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The Edmonds Fire Department (EFD) was dispatched to 94 calls in and around Edmonds the week of October 28 through November 3, which brings this years call volume to 4,371. Aid crews responded to 62 calls; fire crews responded to 32 incidents.

Medical Response

The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.

A recent 911 caller reported a 23-year-old patient with flu symptoms and a temperature of 109.2. Aid responders found the patient conscious and alert with an actual temperature of 100.2. A family member had taken the patients temperature with a defective thermometer.

This is an excellent time to be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so. Have a supply of over-the-counter medicines, an accurate thermometer, alcohol-based hand rubs (for when soap and water are not available), tissues, and other related items that help you avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

Fire Response

If you burn in your indoor fireplace, only dry, seasoned firewood or manufactured fireplace logs are allowed.

Complaints about poor air quality due to indoor burning are usually referred to Puget Sound Clear Air. In one neighborhood, however, neighbors complained about an on-going problem of a resident who frequently burned material that produced large volumes of black smoke.

When engine crews responded, along with the Edmonds Police Department, the resident at first stated he was just burning wood and paper. But further investigation revealed he had been burning plastic and recycling, and a stack of plastic VHS tapes waited in front of the fireplacewhich he was also planning to burn. The resident was informed that he could be fined if this happens again.