RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION MORNING REPORT Attention: Directorate Regional and Park Chief Rangers, USPP, BIFC, FLETC Ranger Activities Division Information Network Day/Date: Monday, December 23, 1991 INCIDENTS 91-667 - Gateway (New York) - Structural Fire A fire destroyed Building 112, known as the Master Mechanic's Quarters, in the Fort Hancock section of the park's Sandy Hook unit early on the morning of Friday, December 13th. The two story, wood frame building, which was unoccupied at the time, was fully engulfed when a nearby resident first reported the fire at 3:00 a.m. The park's fire company responded within ten minutes and was soon joined by units from the Highlands, Navecink, Sea Bright, Middletown and Leonardo fire departments. A preliminary investigation by the county fire marshall indicates that the fire started under the first floor kitchen floor and spread rapidly through open stairways. An NPS restoration crew had been sweating pipes under the kitchen about 12 hours before the fire, and it is believed that embers left smoldering from that project caused the fire. There was no evidence of vandalism or arson. The building was constructed in 1879 as a residence for Army personnel. In later years, it was modified and used variously as a non-commissioned officers' club and as a young adult work center. The building was being restored to return it to its original use as a residence. It's future has not yet been determined. [Telefax from RAD/NARO, 12/20] 91-668 - Kaloko-Honokohau (Hawaii) - Storm-Related Evacuation Four families residing in the Ai-O-Pio area of the park under special use permits were evacuated in the early hours of December 20th because of high tides and high surf. Three of the four families became isolated when the bridge connecting their island to the mainland collapsed; rangers and residents had to cross between waves, walking in four feet of water. One resident, an 80-year-old man, refused to leave, but the park superintendent was prepared to order his evacuation if necessary. At the time of the report, the storm was not yet over, and the park was preparing to meet with residents to review the park emergency plan. County civil defense authorities had been notified that shelter might be required for these families. [Francis Kuailani, Superintendent, KAHO, via telefax from RAD/WRO, 12/20] STAFF STATUS Division Chief: Brady on AL (12/23-12/29). Branch of Resource and Visitor Protection: Sisto and Smith on AL (12/23- 12/29); Martin on AL (12/23-1/1); Kreis and Marriott on AL (12/23-1/5); Schamp on AL (12/23-1/8); Coffey on AL (12/30-1/5); Lee on AL (1/2-1/5). Branch of Fire and Aviation: Broyles on AL (12/23-12/29); Erskine, Cook and Spruill on AL (12/23-1/5). Prepared by WASO Division of Ranger Activities