October 2019 Responses
During the Month of October Savannah Fire Rescue responded to more than 676 service calls, including 56 fires, 260 emergency medical service and other incident calls, 62 hazardous condition and explosion calls, 19 public service calls, 60 smoke scare calls and 219 false alarms. Of the 56 fires, 15 were structure fires. Below is a detailed summary of the structure fires and other notable calls for service:
October 30, 2019
8:28 p.m.
Fire; Live Oak Plantation Apartments, 8505 Waters Ave.
Firefighters were dispatched to an apartment fire and discovered a small blaze in apartment 67. Teenagers were burning candles and inadvertently started a fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it from causing serious damage. No one was injured or displaced.
October 30, 2019
7:57 p.m.
Fire; 8000 Waters Avenue Apartments, 8000 Waters
Firefighters were dispatched to an apartment fire. The residents were burning candles and accidentally started a fire. One of the residents attempted to extinguish the blaze with a fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful. Firefighters completely extinguished the fire and prevented it from extending beyond Apartment 175. The two adults and one infant who reside there were not injured, but they were displaced.
October 29, 2019
4:08 a.m.
Fire, 19 Burnt Tree Ct.
Units were dispatched to a structure fire. Firefighters discovered that a bedroom outlet had shorted out and melted. The incident tripped the breaker for the room. Firefighters made sure the fire was completely out. No one was injured or displaced.
October 28, 2019
10:15 a.m.
Vehicle Extrication, Skidaway Rd. & Colorado Ave.
Firefighters were dispatched to an accident with entrapment. They discovered a two-car accident with one male trapped inside. Firefighters removed the driver’s side door and freed the victim. He was not injured.
October 26, 2019
4:33 p.m.
Smoke Scare, Northgate Dr. & Oakland Ct.
Firefighters were dispatched to the area of Oakland Court and Northgate Drive for the report of an open area fire. Firefighters were unable to locate an open area fire. Upon further investigation they determined that the caller may have mistaken smoke from multiple homecoming barbecues in the neighborhood for an open area fire.
October 26, 2019
3:16 p.m.
Fire, 2005 Tuskegee St.
Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire. They discovered smoke and flames at the rear of a two-story home. The exterior wall was on fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and determined that the fire began in a trash can, which was stored against the exterior wall. Flames from the trash can ignited the vinyl siding and some structural components. No one was injured or displaced.
October 26, 2019
6:01 a.m.
Accident with Injuries, 207 Felt Dr.
Firefighters were dispatched to an accident with injuries. A motorist crashed into a power pole, breaking it in half. Firefighters secured the area and provided patient care until EMS and Georgia Power arrived.
October 25, 2019
7:11 p.m.
Vehicle Accident, Skidaway Rd. & Brookview Dr.
Savannah Fire’s Technical Rescue Team was dispatched to the report of a car that crashed into a building. Firefighters discovered that a motorist crashed into the porch and front wall of a home, struck another motorist and fled the scene. Firefighters checked for injuries, secured the building, cut power to the structure and contacted the Red Cross to provide housing assistance to the displaced occupant.
October 25, 2019
9:30 a.m.
Fire; Hull Park, Atlantic Ave. & E. 54th St.
Firefighters were dispatched to the report of an open area fire. Firefighters discovered that a library box in Hull Park had been burned down at some time during the night. Only ashes remained. Firefighters sprayed the ashes with a water can to ensure that they were completely cooled. Fire Investigators were notified. An investigation was initiated.
October 24, 2019
7:52 a.m.
Accident with Injuries, Talmadge Bridge
Unites were dispatched to a car accident with injuries on the Talmadge Bridge. They discovered a car, which had crashed into the southbound retaining wall. The driver appeared to have had a stroke and was unable to speak. Firefighters provided patient care until EMS arrived.
October 23, 2019
10:04 p.m.
Kitchen Fire, 803 Atlantic Ave.
Savannah Fire Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire. Firefighters discovered a kitchen fire in the ground floor apartment of a two unit apartment house. They quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing the fire from extending beyond the kitchen. No one was injured, but power to the building was cut and the upstairs and downstairs residents were displaced.
October 23, 2019
1:58 p.m.
Smoke Scare; Scott Learning Center, 402 Market St.
Firefighters were dispatched to the report of a structure fire at a school building. Firefighters found that the school had been evacuated. The principal advised that there was smoke in the hallway, which activated the alarm system. Firefighters were unable to detect any signs of smoke or fire on the inside or outside of the building.
October 22, 2019
2:58 p.m.
Accident with Injuries, Ogeechee Rd & W. 52nd St.
Units responded to an accident with injuries. They discovered that a car drove through a fence and struck a 250lb propane cylinder. The cylinder was resting upside down on the hood of the car. The tank appeared to contain about 30 gallons of product. Firefighters checked the driver for injuries and provided patient care until EMS arrived. Units also stood by with a 1 ¾ hose line until a wrecker service removed the tank.
October 21, 2019
4:28 p.m.
Mutual Aid, I-516 West & Augusta Ave.
Units responded to a call for Mutual Aid from Garden City Police and Fire. Firefighters established a unified command at the scene of an overturned vehicle. They discovered that a patient was partially ejected from the vehicle. Savannah Fire units stabilized the overturned vehicle, extricated the victim and provided patient care until EMS arrived.
October 19, 2019
5 p.m.
Fire, 13320 Old Coffee Bluff Rd.
Units were dispatched to a structure fire. A tree branch fell across a power line and caused a fire in the utility room. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing it from extending beyond the utility room. No one was injured or displaced.
October 19, 2019
3:31 p.m.
Fire Suppression System Activation, Federal Bldg., 100 W. Oglethorpe
Firefighters were dispatched to a fire alarm. They discovered that workers had parked a commercial pressure washer beneath a fire suppression sprinkler head. Heat from the pressure washer activated the sprinkler system. The sprinkler system was shut down and the scene was turned over to the Fire Marshal and the federal building maintenance personnel.
October 18, 2019
11:31 p.m.
Fire Suppression System Malfunction; Comfort Inn, 15 Jay R. Turner Dr.
Savannah Fire Rescue Units were dispatched to a water flow alarm at a hotel. Firefighters discovered water flowing out of the back of a three-story hotel. The occupants had been evacuated. Firefighters were unable to detect any smoke or flames in the building. The maintenance man said the activated sprinkler system had been malfunctioning all day. The Fire Marshal, fire suppression company and alarm company were called to the scene to ensure the problem was properly mitigated.
October 18, 2019
5:17 p.m.
Accident with Injuries, MLK Blvd. & W. Anderson St.
Firefighters were dispatched to a car accident with injuries. They discovered that a care had struck a man on a moped. The man on the moped had lost several teeth and his helmet was cracked. Firefighters initiated care until EMS arrived.
October 16, 2019
6:54 p.m.
Water Rescue, 142 Wind Willow Dr.
Firefighters at Station 14 were approached by a person who said a car had driven into the lake behind her home and a victim was stuck inside. Firefighters immediately responded and discovered that a toddler had been removed from the car by her sister, but was unresponsive. Firefighters took over CPR from the neighbors and found a pulse, but the child was still unresponsive. EMS arrived and transported the child. The victim’s sister began to hyperventilate. Firefighters provided patient care and called for another EMS Unit.
October 15, 2019
2:53 p.m.
Elevator Rescue; St. Joseph’s-Candler Outpatient Rehab Ctr, 11702 Mercy Blvd.
Savannah Fire was dispatched to an elevator rescue. They discovered a woman stuck in a stalled elevator between the first and second floors. Firefighters were able to get the elevator to operate without forcing the door. However, the victim was distraught and began to hyperventilate. Firefighters provided the victim with oxygen and checked her vital signs.
October 15, 2019
2:57 p.m.
Fire, 1934 Quincy St.
Units were dispatched to a structure fire. Firefighters discovered smoke streaming from a single-story home. Inside, they found a burning chair in the middle of a room. The home suffered severe smoke and water damage as a result of the fire. Five people were displaced. No one was injured.
October 15, 2019
2:36 p.m.
Abandoned Dry Cleaning Business Fire, 2034 E. 49th St.
Savannah fire rescue units responded to the report of a structure fire. Firefighters discovered a large dry cleaning building with smoke visible. Several units began to fight the fire while others checked to make sure no one was inside. Although the facility was abandoned, the interior and exterior was being used as a homeless camp. Once the fire was extinguished firefighters began to overhaul the structure and found three 55-gallon drums full of chemicals and eight 55-gallon drums that were leaking chemicals. The Hazmat Team secured the area and notified City of Savannah Risk Management officials, the EPD and the ERC.
October 15, 2019
7:03 a.m.
Fire, 5911 Betty Dr.
Units were dispatched to a structure fire. Firefighters discovered a kitchen fire that was out upon their arrival. Firefighters checked hot spots and found that the fire had extended beneath the cabinets and stove. They completely extinguished the fire, ventilated the structure and cut power to the kitchen. No one was injured or displaced.
October 13, 2019
1:58 p.m.
Fire, 7402 Hodgson Memorial Dr.
SFR responded to a call at an office building. The owner advised that there had been a small fire sometime earlier, which had been extinguished by the sprinkler system. The Fire Marshal’s Office was notified and an investigation was conducted.
October 12, 2019
2:37 p.m.
Fire, 2117 Glynnwood Dr.
Units responded to the report of a structure fire and discovered smoke and flames coming from a backyard shed. Firefighters quickly extinguished the shed and discovered that it was being used as an apartment. No one was injured. Power to the shed had to be cut and the Red Cross was notified.
October 12, 2019
11:28 a.m.
Medical Emergency, Exley & Scarborough streets
Firefighters were dispatched to an accident with injuries. They discovered a car, which had coasted into a mailbox, with an elderly male slumped over inside. Firefighters initiated patient care. They discovered that the man had no pulse and was apneic appearing to have a medical emergency which lead to the contact. Engine 4 personnel made a rapid assessment and discovered the patient was pulseless and apneic. They removed him from the car and conducted CPR until EMS arrived.
October 12, 2019
9:00 a.m.
Elevator Rescue; Comfort Inn, 630 W. Bay St.
Savannah Fire responded to an elevator rescue call. Firefighters discovered that two people were trapped in an elevator on the third floor due to a power outage. They rescued the people from the stalled elevator without incident.
October 12, 2019
3:00 a.m.
Accident with Injuries, Jimmy DeLoach Pkwy at the I-95 ramp
Savannah Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a motorcycle accident at 150 Portside Ct. They found EMS and Savannah Police personnel searching for the accident scene. They received an updated location and discovered the victim at Jimmy DeLoach Parkway and the I-95 N. on ramp. Firefighters helped load the patient into the ambulance and moved a wrecked motorcycle to the side of the highway.
October 11, 2019
7:24 p.m.
Accident with Injuries, 2307 Bull St.
Savannah Fire Rescue responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a car. Firefighters discovered a man who said he was hit by a car while he was riding a bike. Firefighters assessed his injuries, placed his right ankle in a splint and evaluated his motor functions until EMS arrived.
October 11, 2019
4:37 p.m.
Accident with Injuries, 1020 E. Anderson St.
Savannah Fire Rescue was dispatched to the intersection of Anderson and Waters for a reported car crash into a 10-unit condominium building. Firefighters discovered that the car had not entered the building, but it did knock down a pillar that was supporting a balcony. The driver was checked for injuries. Firefighters provided care until EMS arrived. They also contacted Code Compliance regarding the sagging roof and balcony. Code Compliance condemned the building until the support pillar was repaired. Fire and police personnel evacuated the building. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced, but the owner said he would provide hotel rooms if a contractor could not make the repairs that night.
October 11, 2019
12:15 p.m.
Vehicle Fire, 8303 White Bluff Rd.
Firefighters were dispatched to the area of the Godfather’s Pizza parking lot for report of a vehicle fire. They discovered a fully involved passenger vehicle and quickly extinguished it.
October 11, 2019
1:33 p.m.
Grass Fire, Fair Street & Louisville Road
Savannah Fire was dispatched to an open area fire. Firefighters discovered smoke and flames in the brush along the railroad tracks. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and searched for any other signs of smoke and fire.
October 11, 2019
7:31 a.m.
Mutual Aid; River Walk Savannah Apartments, 101 Saint George Blvd.
Savannah Fire responded to a request for mutual aid from the Chatham Fire Department. Savannah Firefighters arrived on scene to find a three-story 16-unit apartment building with fire visible from roof. Savannah Fire helped Chatham Fire extinguish the blaze.
October 11, 2019
2:16 a.m.
Shorted Electrical Equipment; Park Place Apartments, 7208 Skidaway Rd.
Savannah Fire was dispatched to the report of a structure fire, but upon arrival firefighters discovered that a hot water heater was smoking. Power to the unit was secured at the breaker box. Firefighters determined that the wiring and control module inside the water heater had shorted out and melted. There was no visible fire. Firefighters ventilated the apartment and made sure there were no further electrical hazards.
October 10, 2019
2:15 p.m.
Grass Fire; Walmart, 14030 Abercorn St.
Firefighters responded to the report of an open area fire in the Walmart parking lot. They discovered a small blaze in a flower bed and extinguished it using a hand line.
October 9, 2019
10:09 a.m.
Smoke Scare, 8510 Waters Ave.
Firefighters were dispatched to the report of smoke in the area. They determined that the smoke was due to City workers servicing the sewer system.
October 9, 2019
2:25 p.m.
Dust Explosion; CLG Warehouse, 986-A Bourne Ave.
Savannah Fire responded to an accident at CLG Warehouse, located at 986-A Bourne Ave. Garden City Fire and Chatham EMS were also on scene. Savannah Firefighters investigated and determined that two workers at the distribution warehouse were injured while transferring a dry powder substance into a container. The substance is called Voxtar-M40. It is a non-toxic product that is added to other products to reduce their carbon footprint. Firefighters determined that all safety and handling standards were being followed. The accident occurred because Voxtar-M40 is a very fine dry, powder. Dust from the tiny particles has a high surface area to volume ratio- much like sugar dust- and can burn instantly when exposed to the energy from a spark, causing a small explosion. As the two workers were transferring the product, the dust caused a flash fire. Both were injured. One was transported by helicopter to the Augusta burn center the other was taken to a local hospital by EMS.
October 9, 2019
12:48 a.m.
Fire, 104 W. Broughton, Apt. B
Units were dispatched for a structure fire. Firefighters arrived on scene and discovered a fire inside a clothes dryer. They extinguished the fire, removed the dryer and ventilated the building.
October 8, 2019
7:14 a.m.
Accident with Injuries, Ogeechee Road & Stiles Avenue
Firefighters were dispatched to an auto accident with injuries. On scene they discovered that a pedestrian had been struck by a van. Firefighters provided patient care until EMS arrived on scene.
October 6, 2019
12:31 p.m.
Fire, 108 Leefield Dr.
Savannah Fire Rescue was dispatched to a fire at a residence. Firefighters discovered a pot on the stove, which was out upon their arrival. Firefighters ventilated the structure and checked to make sure the fire was completely out. The blaze did not extend beyond the cabinets. While there they checked the smoke alarms. The downstairs smoke alarm was replaced and fresh batteries were installed in the upstairs smoke alarm.
October 6, 2019
3:32 a.m.
Carbon Monoxide Incident, 113 Greyfield Cir.
Units were dispatched to a carbon monoxide (CO) detector activation. Firefighters monitored the air and discovered unsafe levels of CO upstairs. They determined that the CO release occurred when the homeowner used a charcoal grill in close proximity to garage, then closed the grill up inside the garage while the coals were still burning. The residents were warned of CO dangers and advised to seek medical attention.
October 5, 2019
1:41 p.m.
Brush Fire, E. 52nd & Hickory streets
Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire. They discovered that a transformer exploded, igniting debris on the ground. Firefighters notified Georgia Power and used a water can to extinguish the fire. Firefighters also forced open the doors of the garages at 1513 and 1515 E. 52nd Street to ensure that transformer explosion had not caused damage to the structures.
October 5, 2019
10:35 p.m.
Arching Electrical Issue, 2016. W. 42nd St.
Firefighters were called to an apartment building for an issue with rain water leaking into an electrical panel box. Firefighters secured the electrical breaker at the meter. While there they also checked for smoke alarms. The existing alarm did not work so they installed a new one. The residents were advised to contact an electrician to mitigate the problem and restore power.
October 5, 2019
2:09 p.m.
Outside gas explosion; 21 Gerald Dr.
Firefighters were dispatched to a lightning strike and tree fire. Firefighters discovered a large pine tree with extremely heavy flames and quickly realized that the lightning had also struck an underground gas line. Firefighters used three 1 ¾ -inch hose lines to control the fire while the gas company mitigated the gas leak. The gas company had to dig down to lines at 19 and 21 Gerald Street to cut the gas flow. Firefighters used 36,000 gallons of water to control the fire.
October 5, 2019
1:41 p.m.
Brush Fire, E. 52nd & Hickory streets
Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire. They discovered that a transformer exploded, igniting debris on the ground. Firefighters notified Georgia Power and used a water can to extinguish the fire. Firefighters also forced open the doors of the garages at 1513 and 1515 E. 52nd Street to ensure that transformer explosion had not caused damage to the structures.
October 5, 2019
12:54 p.m.
Accident with injuries, Northbound I-516 at Tremont Rd.
Savannah Fire responded to reported vehicle accident with injuries. While on that call firefighters were flagged downed by motorists from another accident who said immediate medical assistance was needed. Firefighters discovered a car that had run off the road into a ditch and was partially submerged in water. Firefighters rescued the driver from the partially submerged vehicle, checked for injuries and provided patient care for victims at both scenes until police and EMS arrived.
October 5, 2019
12:51 p.m.
Accident with Injuries, Westbound I-16 at Exit 164
Savannah Fire responded to a vehicle accident with injuries. Firefighters discovered a three-vehicle accident and requested Savannah Police Traffic units for traffic control on the interstate. Firefighters checked all of the victims for injuries and provided basic care until EMS arrived on scene.
October 4, 2019
12:31 p.m.
Fire, 325 Windsor Rd.
Firefighters responded to the report of a structure fire. A tree limb fell across a power line connected to a residence. Sparks from the power line ignited pine straw on the roof. A worker at the residence extinguished the fire with a garden hose prior to the arrival of Savannah Fire. However, firefighters overhauled the section of damaged roof to ensure that the fire was completely out.
October 4, 2019
7:04 a.m.
Unintentional Smoke Detector Activation, 618 Windsor Rd.
Savannah Fire Rescue responded to a residential fire alarm and determined that there was no fire. The occupant accidentally set off the alarm while using a hair dryer.
October 4, 2019
6:20 a.m.
Hazmat False Alarm; 931 W. 38th Ln.
Units responded to the report of a gas leak inside. The resident complained of the small of gas. Firefighters used meters to check the gas levels in the air, but found nothing unsafe anywhere inside the structure. Furthermore, they determined that there was no gas service to the building, which was powered entirely by electricity. Further investigation determined that the odor was spray paint that had been used in the bathroom the previous day.
October 3, 2019
7:47 p.m.
Hazmat False Alarm; Harmon Creek Drive & Edgewater Road
Units were dispatched to an apartment for the report of a gas leak outside. Firefighters found no signs of a gas leak in the area. They determined that the smell of the nearby marsh may have been mistaken for the smell of natural gas.
October 3, 2019
9:37 a.m.
Vehicle Extrication, Middleground and Dutchtown roads
Savannah Fire Rescue responded to an accident with one person trapped inside a Toyota minivan. A firefighter crawled inside the van and covered the victim while the other firefighters conducted the extrication. They also provided first aid.
October 2, 2019
6:18 p.m.
Hazmat False Alarm, 604 W. 40th St.
Savannah Fire Rescue was dispatched to the report of gas inside a structure. Firefighters monitored the air for unsafe levels of gas. They found nothing. They went to check the gas meter and still found nothing. It turns out the home was powered completely by electricity and had no gas.
October 2, 2019
2:30 p.m.
Downed Power line, Robert B. Miller Rd.
Firefighters were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash involving a power line. Firefighters arrived on scene to find an oversized tractor trailer entangled in overhead communication lines. No power lines were involved. The driver was advised that he could safety get out of the vehicle until Georgia Power and AT&T mitigated the issue. He chose to stay in his truck. The road was closed until the truck was freed from the communication lines.
October 2, 2019
3:38 a.m.
Carbon Monoxide Incident, 604 Cape St., #A
Savannah Fire was dispatched to a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Firefighters used meters to measure the level of CO in the air and found elevated readings. They ventilated the structure and determined that the CO was coming from a damaged the gas stove. No one was injured.
October 1, 2019
7:11 p.m.
Cooking Fire; Cottages at Emerald Cove, 100 Shellbark Way #1102
Firefighters were dispatched to an oven fire. On scene they discovered a burning plastic container inside an oven. Firefighters used a water can to extinguish the fire and ventilated the apartment. No one was injured or displaced.
October 1, 2019
6:47 p.m.
Brush fire, 4518 Spring Hill Rd.
Savannah Fire responded to the report of a bonfire. Firefighters discovered that the resident had been burning yard debris, but the fire was out. Firefighters explained that burning yard debris, grass and trash is illegal in the City of Savannah.
October 1, 2019
2:53 p.m.
Gas Leak, Bull and E. 33rd streets
Firefighters were dispatched to an outdoor gas leak. Firefighters discovered that a construction crew damaged a gas line while digging outside the Susie King Taylor Charter School. Firefighters established a safe zone around 34th Street and relocated students and school staff to a safe area. Firefighters stood by and monitored air quality until the gas leak was mitigated.
October 1, 2019
2:11 a.m.
Hazmat False Alarm; Denny’s Restaurant, 6801 Abercorn St.
Firefighters responded to the report of a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm activation. None of the building occupants had CO exposure symptoms and the Hazmat Team found only normal gas level readings throughout the restaurant. Upon further investigation, firefighters discovered that the alarm was not going off. Restaurant workers mistook the blinking light on the CO alarm for a CO alarm alert. The alarm was actually charging. Firefighters showed the manager how to read the alarm panel for the CO system.