Lanark Fire Department News Bulletin

By Tricia Poffenberger LFD- Public Relations Officer

On August 2, 2011, Lanark Fire and Ambulance was dispatched to a Muriatic Acid spill at the Lake Carroll Pool. Upon arrival of fire and EMS units, the Aquatic complex was evacuated by Lake Carroll Security and Lake Carroll Staff.

Maintenance workers were cleaning in the Aquatic complex maintenance room using the acid, with an unknown amount of the chemical used. Fumes from the agent were emitted throughout the maintenance room and the building causing several employees of Lake Carroll and a few by-standers to experience acute effects of short term exposure of the Muriatic Acid.

There were a total of 10 patients transported to local hospitals, with 9 agencies responding. Lanark Fire and Ambulance received assistance from several agencies: Shannon Fire and Ambulance, Mt. Carroll Ambulance, Milledgeville Ambulance, Chadwick Fire and Ambulance, Savanna Ambulance, Stockton Ambulance, Freeport Rural Ambulance, and Jo Daviess County Hazardous Materials Team.

Lanark Fire and EMS personnel trained with React Helicopter on August 15, 2011. Lake Carroll Security and Shannon Fire and Ambulance also participated in the training. Landing zone procedures, fire/ems personnel and helicopter safety was discussed.

Lanark Fire hosted a rest stop for the “Proud to Wear Pink Motorcycle Ride.” LFD raised $218.00 through temporary tattoo sales, and the proceeds went to the Home of Hope.

Lanark Fire department recently hosted a class with Chief Rick Lasky of Lewisville, TX. Chief Lasky presented his Pride and Ownership seminar. Chief Lasky is a 30 year veteran of the fire service and contributing editor to Fire Engineering magazine.

September 26th – 28, 2011 a survey of the Lanark Fire Department was conducted by the Insurance Service Offices, to evaluate the preparedness of the District’s Fire Apparatus, Equipment, Fire Pre Plans, Personnel, and Fire Training. This survey was conducted in an effort to try and reduce the current rating of the fire protection district. If the goal is achieved of reducing the current ISO rating, it should assist in reducing cost of homeowners insurance for district residents within 5 miles of the fire station. More information on the outcome of the survey will be provided to the Fire Protection District by ISO within a 6 month time frame.

Fire Prevention Week is October 9th- 15th. Fire Prevention Week was established on the 40th Anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, but then it really remembers two massive fires that occurred during October 1871. While the Chicago Fire may be the best remembered of the events, because of the urban legend about a cow and a lantern, it certainly wasn’t the biggest of the fires.

That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, a forest fire in Northeast Wisconsin at the same time. The Peshtigo fire destroyed millions of dollars worth of property, burned through 16 towns, took over 1,500 lives, and burned over 3.8 million acres of timber.

This years activities will consist of fire drills at the schools, and elementary students will once again have their fire prevention posters on display at the fire station during our Open House on Sat., Oct. 15 from 1-3 pm, with fire truck rides being the main attraction.

Lanark Fire Department has openings for Fire/EMS personnel. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician should call the fire station for details or questions at 815-493 -2341.