The following is a listing of some of the local calls for service involving the Modesto Fire Department, which staffs Stations 27, 28, 29 and 30 in Oakdale, Knights Ferry and Valley Home as part of Battalion 5; and the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Department, covering the Riverbank area, as part of Battalion 2.
Calls were logged during the time period of Tuesday, June 18 through Monday, June 24. Days not listed had no reports of significant incidents in this area.
MONDAY, JUNE 24
Chief Wise presented certificates of achievement to members in recognition of their service to the fire department and community. Congratulations to Captains Matt Pirrone, Gary Cortes, Dustin Anderson, Engineers CJ Crim and Val Villalobos.
Battalion 2: While covering Oakdale, Engine 9 was dispatched to a smoke check in the area of Milton Road and Highway 4. They noticed a large column of smoke and requested a vegetation fire response. The fire was located in the SRA on Waverly Road. Engine 9, E29, Brush 29, B23, B24, Water Tender 23, and Battalion Chief 2 responded. The fire burned 215 acres and was caused by lightning moving through the area.
Battalion 5: 3:44 p.m. – Modesto Grass 27, Water Tender 27, Brush 28, B29, Engine 29, and Battalion Chief 5 responded to assist Cal Fire TCU at the Willms Incident near Willms Road and Highway 108. A series of lightning strikes in the area caused multiple vegetation fires. Crews contained the fire to 12 acres and spent several hours mopping up the area. Modesto Engine 9 provided coverage in Oakdale while crews were committed on the Willms Incident.
SUNDAY, JUNE 23
Battalion 2: 11:48 a.m. – Engine 26 and AMR responded to an injured bicyclist on Highway 108 and Claus Road. They carried the subject up from the river in a stokes basket, and he was taken to a local hospital.
Battalion 5: 11:36 a.m. – Modesto Water Rescue 28, WR29, and BC5 responded to a water rescue on the Stanislaus River in Knights Ferry. Water Rescue 29 was able to locate and safely bring two people to shore. While on the river crews were advised of another water rescue for a rafter that had gone missing from his party after their raft flipped over. Water Rescue 28 searched the area and was able to confirm that the rafter had made it out of the river safely.
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Strike Team 4200C returned home from its assignment to the Aero Fire in Calaveras County.
Tech Rescue Team members trained on emergency shoring techniques.
Battalion 2: 1:55 p.m. – Engine 26 provided a hand in rescuing a kitten from a car at the new Costco on Claribel Road.
Battalion 5: Engine 28 conducted probationary firefighter training on air bag operations.
Responded multiple times to Woodward Reservoir throughout the day. Calls ranged from vegetation fires to a CPR call.
Boat sign offs were completed for five additional boat operators.
4:31 p.m. – Modesto WR28, WR18, BC1 and Stanislaus E26 responded to the 4300 block of Adams Gravel Plant Road for reports of four kayakers that were overturned in the river. Units made access at Jacob Myers Park and were able to find and successfully rescue all the rafters. Air 101 assisted in the search for the subjects.
FRIDAY, JUNE 21
Battalion 2: Captain McManus provided a Public Service Announcement for KCRA about water safety in our local waterways.
Battalion 5: Firefighter Trapp completed his seven-month probationary test.
Engine 27 and 29 worked on boat sign offs.
5:06 p.m. – Modesto Engine 28 responded to a vegetation fire in the 500 block of Center Street in Oakdale. Engine 28 extinguished a small fire.
THURSDAY, JUNE 20
XST4200-C remained assigned to the Aero Incident in Calaveras County. Crews were assigned to mop up operations and reinforcing control lines.
The Tech Rescue Team participated in monthly shift training focusing on shoring.
Battalion 5: Firefighter Cumberland was successful in his seven-month probationary skills test.
1:37 p.m. – Modesto WR28, BC5 and Stanislaus WR26 were dispatched to Woodward Reservoir for reports of a boat on the water sinking with occupants in the water. Stanislaus County Sheriff’s boat was in the water and able to contact the involved parties and assist them. The boat was towed to shore by SO and all parties refused any medical treatment.
4:47 p.m. – Modesto WR28, WR29, E27 and BC5 responded to the 16000 block of Frymire Road for reports of subjects in distress on the river. The boats were able to locate the missing rafters and assisted nine individuals to safety by shuttling them in the boats to safety. Sheriff’s Department Air 101 assisted with flying two of the rafters to a safe refuge area. One rafter was treated by personnel and transported with a minor injury.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19
Battalion 2: Firefighter Miranda E21 and Firefighter Bryant E26 successfully passed their seven-month test.
TUESDAY, JUNE 18
Battalion 2: Stanislaus companies focused on online training along with station maintenance.
Battalion 5: Aero Task Force 1 (Modesto G27, B28, B29, E29, BC5) was released from the Aero Incident after being on the initial attack and performing structure protection in the community of Copperopolis.
