The following is a listing of some of the local calls for service involving the Modesto Fire Department, which staffs Stations 27 and 28 in Oakdale; and the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Department, covering the Riverbank area. Calls were logged during the time period of Tuesday, June 23 through Monday, June 29.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
Modesto and Stanislaus Consolidated crews responded to two simultaneous water rescues Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m.; one near Oakdale Recreation Area and the second near Knights Ferry. Four water rescue crews, two engines, and two battalion chiefs responded. Crews were able to quickly coordinate, then locate all individuals requiring assistance at both locations. No injuries were reported.
Modesto and Stanislaus Consolidated units responded to a vegetation fire in the vicinity of Milton and Highway 4 within minutes of clearing the second water rescue in Knights Ferry. An off-duty firefighter reported a moderate rate of spread in light flashy fuels with nearby structures threatened and one occupant unable to self-evacuate. Battalion 5 arrived on scene, announced that no structures were immediately threatened and that no one was trapped in their residence; the fire was in a low-cut pasture, backing into the wind. Cal Fire and local resources quickly contained the forward progress of the fire, then spent an additional two hours mopping up hot spots. No structures were damaged; PG&E was requested for a damaged utility pole.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
1:42 p.m. – Modesto Engine 28 was dispatched to the intersection of North Oak Avenue and Pleasanton Place in Oakdale for reports of a power pole on fire. Engine 27 and Battalion 5 responded to assist as Engine 28 determined that the power lines had energized the entire pole. This resulted in cable lines becoming energized. Two houses sustained minor damage at the cable box connections. PG&E arrived on scene and secured the power.
8:03 p.m. – Modesto Engine 28, 27, Battalion 5 and Stanislaus Quint 22 responded to reports of smoke inside the 76 gas station in Oakdale. Crews located a malfunctioning motor on a food cold storage display unit. The unit was isolated and smoke ventilated. Crews assisted with moving unaffected product to another cooler.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
4:45 p.m. – Brush/Water Tender 27, Stanislaus Grass 26 and BC 5 responded to a vegetation fire on Mesa Drive east of Riverbank. Crews quickly contained the fire at approximately one-eighth of an acre of grass.
