Backhoe Accident Prompts Evacuation of Businesses, Day Care

The  responded to the following incidents during the week of May 2-8:

May 2

• There were 11 responses by paramedic firefighters for Emergency Medical Service.

• Edina Police and Fire assisted a person in the 5300 block of Halifax Avenue to gain entry to their home after they were locked out. Food had been left cooking under the broiler in the oven and they were afraid it could catch fire.

• One false fire alarm investigation.

May 3

• 15 EMS incidents.

• Paramedics provided EMS at a vehicle crash site with injuries in the 6900 block of France Avenue.

May 4

• Eight EMS responses.

• Smoke was reported and the office building was evacuated in the 4600 block of West 77th Street. Crews and building engineers found a burnt out blower motor to be the cause of the smoke.

• The smell of natural gas was reported in the area of the 4500 block of Laguna Drive. Fire crews investigated and found Centerpoint Energy crews working in the area. Fire crews were informed that work would continue all day and that the odor would be present on and off throughout. Centerpoint crews stated they would be monitoring the air continually during the work.

• Two businesses and a day care center had to be evacuated when a backhoe digging, struck a gas line in the 4000 block of West 70th Street. Centerpoint Energy was on the scene and clamped the pipe to stop the leak and begin repairs. Fire crews entered the buildings with 4-gas monitors to measure the air for explosive gas and found no levels. Centerpoint Energy also walked the buildings accompanied by Edina’s Fire Captain with testing equipment and after also finding zero levels, the occupants were allowed to re-enter the buildings. 

• A reported natural gas smell response was cancelled en route. Centerpoint Energy determined the report was related to the continuing work in the area of West 70th Street and cancelled fire crews.

• There were two false fire alarm investigations and one carbon monoxide alarm malfunction was checked. 

May 5

• Seven EMS incidents.

May 6

• 12 EMS responses.

• Two false fire alarms.

May 7

• 11 EMS calls.

• Gasoline spilled from a gas can was investigated on Hilary Lane and Braemar Boulevard. Firefighters found that the amount of gasoline spilled was small and would evaporate without a hazard.

• A complaint about a recreational fire was investigated and found to be a reasonable amount of smoke coming from a barbecue grill.

May 8

• Eight EMS incidents.

• Paramedics responded to a vehicle crash with injuries at West 60th Street and Normandale Road.