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IDAHO FALLS ~ Idaho Falls Fire Department Urges Responsible Use of 911
The Idaho Falls Fire Department is urging the public to use 911 responsibly and only in the event of a real emergency. This comes after a recent incident where an unfounded call caused a delay in response to a real emergency.
On Thursday evening, the fire department received a call at approximately 5:34 p.m. from someone reporting smoke coming from a chimney at a home on the west side of Idaho Falls. As a result, three engines, a ladder truck, two ambulances, and a battalion chief were dispatched to respond to what was believed to be a structure fire.
However, upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the call was unfounded and there was no actual fire. This caused critical moments to be wasted as they searched for the supposed fire before realizing it was not real. The eighteen personnel involved were occupied for several minutes before returning to their stations.
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Unfortunately, just minutes later at around 5:45 p.m., a real emergency occurred on the 900 block of East 13th Street. A resident called 911 to report a fire in their kitchen and stated that everyone had safely evacuated. The firefighters who had just responded to the false alarm quickly left their stations or diverted from their current location to respond to this new emergency.
Upon arrival at the scene, heavy smoke was reported coming from the home and firefighters immediately deployed an attack line before entering the building. Thankfully, everyone was safely out of the home but significant damage had already been done by the fire in the kitchen and smoke throughout the house.
Battalion Chief Rob Hall of the Idaho Falls Fire Department emphasized how dangerous it can be when people misuse 911. "This is a real example of why calling 911 when it's not an emergency could lead to potentially tragic consequences," he stated. "Had the unfounded call come in even two minutes later, critical resources needed to respond to this real house fire would have been unavailable on the other side of town."
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With strong winds in the area on Thursday, any delay in response could have resulted in a much more serious situation. Despite the quick response from the fire department, three people were displaced from their home and it sustained significant damage.
In addition to the three engines, two ambulances, a ladder truck, and a battalion chief from the Idaho Falls Fire Department, other agencies were also called to assist. Idaho Falls Power and Intermountain Gas were called to secure utilities while community chaplains were brought in to help the displaced family.
Chief Hall also reminded the public that calling 911 as a prank or for fun is not only illegal but also puts lives and property in danger. "Our firefighters are here to help you when seconds count, so please help us by using 911 responsibly and teaching your children and teens when it's appropriate to call 911," he urged.
The Idaho Falls Fire Department hopes that this incident serves as a reminder for everyone to use 911 responsibly and only in true emergencies. By doing so, critical resources can be available when they are truly needed, potentially saving lives and preventing further damage.
The Idaho Falls Fire Department is urging the public to use 911 responsibly and only in the event of a real emergency. This comes after a recent incident where an unfounded call caused a delay in response to a real emergency.
On Thursday evening, the fire department received a call at approximately 5:34 p.m. from someone reporting smoke coming from a chimney at a home on the west side of Idaho Falls. As a result, three engines, a ladder truck, two ambulances, and a battalion chief were dispatched to respond to what was believed to be a structure fire.
However, upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the call was unfounded and there was no actual fire. This caused critical moments to be wasted as they searched for the supposed fire before realizing it was not real. The eighteen personnel involved were occupied for several minutes before returning to their stations.
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Unfortunately, just minutes later at around 5:45 p.m., a real emergency occurred on the 900 block of East 13th Street. A resident called 911 to report a fire in their kitchen and stated that everyone had safely evacuated. The firefighters who had just responded to the false alarm quickly left their stations or diverted from their current location to respond to this new emergency.
Upon arrival at the scene, heavy smoke was reported coming from the home and firefighters immediately deployed an attack line before entering the building. Thankfully, everyone was safely out of the home but significant damage had already been done by the fire in the kitchen and smoke throughout the house.
Battalion Chief Rob Hall of the Idaho Falls Fire Department emphasized how dangerous it can be when people misuse 911. "This is a real example of why calling 911 when it's not an emergency could lead to potentially tragic consequences," he stated. "Had the unfounded call come in even two minutes later, critical resources needed to respond to this real house fire would have been unavailable on the other side of town."
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With strong winds in the area on Thursday, any delay in response could have resulted in a much more serious situation. Despite the quick response from the fire department, three people were displaced from their home and it sustained significant damage.
In addition to the three engines, two ambulances, a ladder truck, and a battalion chief from the Idaho Falls Fire Department, other agencies were also called to assist. Idaho Falls Power and Intermountain Gas were called to secure utilities while community chaplains were brought in to help the displaced family.
Chief Hall also reminded the public that calling 911 as a prank or for fun is not only illegal but also puts lives and property in danger. "Our firefighters are here to help you when seconds count, so please help us by using 911 responsibly and teaching your children and teens when it's appropriate to call 911," he urged.
The Idaho Falls Fire Department hopes that this incident serves as a reminder for everyone to use 911 responsibly and only in true emergencies. By doing so, critical resources can be available when they are truly needed, potentially saving lives and preventing further damage.
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