On New Year's Day 2008, more than 40 million Americans will witness the splendor of the Rose Parade televised from Pasadena, California.

Among the organizations sponsoring floats in this 119th annual event, are our friends from the Port of Los Angeles, who are making their first entry into the Rose Parade with a unique combination of six separate 'vessels' that celebrate the Port’s diverse operations.

Themed "The Place Where The World Comes Together", the Port’s flotilla is the official City of Los Angeles entry into the Rose Parade, marking the City’s 110th consecutive entry and earning it the title "longest-running float entrant".



The Port’s entry will include a floral covered container ship, cruise ship, fishing boat, tug, Police boat and a replica of LAFD Boat 2, the globally renowned Warner Lawrence, the most powerful and technologically advanced fireboat in the world. Los Angeles Fire Chief Douglas Barry will be joined aboard the float by City Councilwoman Janice Hahn.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is honored to participate in this event, and remains equally proud of the life safety services it provides to our nation's busiest container port.

To learn more about the Port of Los Angeles and view a press release regarding their parade entry, please visit:

www.portoflosangeles.org


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department welcome you to join Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, Fire Commissioners, Fire Chief Douglas Barry, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and civic and community leaders at the public dedication and grand opening of LAFD's newest Neighborhood Fire Station in Mar Vista.

Saturday, January 5, 2008
10:00 AM (Rain or Shine)
Grand Opening of New Fire Station 62
11970 Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90066

Following Saturday's brief dedication ceremony, there will be food and fun as well as a chance to tour Southern California's newest Fire Station. All members of the community are welcome at this family-themed public event.

We are pleased to offer an interactive map with driving directions to the new facility, which is now in service protecting Mar Vista, Venice and the adjacent neighborhoods of west Los Angeles.

Please let us share a brief history of former Fire Station 62...



Built in the days preceding the Korean War to serve a then lightly populated and primarily residential six-square-mile district of ocean view homes, former Fire Station 62 was designed to house a small cadre of male firefighters and one limited-role fire apparatus.

The demands of emergency service and operational advances at the LAFD in the past half-century, made that 4,190 square-foot station and only slightly larger parcel of land inadequate for providing timely and effective response to the community's needs.

Former Fire Station 62 not only grew cramped and inefficient during its fifty-seven years of service, but also proved deficient in meeting seismic safety, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, Building Code, ADA and separate gender accommodation issues.

In stark contrast, new Fire Station 62 is a capable and appealing long-term asset for all who live in, work and visit Mar Vista, Venice and west Los Angeles.

The new energy-efficient 16,130 square foot facility was designed with strong community input and built with to support multi-role emergency response needs for many years to come; all while enhancing the effectiveness of a diverse and omnipotent workforce.

We encourage you to learn more about new Fire Station 62 and the Fire Department facilities being modernized by Proposition F by viewing a highly detailed on-line Monthly Progress Report.

Rain or Shine, the men and women of the LAFD look forward to seeing you and your family on Saturday, January 5, 2008 in Mar Vista. Please don't forget your camera!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Friday, December 28, 2007 at 10:22 PM, 38 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Emergency Air 1, Rehab Tender 59, Transport 2, Loader 2, Dozer Tender 1, Street Maintenance and DOT, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Chief Ralph Terrazas , responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 851 S. San Julian St. in the Fashion District.

Engine 209 returning to quarters from a medical incident, noticed heavy smoke and fire coming from one unit on the first floor of a 2 story commercial building, 150 ft. by 200 ft with a three story exposure to the south, in the fashion district. A greater alarm assignment was immediately requested to the OCD Dispatch Center. Extensive forcible entry was initiated, opening several rolling steel doors for the assigned fire attack companies. A concerted effort was made by interior fire attack companies deploying and advancing 2-1/2 inch hose lines and the roof ventilation team because of the excessive fire load of rolled carpet and baled goods. The intense fire extended from the first to the second floor, forcing companies to withdraw because of the damage and hazard caused by the burn through to the second floor level, resulting in a considerable sag.

Companies were simultaneously deployed to the three story exposure, another textile building, which sustained no damage. An AT&T cell site was located inside the fire building and with the aggressive actions of Los Angeles Fire resources, the site sustained no damage to its multi million dollar equipment. With the aid of an acquired generator, AT&T was able to re-sustain service.

It took 225 Firefighters 1 hour and 33 minutes to extinguish the fire. The dollar loss for Shawn Tech, was estimated at $450,000 ($200,000 structure, $250,000 contents), the cause is undetermined at this time and there were no reports of injury.

The above article was written for Dispatcher Cecil Manresa.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

In order to maintain a state of perpetual readiness, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department hone their skills regularly on a Company and Battalion level.

When preparing for a recent drill, members of LAFD's 1st Field Division, 2nd Battalion sought to share their respect and admiration for the men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces.

In a quickly crafted plan, they posed for the image seen below, which they hoped to send to some Soldiers, Sailors, Coasties, Airmen and Marines.



Along with personal copies sent to military friends, families and acquaintances serving at home and abroad, LAFD Battalion Chief Chris Logan sent the image to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.

Earlier this month, we were deeply humbled to learn that Battalion 2's picture had been chosen to headline the global holiday greetings at:

www.americasupportsyou.mil

It is an honor beyond words to have our message included, as we indeed wish "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" to men and women who are our personal heroes. We hope you will join us by sending a message to our troops.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Commonly referred to as 'Pikes', the more than 220,000 members of Pi Kappa Alpha dedicate themselves to life of integrity, intellect, and high moral character.

Even more than a noteworthy membership, the generous deeds of Pikes have long established their standing as a fraternity of unparalleled service and caring.

It is therefore humbling for us to note that Gamma Eta Pikes have chosen the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund (WODFF) as a charity worthy of special support.

One of America's most well respected charities, the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund is the heart of the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association, a non-profit entity chartered in 1906.

While a special website has been established for Pikes to donate to WODFF, the perpetual work of the Relief Association can always benefit from your tax-deductible donation.

If you wish to join Pikes in supporting the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund, please click, call 1-800-244-3439, ext. 14215 or visit:

www.lafra.org


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 4:07 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 73 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy, responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 750 South Westlake Avenue in the Westlake/Macarthur Park area.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from a 3 story multiplex residential building, a converted turn-of-the-century Victorian style home. As they extended handlines to battle the flames, Firefighters encountered a 46 year-old male resident with shortness of breath and singed hair.

According to his statements, the man had attempted to drag an approximately 60 year-old male neighbor to safety, when he was driven back by unbearable heat and smoke within the burning studio apartment.

The would-be rescuer was transported in fair condition to nearby Good Samaritan Hospital.

Aggressive and well-coordinated firefighting efforts confined the blaze to the one room on the second floor, where the flames were extinguished in just 19 minutes. During fire attack, Firefighters discovered the body of an adult male within the room of fire origin. Beyond their assistance, he was declared deceased at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters report no immediate evidence of functional Smoke Alarms within the unit, as required by law. During a detailed post-fire investigation, which included combing through fire debris and conducting witness interviews, LAFD Investigators determined that functional Smoke Alarms were in place prior to the fire. There were no obvious factors impairing egress from the single room apartment. The building was not equipped with fire sprinklers.

A total of 11 neighbors (9 adults and 2 children) from the ten unit building were referred to the American Red Cross for placement assistance. Their immediate on-site needs, as well as those of the hospitalized man, were addressed in a timely manner by City of Los Angeles Crisis Response Team volunteers.

A positive identification of the deceased man, as well as the exact cause, time and manner of his death will be determined by Coroner's officials.

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $55,000 ($50,000 structure & $5,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation is categorized as accidental and attributed to careless smoking.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, December 24, 2007 at 6:26 PM, 17 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 3 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 Helicopter, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, DOT, LAPD, DWP and Emergency Air , all under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 1750 N. Argyle Av. in the Hollywood area.

A multitude of calls coming into the OCD Dispatch Center had a common message, a church was on fire. First arriving resources on the scene reported a 2 story church was fully involved in flames. Additional companies were requested immediately. Twenty minutes into the fire fight, resources were ordered out of the building and transitioned into a defensive attack to gain control of the fire. Moments later the second story collapsed.

The building was formerly known as the "Country Church of Hollywood", a Hollywood landmark which has been vacant since 1994 and in the process of being remodeled. It took 137 Firefighters forty six minutes to call a knock down on the fire. The cause and dollar loss estimate are undetermined until the completion of the investigation by the House of Worship Task Force. One firefighter was triaged and transported to an area hospital with a small second degree burn to the hand. No other injuries were reported.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

From the Office of the Fire Commission...

"On behalf of the Board of Fire Commissioners, I extend our appreciation to every member of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Your contributions and commitment to public safety are clearly demonstrated by the excellent service this Department provides the citizens of Los Angeles.

During the past year many changes have occurred that required us to all think deeply about our values, integrity, professionalism and how we want the LAFD to be viewed by the public we serve and all of our members. The LAFD has done an excellent job of re-committing itself to those values of access, equity, inclusion, and fairness for all members of both the fire department family and the public we serve. We on the commission congratulate every effort made by each one of you to deliver outstanding service to the public. We also commend all of you for understanding the necessity of professional behavior at all times towards every member of LAFD and the public we serve.

The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Fire Chief Douglas Barry for his leadership. Chief Barry’s leadership is establishing a strong foundation for a positive future. He embodies those characteristics and traits that are necessary in leaders to move an organization to live up to its credo and written code of ethics.

The Board is certain that together we will overcome the remaining reform challenges and strengthen the high standards that have made this institution the number one fire department in the nation.

The Board of Fire Commissioners extends its warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. We wish you a splendid holiday season and a safe and prosperous New Year."

With infinite hope and joy,

Genethia Hudley-Hayes
President
Board of Fire Commissioners

From the Office of the Fire Chief...

"As 2007 draws to a close, we reflect back on the many challenges we have faced as a Department. You, the brave men and women of the LAFD, both sworn and civilian, have kept our community safe. Your dedication to service was tested in the face of the recent Griffith Park Fire and the Firestorms of 2007 and you met the challenge head on.

As I complete my first year as Fire Chief, I wish to recognize your hard work and dedication. I want to thank you for your sacrifices, especially to your family, friends and loved ones who are impacted by your selfless service to our Department.

As your Fire Chief, I extend my sincerest wishes for a safe Holiday Season to you, your families and loved ones. May peace and happiness reign in your hearts during this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year.

The Core Values of the LAFD represent the very SPIRIT of our organization. Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Trust. As we enter into the New Year, we will rely on our teamwork to accomplish the challenges ahead. Thank you for a great year, I am extremely proud to be part of this organization."

DOUGLAS L. BARRY
Fire Chief

On Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 9:01 PM, five Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, six LAFD Rescue Ambulances, one Urban Search and Rescue Unit, one EMS Battalion Captain, one Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and one Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Buck responded to a Structural Collapse with Multiple Injuries at 307 South Weymouth Avenue in San Pedro.

Firefighters arrived to find multiple persons suffering from minor to moderate injuries due to the collapse of a patio balcony. At the time of the collapse, the individuals were standing on the balcony of a two story single family residence when it suddenly gave way, causing them to fall approximately 8 to 10 feet to the ground.

Firefighters and Paramedics immediately began triaging patients in an effort to identify the number of persons requiring medical care and assess the severity of their injuries.

In all, eight adults, including four females and four males were transported to area hospitals in stable condition.


Submitted by Inspector Brian Ballton, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 11:04 AM, two companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, four Arson Units and one Battalion Chief Officer Command Team under the direction of Battalion Chief Thomas Ottman responded to a traffic collision with fire and a civilian fatality at 12900 Admiral Avenue in the Del Rey area.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover several members of the community utilizing a garden hose to extinguish a late model sedan that was engulfed in flames after colliding with a parked vehicle.

Firefighters using handlines quickly confined the fire to the vehicle, extinguishing the blaze in less than two minutes. During fire attack, Firefighters discovered the remains of the driver within the vehicle.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office will seek to determine the gender and identity of the deceased, as well as to formally determine the cause, manner and time of their death. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has leads to provide is asked to contact LAFD Arson Investigators at 213-485-6095.


Submitted by Inspector Brian Ballton, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department and their families cordially invite you to join them at the LAFD Museum in Hollywood this Saturday, December 15, 2007 when Santa Claus makes a special appearance from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

There will be fun for all in the 'Heart of Hollywood', as jolly St. Nick visits with children and parents alike. There will be special treats for the young - and young at heart, during this free holiday celebration.

Those of all ages will learn important life safety lessons during complimentary guided tours of the museum - a former Los Angeles Firehouse. The LAFD Museum Gift Shop will also be open for those seeking a truly unique gift for that special someone on their list.

The LAFD Museum at Historic Fire Station 27 in Hollywood is open this and most Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and admission is free!

LAFD Hollywood Museum
1355 North Cahuenga Boulevard (south of Sunset)
Hollywood, CA 90028

Telephone: (323) 464-2727
New Website: lafdmuseum.org

If you've been wondering what to do with the kids this weekend... wonder no more!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 1:32 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 93 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief James Gaffney, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian and Firefighter Injury at 19206 Sherman Way in Reseda.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire showing from one first floor unit at "The Menorah House", a large three-story garden style apartment building with a sizeable senior populace.

Swift and decisive action by the first 30 arriving Firefighters confined the flames to the one unit. They extinguished the blaze in just 23 minutes.

As their coworkers skilfully battled the fire, additional teams of Los Angeles Firefighters fanned out through the 33,590 square-foot building to assist and 'shelter in place' more than two dozen senior residents who would have otherwise been fully exposed to smoke and the chilly pre-winter night.

During fire attack, one Firefighter sustained 2nd degree burns to his left forearm. In fair condition, he was transported to Sherman Oaks Hospital.

Following the firefight, numerous residents were evaluated by Firefighters for subjective complaints. Two residents, an oxygen-dependent and mobility impaired man from the unit of fire origin, and a woman from a second floor apartment who sustained smoke exposure, were taken to area hospitals, also in fair condition.

A properly functioning smoke alarm within the apartment of fire origin is credited with awakening a 39 year-old female caregiver, who promptly removed the mobility impaired man from harm.

With her employer's apartment declared untenable, the caretaker was referred to the American Red Cross for placement assistance.

Firefighters later brought in an LAFD stake bed truck to deliver the man's electric wheelchair to the hospital, and were pleased to learn he should survive.

The apartment building was not equipped with fire sprinklers. Loss from the fire is estimated at $75,000 ($50,000 structure & $25,000 contents). The cause of this early-morning blaze remains under active investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 8:29 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Michael Thomas responded to a Structure Fire at 1605 N Lucile Ave in Los Feliz.

Firefighters arrived to find a two-story apartment building with heavy fire located in the first floor stairwell area and in the adjacent second floor unit. Firefighters immediately began an interior attack on the fire using handlines while fellow Firefighters provided vertical ventilation from the roof. Fortunately, all of the residents were able to self evacuate with only one person sustaining injuries.

A twenty-eight year-old male resident complained of smoke inhalation, he was treated on scene and transported to a local hospital. The American Red Cross was requested to provide assistance to one displaced resident.

Firefighters were able to contain the bulk of the fire damage to one apartment on the second floor and to the adjoining stairwell. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.
View Photo's

Submitted by Ron Myers / Diana Igawa, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department salute their colleagues at the Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations Section for achieving the Helicopter Association International's coveted Igor I. Sikorsky Humanitarian Award.

It is our honor to work closely with LACoFD Battalion Chief Anthony Marrone and his staff on a daily basis, and we warmly congratulate them on their noteworthy achievement.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Friday, December 7, 2007 at 2:56 AM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, DWP, DOT, LAPD and Animal Regulations, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram, responded to a Greater Alarm Fire at 10917 W. Randall St, in the Sun Valley area.

The first arriving resources on scene, found a 1 story, "L" shaped, tilt-up commercial building, approximately 50 foot by 100 foot, with heavy fire already showing through the roof. Fire Department personnel initiated an intense attack utilizing 2-1/2 hoselines coordinated with an assertive Trench roof ventilation operation. Within twenty minutes, firefighting operations went from offensive to defensive.

The multi occupancy building, suffered severe fire damage to two of the occupancies, "Euro Style" a wood refinishing business and "Hasting's Electric," an electrical contractor. The rendering plant housed in the tilt-up suffered minor smoke damage, but Animal Regulations was requested because of the livestock (sheep, poultry and quail) found on the scene.

99 Firefighters were committed in achieving a knockdown in 48 minutes. The cause and dollar loss estimate is undetermined at this time. There were no reported injuries at this early morning fire.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 8:39 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Hazardous Materials Teams, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 39 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Curt Klafta responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation at 545 West 127th Street in South Los Angeles.

Responding to a vague report of 'Leaking Natural Gas', neighborhood Firefighters arrived promptly at an abandoned petroleum tank farm to find as many as 50 gallons of an unspecified liquid leaking from a decrepit 20' tall x 15' wide steel tank. Taking fundamental safety precautions, they escalated the incident to a Hazardous Materials Investigation.

LAFD HazMat experts were quickly on scene, and later joined by a Los Angeles Police Department Hazardous Materials Unit and County of Los Angeles Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials responders.

Los Angeles Fire Department HazMat personnel donned high-level protective gear and obtained samples of the product, before utilizing a redwood plug to stem the leak.

The liquid was later determined to be water and oil.

Upon seeing Firefighters, one neighborhood woman expressed subjective chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Though Firefighters could determine no immediate correlation between her symptoms and their response, she accepted ambulance transportation to Gardena Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

No other illness or injury was reported.

With no immediate or escalating hazard, and pursuant of protocol, the scene was turned over to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials Division to handle to conclusion.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 10:14 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 10 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 69 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Chris Kawai, responded to a Multi-Patient Traffic Collision at 1760 North Gower Street in Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived quickly at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood to discover a privately owned charter bus that had left the adjacent roadway before crashing through a fence and colliding with trees on the church grounds.

According to witnesses, the full-sized bus with 40 passengers aboard, was descending the Gower Street offramp from the southbound Hollywood (101) Freeway when the driver was unable to stop.

The bus collided with a sedan at the end of the offramp before careening southeast to jump the curb, damage a fence and collide with two large pine trees on the church property. One of the two-foot diameter trees was toppled, and the bus came to rest against the other before striking any church buildings.

Lightly trapped by the dashboard and steering wheel, the driver of the bus was skilfully freed by Los Angeles Firefighters using hydraulic prying tools. Listed in fair condition with non-life threatening injuries, she was soon taken to an area hospital for further evaluation.

The 40 bus passengers, all adults, as well as the driver and child passenger of the sedan were medically evaluated at the scene before 18 of them - including both sedan occupants, accepted ambulance transportation to area hospitals for non-life threatening injuries.

The remaining passengers were warmly welcomed by the church staff to occupy their sanctuary while awaiting transportation. Later vocalizing concern, the two dozen uninjured persons adamantly refused to board another bus sent by the charter company, and instead sought alternate personal transportation to their point of departure in Ventura County.

The California Highway Patrol is formally investigating this collision.


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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

LAFD TalkRadio returns Friday, December 7, 2007 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM PST.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesmen Ron Myers and Brian Humphrey welcome your call as they discuss the '12 Minutes of Christmas Safety'. We hope you'll join them to learn about keeping your loved ones safe from hidden holiday hazards.

LAFD TalkRadio is broadcast via the internet. To listen, all you need is a computer. To participate as a live caller, all you need is a phone. Complete details are at:

www.blogtalkradio.com/LAFD
We hope you'll join the conversation by calling (347)677-0632 when phone lines are opened during Friday's show.

In case you wondered... area code 347 is in New York, home of the BlogTalkRadio network. Some callers may incur standard long-distance charges during their participation. There is however, no charge to listen on-line!

Did you miss the live broadcast of the show? You'll find all LAFD TalkRadio broadcasts archived for later listening via computer or personal audio player. Visit blogtalkradio.com/LAFD for details.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

From our friends at Governing.com:

Crazy Cool in L.A.
by Ellen Perlman

A fire department taps into microblogging to keep itself on top of situations.

Last May, Los Angeles firefighters had their hands full. A blaze was spreading through 800 acres of Griffith Park but they only knew what was happening from the side of the fire where their trucks were parked. To get a sense of the extent of the conflagration, firefighter Brian Humphrey sent messages to strangers on the other side of the fire - explaining who he was and asking... (read more)

Learn about the free LAFD_ALERT and Twitter 'breaking news' notification systems mentioned in Governing.com, by viewing this earlier post or visiting:

www.lafd.org/alert

www.lafd.org/twitter


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, December 3, 2007 at 11:14 AM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 30 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jeffrey Marcus, responded to a Traffic Collision on the southbound Golden State (5) Freeway south of Rinaldi Street in Mission Hills.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover an overturned crane blocking all southbound lanes of travel.


According to witnesses, the 8-axle 165 Ton truck/crane combination had been traveling southbound on the freeway when it suddenly veered and overturned. Early reports of the vehicle ablaze proved merely to be the smoke from hydraulic fluid contacting hot drivetrain components.

Amazingly, no other vehicles on the busy highway were involved.


The 27 year-old driver of the crane sustained minor lacerations and contusions and complained of head pain. He was transported to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in fair condition.

No other injuries were reported.

Los Angeles Firefighters worked swiftly to contain leaking hydraulic fluid from the crane's 500-gallon tank, and stood ready with specialized equipment and safety teams to support the California Highway Patrol and California Department of Transportation with their effort to upright and remove the crane from lanes of travel.

Ultimately, the firm involved brought a pair of massive cranes to upright their overturned vehicle, and the freeway was opened to traffic Monday evening.

The collision is under investigation by California Highway Patrol officials.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 4:50 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 7933 N. Vanalden Av. in the RESEDA area.

The initial reports into the OCD Dispatch Center indicated that a large tree was on fire. Arriving Fire Department resources found a one story single family dwelling with heavy flame impingment under the eaves of the structure. The company assigned extinguishment of the tree fire indicated that the fire had indeed spread into the attic. Even with an aggressive interior fire attack and roof ventilation, the attic fire had the upper hand. The interior of the structure had been refigured into two separate living units, causing the fire attack companies to utilize valuable time locating the seat of the fire. The ventilation group was removed from their roof top operations as the roof showed signs of weakness, finally failing 30 minutes into the firefight.

Approximately 60 firefighters were needed for the extinguishment of this fire. The dollar loss was estimated at $450,000 [$350,000 structure and $150,000 contents]. Two families were displaced, but only one needed Red Cross Assistance. The Red Cross assisted a family of four (1 adult female and 3 children ages 14, 8 and 3). The only injury reported was to a firefighter with a small 2nd to 3rd degree burn injury to the back of his hand.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 4:40 AM, 16 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Terrance Manning responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 1770 N. El Cerrito Pl. in Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived to find a vacant, 3-story apartment building, approximately 100' x 150' with heavy fire on all three floors. Firefighters immediately began an aggressive interior attack coordinated with rooftop ventilation.

Even though this was a vacant apartment building, as Firefighters advanced through the structure, they conducted a primary search looking for anyone who may have been inside. Fortunately, no one was discovered during the search and no injuries were reported.

Firefighting efforts proved challenging and dangerous when holes were discovered in the floors throughout the structure. In addition, ventilation efforts were extended due to the building having a 2" lightweight concrete roof. Using a well coordinated attack, 75 Firefighters were able to control the fire in just under one hour.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.


Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department