Orcas Fire and Rescue is reminding the community that its apparatus must respond very carefully in order to arrive safely during inclement weather. This can mean a much slower response due to road conditions, especially if emergency vehicles are using chains. The maximum speed allowed for driving with chains is 25 mph. If access is impassible, responders may be required to park rescue units and walk.

Orcas Fire responded to the following emergencies during the recent snowstorm.

Saturday, Nov. 20

Access hampered for aid response due to roads; two non-injury vehicles in ditch – check occupants and traffic control due to extreme road conditions.

Sunday, Nov. 21

Chimney fire.

Monday, Nov. 22

Citizen assist for caregiver transport to home patient due to impassible roads; non-injury vehicle crash on ice – check occupants and traffic control due to extreme road; fall patient due to ice.

Tuesday, Nov. 23

Response(s) to public school for fire alarm due to brown out – mechanical equipment burned out, creating smoke and alarm; two citizen assists for homes with fallen tree damage.

Wednesday, Nov. 24

Access hampered for aid response due to roads; responder’s vehicle slid into ditch on call.

Thursday, Nov. 25

Four-wheel drive aid car damaged on emergency response due to extreme road conditions; dog over embankment due to weather; citizen assist for patient from vehicle to home due to mobility issues (ice/snow).

Friday, Nov. 26

Citizen assist with snowbound patient.