog was not located. The fire started on the ground level, per Doucette, and the occupants did not know how the fire started. Doucette did mention that the fire is under investigation and that the occupants would not be able to occupy the home.

There were no injuries and surrounding structures were not threatened.

Incendiary device found at the Federal Court House in Downtown Sacramento

2009-05-17T22:34:34Z

Sacramento, CA
May 17, 2009

Things are quiet now around the Federal Courthouse at 501 I St., in Downtown Sacramento, but around 5 am Sunday morning, there was a hubbub of activity as word spread that an unknown incendiary devise had been located on the west side of the courthouse.

Per Sacramento Police Department, “at 4:47 a.m., Federal Protection Service personnel located a suspicious item on the west side of the Sacramento Federal Courthouse and contacted the Police Department.”

A myriad of agencies are assisting with the investigation to ensure every angle is covered. The agencies involved are: Sacramento City Fire Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Protection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, General Service Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Presently authorities are not releasing a description of the incendiary device. From the outside of the Federal Building, it appears that there is no elevated alert level. The parking garage barriers are not up and there appears to be no additional law enforcement coverage posted around the exterior. We will continue to follow this story and bring you more information as it becomes available.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000

The end of what could have been much worse

2009-05-16T10:07:51Z

Sacramento, CA
Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:41am

The overturned semi-truck hauling Smuckers Jelly packets, was a much more docile ending than what this incident could have been. What you don’t see from this angle is the wreckage of multiple cars on the other side of truck that flipped twice (per reports), before it came to rest spilling its sticky cargo all over the highway.

Dennis Hanson stated that the car in front of him (actually the second or third vehicle in the incident), “spun out and a fender came off or the hub cap or something, and came to a complete stop in the middle lane.” As Hanson approached, he swerved to the right lane to avoid the vehicle and was hit from the rear by the car behind him. Hanson made his way to the side and went back to meet with the owner of the vehicle that collided with his car. “ Meanwhile,” Hanson stated, “the car is still in the middle of the road and cars are swerving around it.” Hanson yelled to the driver “get your family out the car. This is a disaster waiting to happen.” Per Hanson, just as the driver “got his wife and kid out of the car, less than a minute later, the big rig came and plowed right into it.” Hanson then went to help the truck driver who apparently had been ejected. When Hanson called to him he said he was out and he thought both his legs were broken. When Hanson was finally able to get around the wreckage to the driver, he found him hobbling on a compound fractured leg with bones protruding through the skin. The driver was looking through the roadside grass to find his cell phone… and he did.

Considering the massive wreckage strung a roughly half mile down the interstate, the injuries in this accident were quite minor in comparison to what they could have been. All lanes were stopped across the interstate for less than 30 minutes. Sacramento Fire Department and CHP were able to open the first three lanes quite quickly while the number four lane remained closed for some time due to clean up and to enable the wrecker to right the semi-truck and it’s trailer. One of the other victims from this accident called in to 911 and stated she was high and injured in the middle divider. Whether she was the cause of any part of this incident is unknown at this time.

In another accident just a few miles and minutes before this incident, at Twin Cities and Interstate Five, the occupants were not as fortunate. We do not have the details from that incident other than it was a head-on collision and fatalities were involved.

Our weekend is already starting off in wreckage and carnage. As this story is being written, calls are going out for an overturned vehicle on Greenback Lane, and another vehicle accident on Interstate 80 East at Auburn with a person down in the middle of the road. Do your part to be safe on the road this weekend. If you are not fit to be behind the wheel, be responsible and let someone else drive. Be alert and refrain from being distracted by cell phone calls and text messaging.

South Sacramento Mobile Home Fire

2009-05-03T06:25:39Z

Sacramento, CA
May 2, 2009

At approximately 8:45 this evening, Sacramento Firefighters were called to unit 213 of the South Sacramento Travel Lodge Mobile Home Park at 6025 Dias Ave. While a full report is not yet available, occupants and their cat were able to safely exit their home and damage was kept to a minimum do to the rapid response of the firefighters. We can only speculate that had this occurred in a fire department brown out area, this situation could have had a dramatically different ending.

As soon as we receive more details from Sacramento Fire Department, we will bring you an update.