On the morning we visited Station 31 in the Village, Engineer Keith Albertson, Firefighter Ian Duncan and Paramedic Dat Pham were just starting their 48-hour shift. Here were the burning questions of the day.
WHAT'S THE AVERAGE ANNUAL NUMBER OF CALLS?
2,500-3,000
BUSIEST TIME OF THE DAY?
It’s unpredictable. Sometimes, they go non-stop. On the morning we were there not a single call came in.
MOST COMMON TYPE OF CALL?
Around 80% of calls are for medical help and many come in late at night.
BEST THING ABOUT FAIR OAKS?
The unique homes and structures and the very friendly community members who love to wave and smile at them.
UNIQUE TO THE STATION?
It’s home to Foam 31, a specialized foam unit for large flammable or combustible liquid fires such as an aircraft fire. They also stock life jackets for anyone who needs one.
BEST COOK IN THE HOUSE?
Paramedic Dat Pham when he cooks, but his mom’s egg rolls are well-loved and requested among the crew.
WHO’D WIN IN A SOFTBALL GAME VS. SAC SHERIFF?
Metro Fire, of course. In fact, they proved it by taking first at the annual U.S. Police and Fire Championship games in San Diego.
THEY GROCERY SHOP AT?
Since they pay for food out of their own pocket, they get creative budgeting for meals and often stop at Costco before a shift. If shopping at a local store on shift, you may see them abandon groceries when a call comes in. The food is not forgotten, they come back for the groceries after the call.
BEST CHICKEN RESCUE STORY?
None! Surprisingly, more duck families need rescuing from storm drains and swimming pools, along with a sprinkling of cat-up-a-tree rescue calls.
MOST REWARDING CALL?
Recently, they responded to a call for a man who collapsed in front of his wife after returning home from a run. A week later, the couple came to the station to thank the crew for saving him. He was up and walking again and, understandably, it was very emotional for everyone involved.
NOT-SO-HOT TIP FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
As we head into the holidays, stay fire-safe by using LED candles instead of traditional candles, paying attention while cooking and checking your smoke alarms each month.
SAVE THE DATE FOR FIRE CAMP!
Station 21 in Citrus Heights hosts an annual week-long summer camp for kids to teach fire, water safety and fire service traditions. One camp attendee went on to save a life with the CPR he learned at camp.
