Home Sustains Serious Fire Damage in Mims

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A Mims home sustained serious damage this morning as a result of fire.  Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) received a phone call around 11:00 p.m. from a resident who said flames were visible inside the home, on the 5100 block of Blounts Ridge Road in Mims.

Upon arrival of firefighters, flames were visible through the roof.  Because everyone was safely out of the home, Brevard County firefighters quickly enacted a defensive attack, meaning they knocked down the flames from outside the structure. 

Once the bulk of the flames were extinguished from the outside, crews were able to safely make entry and put out the rest of the fire.  Extensive overhaul work was needed as the fire was in the attic space.  This called for the need to pull down the ceiling to expose any hidden fire, and ensure there would be no rekindles.

Although much of the home was destroyed, firefighters took special precautions to minimize damage to the owners' memorables.  Firefighters placed some of the salvagable contents under tarps, protecting them from further damage.
 
The incident took more than 25 firefighters approximately 30 minutes to knock down the majority of the flames, and several hours to extinguish the hotspots.

Members of the Mims Volunteer Fire Department and Four Communities Fire Department were also on scene to assist.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.  A BCFR fire inspector, along with a representative from the State Fire Marshal's Office were on scene to investigate the cause.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Man Dead After Driving Lawn Mower into Indian River

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Firefighters and paramedics from Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) responded to a possible drowning this morning around 10:47 a.m.  A home owner on the 5000 block of N Highway 1 in Cocoa called 911 when she saw the man had apparently driven his lawn mower into the river.

The man was found by the Brevard County Sheriff Office (BCSO) and was brought to shore, shortly before arrival of BCFR firefighters.  The man was pronounced dead at the scene.  BCSO will be conducting an investigation as the cause of the fatality. 

The man's identity is being withheld until proper notifications are made.  For additional information, please contact the Brevard County Sheriff Office.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Construction Worker Seriously Injured After Falling Through a Roof

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A 19-year old construction worker was seriously injured today after falling through the ceiling, landing more than 20 feet below onto the concrete floor.  The call occured just before 3:30 p.m. near the 8800 block of Astronaut Blvd near Cape Canaveral. 

The patient's coworkers said he was working on the second floor of a new construction project when he lost his balance, sending him through the ceiling and onto the concrete floor more than 20 feet below.  The patient sustained serious injury, but his injuries are not life-threatening. 

Because of the nature of the incident, a medical helicopter was requested to transport the patient to Orlando's trauma center.  No updates are available as to his current condition.

Brevard County Sheriff Office assisted in setting up a safe "landing zone" for the medical helicopter.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Three Dogs Rescued From Burning Merritt Island Home

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) saved three dogs from a burning home this afternoon on the 700 block of Lakewood Circle in Merritt Island.  BCFR's Engine #42 arrived on scene to find smoke coming from the front of the home.  The crew deployed a hoseline and quickly "knocked down" the flames in less than eight minutes.  

Because of their swift actions, the Brevard County Firefighters were able to rescue the dogs from the burning home and safely place them in the backyard until reunited with their "dog-sitter".  The crews were able to contain the fire to the garage, sparing the interior of the home.  No injuries were reported.

The Florida State Fire Marshal was requested to assist in determining the cause of the blaze.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Two People Seriously Injured After Firework Mishap

(Brevard County, Fla.) - 4800 block of N Highway 1 in Melbourne: Two people were seriously injured following a firework mishap in the Melbourne area last night.  The call came in shortly after 9:00 p.m. to Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) dispatch.  The caller advised a firework discharged on a dock, near a group of people.  The two injured people jumped into the water to get away from the firework, but were assisted out of the water prior to BCFR arrival.

The two injured people, one male and one female, sustained serious injury and were airlifted by medical helicopters to the area's trauma / burn center.  No updates were available as to the patients' current condition.

Brevard County Sheriff Office assisted with traffic control, so the two helicopters could safely land.  

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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New Driving Simulation Lab Will Help Improve Safety

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) received three fire apparatus driving simulators that will be used to create a Driving Simulation Lab.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 23% of firefighter deaths occur during vehicle collisions. 

The three driving simulators were purchased with a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), minimizing the department's cost.  The department will also see recurring cost savings by reducing the number of instructors, fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance; as well as improve safety.

Traditional driver training cannot expose drivers to hazardous situations as failure could result in personnel injuries and vehicle damage.  The simulators provide a safe and realistic driving environment that train drivers how to recognize, anticipate and circumvent hazardous situations.  The end result is improved safety and reduced risk.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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New Patient Simulator Improves Service

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) is receiving a patient simulator to train employees and improve patient care.  The simulator allows paramedics to practice uncommon but critical skills without risk.  Using wireless technology, instructors command the simulator to react to the paramedics' treatments, just as a real patient would.  The simulator will be featured in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Lab.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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