Fire crews happen upon two-vehicle collision

While responding to a structure fire last Monday morning, Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue crews happened upon a two-vehicle collision with injuries.

Fire Chief Scott Lewis said the timing worked out for all parties involved.

“We had a structure fire that occurred along the 1200 block of Dollar Street at approximately 10:39,” he said. “While crews were en route to the structure fire, they came upon a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Pahrump Valley Boulevard. Because it was an injury accident, crews had to stop and provide care to the patients, which was completed and they did transport one person to the local hospital.”

Several hours later, fire crews were summoned to Highway 160 at Oxbow Road for another vehicle collision.

“It was a T-bone type collision where one person was mechanically entrapped inside their vehicle,” Lewis said. “Engine One went into service with a relatively quick procedure called a drivers side door pop, using basic hand tools. Crews were able to pop the door in such a fashion that the EMS crews could access the patient, who was subsequently transported to the local hospital.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, fire crews were dispatched to Calvada Boulevard at Dandelion Street for an injury motor vehicle accident.

“It was another T-bone type collision,” Lewis said. “Both occupants of each vehicle were transported to the local hospital and there was no entrapment on that assignment.”

Gusty wind conditions in the valley last week were responsible for a groundcover fire in the area of Mountain Falls Wednesday evening just after 9:30 p.m.

“We were dispatched to an unknown type fire in an area set for future development in Mountain Falls,” Lewis said. “Upon arrival, we found a large rubbish fire. After extinguishing the fire, we determined that it was most likely caused by a controlled burn conducted several days prior to that event, but was brought back to life by the winds. There were no extensions and the nearby exposures were protected.”

Rugged terrain on Saturday challenged fire and EMS crews as they responded to an off-road vehicle crash in the area of Wheeler Pass just before 2 p.m.

“While we kept the larger apparatus on the hard surface, we sent crews up to locate the accident,” Lewis said. “Crews ascended Wheeler Pass and found a patient being transported down by another off-road vehicle. We made contact where the patient was assessed and found their injuries warranted flight.”

Due to the condition of the road, Lewis said the patient was cautiously transported by ground to Mercy Air Base 21, where patient care was transferred to flight crews and the patient was flown to UMC Trauma in Las Vegas.”

A person performing stunts on a motorcycle on the 2200 block of Rodeo Street sustained injuries after losing control of the bike.

“Upon arrival, crews found a motorcycle rider who had been doing some stunts along the roadway,” Lewis said. “The motorcycle left the roadway and struck a mailbox. That patient was subsequently transported to the local hospital.”

On Monday, Nov. 21, Lewis said crews were dispatched for a mutual aid assignment just before 7 a.m.

“We were dispatched to Amargosa Valley for a mutual-aid assignment at the 1800 block of Maverick Street,” he said. “Upon arrival, we found a doublewide manufactured dwelling where the occupants had attempted to ignite the heating system for the first time this season. There was an incident that occurred. However, it was not a direct fire within the structure, but crews went into service with ventilation along with the mutual-aid companies.”

Lewis also reminded area motorists about how to properly yield to emergency vehicles, especially in and around construction zones in the valley.

“We are still having difficulties with motorists in the construction areas, not knowing how to react to emergency vehicles approaching them from behind because a lot of the shoulders are no longer available for drivers to yield,” he said. “If you can’t pull over safely, please just don’t stop dead in the middle of the road because there’s nowhere for us to go around you. You just want to continue through because at least we can continue in the direction of our response. As soon as it is practical and safe, you want to pull to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop.”