Since December 19 Fire Crews have responded to 72 calls for service. That is over 10 calls per day for our crews. Included in these calls are 2 structure fires, a drowning and multiple vehicle accidents as well as the medical emergencies. These numbers aren’t typically seen in the winter months in our tourist area however have become common with the increase of residents we have seen.

Many of these 72 calls include broken water pipes in homes and businesses. When temperatures reach the lows that they have this past week water lines freeze and the expanding ice cracks and breaks the line. Once thawing begins the water that flows through the line breaks down the thawing ice and eventually is similar to a dam break causing extreme water damage and sometimes collapses of the water logged sheetrock. To help mitigate this we encourage everyone when temperatures get extreme to open a faucet or multiple on a slow stream to allow water to constantly move through the system preventing it from freezing. You can also open your cabinet under the sink. Exposure to these extreme cold temperatures can become dangerous for people and pets.

The fire district has seen its share of problems due to the cold as well with our fuel stations becoming frozen.

Temperatures are expected to rise further this week and we are expecting even more calls for service especially once the temperature rises above freezing as it’s expected to. As always, we will be ready to respond to help in any way we can.

“Our Family, Protecting Your Family, Because We Care”