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