by KEVIN O’BRIEN
Orcas Fire Chief
Year to date responses have increased 21 percent. As of this report, the total call volume is 344 for EMS and fire combined. Last year, the number was 284.
Notable Alarms
Aid Call: On Friday, May 24, we responded to a neighborhood on Enchanted Forest Road for the report of an adult male with a decreased level of consciousness.
The patient was evaluated and found to be requiring immediate follow-up by a physician but did not require transport to an emergency room.
Due to poor cell phone coverage, the patient was transported to OIFR Station 21 where responders contacted the local health care professionals for follow-up care. The patient was ultimately transported to Orcas Island Medical Center in stable condition.
Water Rescue: On Monday, May 27, OIFR responded to the report of an adult male requiring rescue from the water at Bayhead Marina. Prior to OIFR arrival, the man was rescued from the water by an alert citizen who heard the man’s call for help from his home near the marina.
The patient was found to be in sound medical condition and did not require further assistance.
Small Debris Fire: On Friday, May 31, we responded to Kaleidoscope Preschool for the report of a small debris fire outside a storage container used to accept donated household items.
On location, responders found a two-foot by three-foot debris fire comprised mainly of fabric and a couch inside the container with burn marks. The fire was fully extinguished and is under investigation by the San Juan County Fire Marshal.
House Fire: At approximately 3:15 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 25 OIFR firefighters with 10 response vehicles were dispatched to a home in the Willis Lane neighborhood near Obstruction Pass for the report of a house fire with explosions.
Arriving responders found the home to be fully involved in fire and quickly began fire suppression operations. The home was reported by the owner to be unoccupied.
There were no injuries to civilians or responders and damage was confined to the home and a detached carport.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the San Juan County Fire Marshal.
