Archived News Release from 2004

For Immediate Release

Working Smoke Detector Helps Protect Residents in Redwood City Apartment Fire

Redwood City, CA - May 7, 2004 - Occupants of a Redwood City apartment were spared major injury and damage yesterday (May 6) when their smoke alarm provided them with warning of the late afternoon fire.

The Redwood City Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an apartment building located on Gordon Street . When the first engine arrived, fire fighters found a kitchen well-involved with fire. They were able to get water on the fire quickly, bringing it under control in less than 15 minutes. The rest of that apartment unit, as well as adjacent units, were thoroughly checked and it was determined that the fire was contained to the apartment where it started.

One occupant of the apartment was treated by Redwood City Fire Department Paramedics and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Three occupants were displaced and were provided emergency housing by the Red Cross. With the exception of the apartment where the fire began, the rest of the building was habitable and the residents were allowed to return home.

There were people in the apartment unit when the fire started, and fire fighters credit working smoke detectors for providing the occupants with sufficient warning to get out of the building. Redwood City Fire Department staff noted that injury and death due to a fire can often be avoided by ensuring a working smoke detector is in the home. More information on the use of smoke detectors in the home, and other fire-safety tips, can be found online at www.redwoodcity.org/fire, and at www.usfa.fema.gov/public/hfs/alarms.shtm

The Redwood City Fire Department has five fire stations housing five engines and one truck, and currently has over 70 staff members including firefighters, firefighter/paramedics, captains and battalion chiefs, fire prevention staff, training staff, and administrative staff. Visit Redwood City 's website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business.

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Contact:
On-Duty Battalion Chief or
Gerry Kohlmann, Chief
(650) 780-7400