Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Summer’s heat led to many calls last week for the Park Forest Fire Department. There were people trapped in elevators, others with difficulty breathing, and traffic accidents because of rain.
Be careful out there, Park Forest.
There were 63 total responses last week. Of these, 14 were for fire/service, and 49 were EMS calls.
The report follows:
Response Activity: Heat
The extremely warm weather resulted in an increased number of elevator issues. Members responded to reports of people trapped in elevators and, almost every time, occupants were out of the elevator prior to our arrival. The warm weather also saw an increase in responses typical to this type of weather including breathing complaints, overheated patients, and similar responses. The resulting rain due to the increase humidity also created an increase in the number of automobile accidents. Thankfully, these incidents were all rather minor in nature; including those we responded to as a result of automatic aid requests.
Training Activities
On Monday, July 17, shift members completed engineer training. In this session, members demonstrated the ability to pump Engine 56 with tank water, then switching to a hydrant.
From Tuesday, July 18 through Thursday, July 20, members participated in advancing attack lines/yard hydrants over 300 feet. This training was designed to allow shifts to practice techniques for lengthening a hose line to reach areas not accessible by pre-connected attack lines.
On Friday, July 21, shift members, along with members of the POC (Paid On Call) division, completed an evening combined drill. This drill included setting up portable light units and deploying the boat into the pond at Rich East.
Fire Prevention Bureau Activities
Fire Prevention staff completed a new business inspection in Down Town Park Forest at 280 Main Street for “Faculty Productions,” a new photo studio.
Other Activities
On Wednesday, July 19, the Fire Chief attended a Senior Official Response to All Hazards training class sponsored by the Will County Emergency Management Agency. The Chief, along with the Acting Director of the Health Department, participated with a wide range of officials in this training and simulation class.
Also on Wednesday, July 19, the fire department participated in the annual Chili Cook Off held in conjunction with Main Street Nights. Though the evening was a bit humid and sticky, the event went off without a hitch. For the second year in a row the fire department’s chili, created by Firefighter/Paramedic Taylor Bordewyk, came in second.
An additional activity at this week’s Main Street Nights was Touch a Truck. The fire department, along with the police department, public works, Coy’s Towing, and Star Disposal, all had vehicle for children of all ages to look over and try on for size.
The fire department also gave out fidget spinners to help promote the upcoming fire prevention week activities.
Finally, on Saturday, July 22, members of the fire department assisted with a charity car show held at Glenwood Plaza. The car show and related activities were a fundraiser for MABAS Divisions 24 & 27 and were a relative success given the more than 24 hours of rain that preceded the event. There are no figures yet on how much money was raised; however, for a first-ever event, and despite the weather, the event was a success.
