The following is a listing of some of the local calls for service involving the Modesto Fire Department, which staffs Stations 27, 28, 29 and 30 in Oakdale, Knights Ferry and Valley Home as part of Battalion 5; and the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Department, covering the Riverbank area, as part of Battalion 2.
Calls were logged during the time period of Tuesday, March 25 through Monday, March 31. Days not listed had no reports of significant incidents in this area.
MONDAY, MARCH 31
Battalion 2: Battalion 2 companies rotated through new engine orientation at Station 22.
Battalion 5: Crews in Battalion 5 completed their weekly apparatus checks and station maintenance.
SUNDAY, MARCH 30
Battalion 2: Crews worked on loading hose and tools on a new engine at Station 26.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
Battalion 2: Companies completed daily apparatus and equipment checks.
Engine 23 and Engine 26 practiced water rescue boat operations.
Battalion 5: Crews performed daily apparatus checks and weekly station maintenance.
Crews performed company level training in their respective FMA’s for Saturday Drill Day.
9:30 a.m. – Engine 28 responded for a gas leak outside in the 1700 block of East F Street. Engine 28 arrived on scene and found a gas line that was broken while digging with a post hole auger. Engine 28 secured the area until PG&E arrived on scene to secure the gas.
10 a.m. – Engine 9, Grass 29, and Battalion 5 responded to Claus and Terminal for a vegetation fire. While enroute Sky1 was overhead and advised of a tractor fire in the orchard on Litt Road. Engine 9 arrived on scene and confirmed location. Due to small access roads Grass 29 was utilized to make access and extinguish the fire.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
Battalion 2: Companies completed daily apparatus and equipment checks.
Station 26 personnel worked on Station 21’s new engine.
8:48 a.m. – Engine 26 and the City of Oakdale animal control rescued nine ducklings from a storm drain around Patterson Road and Hot Springs Lane.
Battalion 5: Crews performed daily apparatus checks and station maintenance.
Crews performed company level training in their respective FMA’s.
11:48 p.m. – Engine 27, Water Rescue 29, and Battalion 5 responded for a water rescue at Woodward Reservoir for a report of a vehicle that drove into the water. Engine 27 and Battalion 5 arrived on scene with Sheriff’s Office personnel and checked the dispatched location. Water Rescue 29 and Oak Valley Ambulance staged at the boat launch. Crews along with Air 101 checked the water and were unable to locate any signs of a vehicle in the water. All units cleared.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27
Battalion 2: 12:06 p.m. – Engine 22 was dispatched to Gilton Transfer Station for an unknown type of fire. They found several barrels inside a large metal building that were burning. As crews attempted to extinguish the fire, it caused the flames to spread. The call was upgraded to a potential structure fire, adding Engines 9, 23, and Truck 1. It was determined that the barrels contained an unknown metal powder that was burning. The decision was made to cover the fire with dirt to stop the burning. Modesto Hazmat 41 responded out with Stanislaus County DER to determine the nature of the substance. Once the scene was secure, the facility was turned over to the property manager.
Battalion 5: Companies completed daily apparatus checks and station maintenance.
Engines 27, 28 and 29 trained on ground ladders
10:15 a.m. – Engine 27, Engine 28 and Battalion 5 responded to North Stearns for a natural gas leak. Upon arrival, crews found a significant natural gas leak from a 1.5” line. The business was evacuated, and the gas secured. PG&E arrived and cleared the building with their meters. Crews remained on scene ventilating the building.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26
BC testing was completed with candidates being tested on several scenario-based exercises.
MST academy was trained on rope rescue techniques and rope systems.
Battalion 2: Engines 12, 22, and 28 trained with the Stanislaus and Merced County Air Units. The crews focused on common communications and long line retrieval of victims.
SSL took delivery of the new Type I engine built by Hi-tech EVS in Oakdale. Crews will now begin installing equipment and training with the engine.
3:19 p.m. – Engine 26 was dispatched to an unknown type fire along the river bottom on Highway 108 near Adams Gravel Plant Road. BC 2 was in the area and was the first to arrive. There was a homeless camp on fire extending into the vegetation, approximately a quarter of an acre. Engines 23, 27, and Water Tender 27 also responded. The fire was quickly contained, and the cause is under investigation.
Battalion 5: Companies completed daily apparatus checks and station maintenance.
Engine 28 and Battalion 5 trained with other MST companies and crews with the Stanislaus SO Air Unit at Turlock Lake. Topics covered included communications, safe operations around the helicopter and long line tactics.
3:19 p.m. – Engine 27 and Water Tender 27 assisted E23 with a homeless encampment fire along the river bottom at Highway 108 and Adams Gravel Plant Road. Companies had the fire contained in 15 minutes and spent 45 more on overhaul.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25
The MST Firefighter Academy continued training (rope rescue) at the Regional Fire Training Center.
MST Command Staff and the EMS Division recognized personnel from Stanislaus Quint 22 (Shawn Summers, Bryon Baker. Cody Wessels) and Modesto Engine 9 (David Steenburgh, Andrew McNicoll, Shane Avedissian) for their actions and outstanding patient care on a motor vehicle accident that occurred on February 10, 2025.
Battalion 2: Engine 26 trained on ALS airway at the firehouse, Fire Captain Leighton completed his five ALS calls during this shift, congratulations.
Quint 22, Engine 9, and BC Winton were recognized for outstanding service by Chief Wise and DC Bray.
Battalion 5: Engine 28 trained on hose estimates and distances at an apartment complex in Oakdale.
2:30 p.m. – Engine 29 had someone come to the front door of the station stating that a tree had fallen and partially was blocking a parked car. E29 crew used their chainsaws to clear the car of the large limbs and the vehicle was able to make it out of the lot.
