CALDWELL, Idaho — The Caldwell Fire Department (CFD) reports that it saw a "notably high volume" of calls over the Fourth of July weekend. The incidents ranged in severity, from dumpster fires to medical emergencies and more.
Caldwell Fire on Tuesday said it responded to eight fires, six of which were related to fireworks, between Tuesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 7.
According to CFD, two of the fires are still under investigation. The department said one was caused be an illegal mortar launched in to the second floor of a residential building.
There was also a fire near Main Street and 21st Avenue that started on July 4 just before midnight, CFD said. That fire was caused by fireworks and burned roughly one acre of land.
On July 5, at roughly 3:45 a.m., another firework-related fire was reported. It was burning dry grass near the Terrace Drive-in, Caldwell Fire said.
Each incident required a great deal of resources and attention, resulting in a "limited capacity to address additional emergencies," CFD said. These incidents created longer response times, and required the assistance of Nampa Fire District and Mid-Star Fire District.
There was a burn ban in Caldwell over the Fourth of July weekend. However, despite the ban, fire crews had to respond to fires caused by outdoor burns.
"The growing demand for services highlights the necessity for increased fire response capacity," CFD said in a news release. "Luckily, the bond approved by citizens in 2023 will fund the construction of a new fire station near Karcher Road and Lake Avenue, which is expected to be operational by 2027. This new facility, along with the addition of new personnel, is intended to greatly enhance CFD's response capabilities to serve the needs of the expanding population."
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