GFD answers 189 calls
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on November 14, 2004 2:05 AM
The Goldsboro Fire Department responded to 189 fire or service calls in October, including fires at the Family YMCA and three other buildings.
The four major fires caused an estimated $341,000 in damages, Chief Bobby Greenfield wrote in his monthly report.
The cause of a fire on Oct. 14 at the Family YMCA at 1105 Parkwood Drive was believed to be an electrical failure or a combustible too close to heat in the men's sauna.
A member of the cleaning crew saw the fire, activated the alarm and alerted the Fire Department. Firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the blaze.
Damage was estimated at $200,000 to the building and $100,000 to contents. The building was valued at $3 million, and contents were valued at $1.5 million, the report said.
A fire on Oct. 4 in the den near the front of a home at 504 S. Audubon Ave. was referred to police for investigation.
Sgt. David Kelly said that after examining the scene and interviewing witnesses, police have determined that the fire was an accident. A cigarette had been left on or near a couch.
When firefighters arrived, they found the home engulfed in flames and smoke. They quickly put out the fire and ventilated smoke from the home.
The home, owned by Dorothy Newsome, sustained an estimated $20,000 in damages. Damage was set at $3,000 to contents, fire officials said. The home was valued at $55,000, and contents were valued at $7,000.
A kitchen fire on Oct. 6 resulted in $15,000 in damages to the contents and $500 to a home at 404 W. Grantham St. Unattended cooking was blamed. The home was valued at $70,000, and contents were valued at $15,000.
Firefighters also were summoned to a fire Oct. 11 at Cooper Standard Products at 308 Fedelon Trail. The fire was contained to a machine that makes rubber seals.
The building was evacuated. The plant's sprinkler system was activated and contained the fire, officials said.
Damage was set at $2,500 to the oven. The property was valued at $2 million, and the contents were valued at $1.5 million, the report said.
Greenfield also said department personnel took part in 350 hours of company training and 1,503 hours of individual training in October.
Company training was conducted in high-angle rescue techniques, sprinkler locations, fire ground critique, fire ground tactics, high-pressure bags, pre-fire planning, company drills, forcible entry, salvage skills, street and hydrant locations and driver exams.
About 1,400 students from schools and day cares also participated in fire prevention activities in October, the chief said.
The students toured the fire safety house and the headquarters station, heard fire safety talks and saw fire safety demonstrations.