Date/Time: 03/30/2024, 1:17 PM
Location: 9900 block of Maloof Ct, Fontana
Incident: Residential Structure Fire
Summary:
Last night San Bernardino County Fire crews were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the 9900 block of Maloof Ct in the city of Fontana. 911 callers stated a kitchen on fire with two persons potentially inside.
Crews quickly arrived to find smoke showing & initiated an aggressive fire attack. Arriving firefighters simultaneously worked on an interior fire attack & search for any potential victims. Within 15 minutes of arrival the fire was knocked down & all searches were clear of any victims. Once the fire was knocked down crews transitioned their efforts to salvage & investigation. Firefighters were successful in limiting the fire’s spread to the kitchen and a small portion of the attic space. One citizen was treated on-scene but declined transport. No firefighters or additional residents were injured in the fire.
After the fire was declared out, Captain Kramer deployed his K9 Cooper on-scene. The specially trained K9 was utilized to help with the traumatic event of the fire with residents & bystanders. Cooper is one of multiple #SBCoFD Support Team dogs that are on-duty throughout County Fire’s jurisdiction.
San Bernardino County Fire responded with four Engines, a Truck Company, a Medic Squad, Battalion Chief and a Fire Investigator.
Did you know San Bernardino County Fire has a K-9 Support Dog Program?
Over the past year San Bernardino County Fire has developed the K9 Support dog program. The program’s goals are part of a crisis response and mental health therapy program to improve behavioral wellness in San Bernardino County Fire members. Members may suffer from the impacts of long shifts, difficult incidents, and other on or off duty stressors. The dogs are a tool to aid employees with these issues. This is just one way San Bernardino is taking a proactive approach to better the health and well-being of our department and communities we serve.
Our dogs also are available to provide the same support for community members. The dogs also participate in special presentations, community events or official ceremonies and provide public education. The dog teams also can assist neighboring agencies with their support needs.
“Increasing mental health awareness and supporting our employees is paramount. The K9 Support Program is just one way we are aiming to help. Besides the support to our internal customer, we look forward to assisting our partner agencies and citizens in their time of need.” According to Assistant Chief Jeff Birchfield who oversees the program.
The team trains twice each month, aiming to increase the effectiveness of the dog teams. The program has been made possible with a partnership with Working Dogs for Warriors. Their organization has been paramount to start the program & aids with ongoing training.
Handlers & Dogs
-Engineer BJ Myers & K9 Scout
-Division Chief Mark Bixler & K9 Baxter
-Captain Paul Kramer & K9 Cooper
-Engineer Steven Story & K9 Bailey
-Engineer Brent Cannon & K9 Remi
-Program Administrator – Assistant Chief Jeff Birchfield
K9 Support Dog info – https://sbcfire.org/k9support/
K9 Support Video – https://youtu.be/byPPIiyIZc4
