Below are some of the incidents the Jakeland FD operated at in 2020.
12/5 SOUTH NEWMAN ST GENERAL ALARM
At 6:45 AM, firefighters were dispatched to a working fire at 232 South Newman St (Precision Forgings Inc). When firefighters first arrived on scene, they found heavy fire already through the roof of the forge and heavy fire in the connected office building. Firefighters also observed live power lines which were connected to the building arching and burning. This made fighting the fire even more difficult until public service electric responded to the scene to cut the power. A third alarm was immediately requested to the scene and a recall of any available off duty firefighters was dispatched. Explosions would rock the area as tanks of gasses used in the manufacturing plant began exploding. Firefighters would be forced to fight the fire defensively the entire duration of the incident. A General Alarm would be called which would bring in every Jakeland FD unit to the incident. A Hazardous Materials Team would be called to the scene from Riverwoods and Liberty County. Mutual aid from Lego Twp, Liberty County, Rochelle Heights, Portage, Buena Vista, Westbrick, Lego Regional, Jackson, Brick Borough, St Lego and Riverwoods stood by at empty firehouses across the city. Rehab units from Westbrick and Liberty County operated at the scene as well. The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical. Thankfully the plant was closed at the time and no firefighters were injured.
10/30-31 MISCHIEF NIGHT
Jakeland's Bravest were once again kept busy all night during "Mischief Night". Firefighters responded to more than 30 incidents from 8:30 PM until 2 AM. This year, there were no structure fires in the city. Most of the incidents were rubbish, brush and vehicle fires. Pictured is Engine 4 and Squad 10 operating at a vehicle fire on Jakeland Ave. Thankfully there were no injuries to anyone at any incidents the Jakeland FD operated at. Mutual Aid from Rochelle Heights and Liberty County also responded into Jakeland to assist at multiple incidents. Thankfully no major incidents occurred this year.
10/17 MAPLE AVE 3RD ALARM
At 10:49 AM, the Jakeland FD was dispatched to 14 Maple Ave in the Jakeland Heights section for a working house fire. When Engine 7 and Tower 4 arrived on scene, they found heavy fire had already consumed 14 Maple Ave and was quickly spreading to 16 Maple Ave. When Deputy 3 arrived on scene, a 2nd Alarm was requested to assist. Firefighters attempted an aggressive interior attack on the blaze, but were forced to pull back as conditions deteriorated. As more units arrived on scene, more hoses were stretched to battle the fire in 16 Maple Ave. Two tower ladders would be placed in operation and master streams would be used to battle the blaze. This would hold the fire to 14 and 16 Maple Ave with no extension to any other structures. The incident would be held to a 3rd Alarm assignment with Engines 7, 9, 12, 6, 13, 15, 1, 4, Towers 4, 2, 1, Ladder 3, Squads 3, 10, Rescue 1, Battalions 2, 1 and Deputy 3 operating at the scene. A rehab and an air unit from Liberty County was also at the scene to assist. Mutual aid from Rochelle Heights and Liberty County stood by in the city to assist with other incidents that occurred while Jakeland's bravest operated at this scene. Thankfully no one was injured at the incident.
9/19 JAKE ST 2ND ALARM
At 2:12 AM, firefighters in Downtown Jakeland were dispatched to an activated fire alarm at the "Corner Coffee House" on Jake St. When Deputy 2 arrived, he found heavy smoke venting from the building. A working fire assignment was then requested to the scene. Engine 1 was first to arrive along with Tower 1. An attack hose would be stretched into the building as Tower 1 began a search. Once Ladder 3 arrived, they placed their aerial and Tower 1's tower ladder to the roof to vent. As conditions deteriorated, Deputy 3 requested a 2nd Alarm to the scene. Once Engine 4 arrived, they stretched a second attack hose into the building to assist with fire attack. With 2 hoses on the fire, firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and prevent any extension to neighboring buildings. The cause of the fire was deemed to be suspicious and is being investigated by the County Prosecutor's Arson Squad. All units that operated at the scene were Engines 1, 5, 4, 2, 6, 15, Tower 1, Ladder 3, Ladder 7, Squad 10, Rescue 1, Battalions 1, 2 and Deputy 3. Thankfully no one was injured at this incident.
8/20 MAIN ST GENERAL ALARM
At 1:14 PM, a 9-1-1 call from 1217 Main St, “Carnival Fried Chicken”, reporting a working fire in their kitchen was received. Engines 5, 1, 4, 2, Ladder 3, Tower Ladder 1, Squad 10, Rescue 1, Battalion 1 and Deputy 3 were dispatched. When units arrived on scene, heavy fire was already visible on the first floor of 1217 Main St. Heavy smoke was pushing from the second floors of 1217 Main St and 1215 Main St above “Holy Guacamole”. Engine 5 would begin attacking the flames in “Carnival Fried Chicken” as Ladder 3 would begin venting. Tower Ladder 1 would begin venting and forcing entry into the apartments above 1215 Main St. It appeared that firefighters were making quick progress on the fire as all visible fire from the street was knocked after firefighters placed an inch and three-quarter attack hose in operation. Thick black smoke however obstructed firefighters view of a large amount of fire in the rear kitchen that was venting out the rear of the building and up to the second floor. Conditions would deteriorate and firefighters would be forced to evacuate. As firefighters began setting up master streams using multiple aerial ladders, flames would extend up through the roofs of both buildings. Flames would cause both roofs to collapse and exposure buildings became threatened. A General Alarm assignment would be needed to the scene to help bring the flames under control using multiple aerial ladders. While Jakeland’s Bravest were operating at the scene, units from Lego Twp, Rochelle Heights, Lego Regional Fire Authority, Riverwoods, Westbrick, Portage, Buena Vista, Brick Borough and Jackson covered empty fire houses across the city. Every Jakeland FD unit operated at the scene. Liberty County Rescue 3, Air 3 and rehab unit assisted at the scene. A rehab unit from Westbrick was also at the scene. The cause of the fire was determined to be from the fryer in the kitchen. Flames would quickly extend out of control due to a large amount of cooking oil being stored improperly. Seven firefighters would be injured at this scene. Two from smoke inhalation, three from falling debris and two from heat exhaustion. All injuries would be minor. No residents, patrons or employees of the restaurants were injured.
7/23 ELM AVE 3RD ALARM
At 3:42 PM, Jakeland's Bravest were dispatched to 622 Elm Ave for a working structure fire with a person trapped on the second floor. Engine 2 and Ladder 7 were the first units to arrive on scene. Entry was made into the 2 story apartment complex and a search by Ladder 7 was made while Engine 2 stretched an attack line. A 2nd Alarm would be brought to the scene to assist as conditions were deteriorating. Multiple hoses would be stretched into the building to battle the blaze on the first and second floors as flames spread up to the second floor. Firefighters from Ladder 7 were able to locate a victim on the second floor and remove him. The victim was then transported by Tri-County EMS to Jakeland University Medical Center. Conditions continued to deteriorate and flames would flash on both the first and second floors. Firefighters would be forced to evacuate the building and use hoses from defensive positions to knock down the bulk of the flames. Once the flames were knocked back, firefighters were able to re-enter the structure and extinguish the fire. A total of 3 Alarms were needed to the scene as the extreme heat wave caused many firefighters to need extended rehab. The cause of the fire was determined to be a dryer fire in a first floor apartment. When the resident of the apartment left, the door was left open which allowed the fire to quickly extend up the stairwell to the second floor spread. All units that operated at the scene were Engines 2, 4, 5, 15, 1, 6, 13, 12, 9, Ladder 7, Ladder 3, Tower Ladder 1, Tower Ladder 2, Squad 10, Squad 3, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Battalion 2 and Deputy 2. Rehab units from Westbrick and Liberty County were also requested to the scene. Off duty firefighters were needed to respond to Eagle Ave to man the reserve engine and ladder. Three firefighters at the scene were treated for heat exhaustion.
7/11 8TH ST 4TH ALARM
At 10:22 PM, Engines 6, 12, 13, 9, Tower Ladders 2, 4, Squad 3, Rescue 1, Battalion 2 and Deputy 4 were dispatched to 217 8th Street for a working fire called in by Jakeland Police Officers on patrol. Engine 6 and Tower 2 arrived first and found heavy fire had already consumed the second floor of the two story office building. Firefighters would set up a defensive attack to protect the "B" exposure at 215 8th Street. There was also exposure problems on the "C" side with embers flying and landing on the roof of 187 Mason Drive. A 2nd Alarm would be requested soon after the arrival of the initial units. All 3 of the cities tower ladders would place their aerials in operation and combat the blaze utilizing their tower master streams. Conditions would continue to quickly deteriorate and a 3rd Alarm would be needed to the scene. Additional manpower and units would be needed to set up a water supply from a different grid as water pressure quickly became a problem as more master streams and hoses were placed in service. This would require a 4th Alarm to the scene to assist with supplying water and to help relieve crews. While firefighters were at the scene battling the fire, off duty Jakeland firefighters were called to man the reserve engine at Eagle Ave. Mutual Aid from Buena Vista, Riverwoods, Portage, Liberty County, Lego Twp, Lego Regional, Rochelle Heights and Westbrick were needed to man empty firehouses across the city. Rehab units from Liberty County and Westbrick also responded to the scene. One firefighter suffered a minor injury from falling debris. The firefighter was treated at the scene and did not require any further medical attention. The County Prosecutor's Office Arson Squad is handling the investigation due to the estimated value of property damage. The cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time. All units that operated at the scene were Engines 6, 12, 13, 9, 7, 15, 4, 1, 2, Tower Ladders 2, 4, 1, Ladder 7, Squads 3, 10, Rescue 1, Battalions 2, 1 and Deputy 4.
6/16 WHITING ST 4TH ALARM
At 3:33 PM, firefighters were dispatched to a working house fire on Whiting Street. When Engine 7 and Tower 4 first arrived, they found heavy fire already consuming a 2.5 story wood frame private home and a detached garage. A Second Alarm would be requested to the scene and firefighters began attacking the flames from defensive positions. The aggressive blaze however would quickly spread to an additional home. A Third Alarm would be brought to the scene to assist and eventually a Fourth Alarm would be needed to stage and relieve crews as needed. Master streams from Tower Ladders 1, 2, 4 and Ladder 3 were placed in operation to try and prevent further spread and attempt to knock down the blaze. An aggressive interior attack on the third structure helped prevent a total loss of the home and further spread. Flames however would cause the original homes second floor to partially collapse. One firefighter was injured by falling debris. He would be treated at the scene and would not need further medical attention. Thankfully no residents were injured at this incident. The cause of the incident appears to be electrical due to work being done earlier in the day in the home. The initial investigation has discovered that the handyman hired by the resident to replace an outlet is not licensed. All units that operated at the scene were Engines 7, 12, 9, 13, 6, 15, 4, 1, Tower Ladders 4, 2, 1, Ladder 3, Squads 3, 10, Rescue 1, Battalions 2, 1 and Deputy 2. Mutual aid from Liberty County operated at the scene for rehab and fill air bottles. Units from Lego Twp, Jackson, Riverwoods, Westbrick, Rochelle Heights, Liberty County, Lego Regional, Brick Borough and Buena Vista were needed to stand by at empty firehouses across the city.
5/31 OLD CITY HALL 4TH ALARM
A riot in Downtown Jakeland broke out as riots broke out across America after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. A peaceful protest was scheduled to occur in front of the Washington County Courthouse. It quickly became violent however after bottles, bricks and other items were being thrown at police officers. The crowd was able to be dispersed from the area, but some found their way to the "Old City Hall" building on Downtown Blvd. They forced entry into the building and began looting. After being looted of priceless artifacts of Jakeland's history, the building was burned. Firefighters were delayed reaching the building due to Jakeland Police Officers were engaged with protestors while having bottles, bricks and other items thrown at them. Once the scene was secure, multiple master streams were placed in operation to battle the blaze. The fire quickly consumed all 3 floors of the building and caused the roof to collapse. A total of 4 Alarms were needed as firefighters tried to prevent the flames from spreading to neighboring buildings. Two firefighters were injured at the scene as they were establishing a water supply from a hydrant three blocks away from the incident at Downtown Blvd and Hudson St. Protestors in the area began throwing items at the firefighters and even attempted to cut the fire hose. Jakeland Police Officers in the area were able to quickly restrain them and bring them into custody. All units that operated at the scene were Engines 1, 5, 4, 2, 15, 6, 12, 9, Tower Ladder 1, Ladder 3, Tower Ladder 2, Ladder 7, Squads 10, 3, Rescue 1, Battalions 1, 2 and Deputy 1. Mutual Aid from Lego Twp, Portage, Riverwoods, Liberty County, Buena Vista and Rochelle Heights covered empty firehouses across the city.
5/10 MARTINO AVE ALL HANDS
At 4:07 AM, Jakeland's Bravest were dispatched to a working fire on Martino Ave. When Engine 4 arrived on scene, they found heavy fire venting from the second floor windows of the 2.5 story brick building. An attack hose was quickly deployed inside the building to battle the blaze. Once Engine 1 arrived on scene, they established a water supply and stretched a second hose to battle the flames. Thankfully the fire was quickly extinguished before any other buildings suffered any damage. The loft above the second floor suffered heat and smoke damage and the first floor suffered water damage. The cause of the fire was determined to be a space heater being used during the unseasonably winter weather Jakeland experienced. All units that operated at the scene were Engines 4, 1, 2, 15, Tower Ladder 1, Ladder 7, Squad 10, Rescue 1, Battalion 1 and Deputy 3. One firefighter was injured at the scene after tripping over a supply hose. He was treated by Tri County EMS.
4/13 MIDTOWN BR AVE 3RD ALARM
At 12:32 PM, firefighters were dispatched in the area of Midtown Bridge Ave for a smoke condition in the area. As firefighters were checking the area, a working fire was discovered at 120 Midtown Bridge Ave. Engine 6 and Tower Ladder 2 were first on scene and began an attack on the well involved building fire. An interior attack was impossible to make due to the severity of the flames. A 2nd Alarm was requested by Deputy Chief Freeman when he arrived on scene. Flames quickly extended up to the second and third floors of the building. Both Tower Ladders 1 and 2 would place their aerials in operation to battle the blaze defensively. As crews worked tirelessly to battle the blaze, a 3rd Alarm was brought to the scene to assist relieving tired crews. Thankfully the defensive attack made using multiple hoses and tower ladders worked. The blaze was knocked down after 2 hours and there was no extension into the neighboring buildings. All units that operated at the scene were Engines 6, 4, 1, 15, 12, 5, 13, 2, Tower Ladders 2, 1, Ladder 3, Ladder 7, Squad 10, Rescue 1, Battalions 2, 1 and Deputy Chief 1. A rehab unit from Liberty County was also at the scene to assist.
3/4 COOPER ST ALL HANDS
Jakeland's Bravest in the Jakeland Heights section were dispatched to a residence on Cooper St for a working house fire. Engine 9 arrived on scene first and found heavy smoke venting from the front of the house. Firefighters discovered the fire on the first floor and began stretching multiple hoses to combat the blaze. The flames were quickly knocked down within 20 minutes of arrival. Luckily there was no extension to the second floor of the home. Firefighters would be on scene for a total of 2 hours to overhaul and clean up. The incident was held to an All Hands assignment with Engines 9, 12, 7, 6, Tower Ladders 4, 2, Squad 3, Rescue 1, Battalion 2 and Deputy 3 operating at the scene. No one was injured at this incident.