With more than 125 Los Angeles Firefighters drafted to the battlefields of Europe in "The War to End All Wars", it is easy to forget the municipal challenge that remained in protecting the 550,000 residents of burgeoning Los Angeles from fire and other calamaties during World War I.

While the battle raged overseas, Firemen (and yes, several women) working at neighborhood Fire Stations retained a need for vision, progress and leadership at the helm of the LAFD.

Enter Archibald Eley.

Known to close friends - including several Mayors, as 'Archie', Chief Engineer Eley was a man of fortitude, harboring an unparalleled passion for protecting Los Angeles.

To learn more about this visionary leader, we welcome you to view an amazing snapshot of our past in an official Fire Department document delivered to City Hall in Los Angeles 93 years ago today...

The 29th Annual Report of the Los Angeles Fire Department(June 30, 1915)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, June 30, 2008 at 11:01 AM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Deputy Chief Jeffery S. Mottram responded to a mult-patient traffic collision on the Southbound 405 (San Diego) Freeway near Burbank Boulevard in Sherman Oaks.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find 5 vehicles involved in a traffic accident, that stretched across all lanes of the southbound 405 freeway. One of the vehicles involved was a private ambulance that fortunately, was not transporting a patient at the time of the incident.

Firefighters worked diligently to immediately assess and triage a total of seven patients. One male, in his 50's, was transported in critical condition. A mother, and her young daughter, were transported with minor injuries, along with two additional females, ranging in age from 25 to 60. Both women sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The two male ambulance attendants were treated on the scene and declined transport to the hospital. The cause of the accident is being investigated by The California Highway Patrol.

Submitted by Melissa Kelley
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, June 28, 2008, at 2:57 PM, 1 Company of Los Angeles Firefighters, 9 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 LAFD Bicycle Paramedic Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, as well as 8 personnel from the LAFD Bureau of Fire Prevention & Public Safety; a total of 35 Los Angeles Fire Department members under the direction of Battalion Chief Jack Wise, assembled for the night-long 'Electric Daisy Carnival' at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 3911 South Figueroa Street in Exposition Park.

Joining the Los Angeles Police Department and allied agencies in Unified Command, LAFD personnel spent nearly 15 hours at the music oriented event, addressing the life safety needs of attendees, including 18 persons deemed in need of medical attention.

Of the 18 carnival-goers assessed by LAFD Paramedics, 11 were transported to area hospitals for unspecified injury or illness. The Los Angeles Fire Department did not formally estimate attendance at the 12-hour event, which ended as scheduled at 4:00 AM.

The LAFD concluded on-site operations at 5:40 AM Sunday morning.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned two Strike Teams of Firefighters to assist CAL FIRE (the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) in their battle against a brush fire in Butte County, California, 430 miles northwest of our City.

View Larger Map (you can also click, grab and zoom the map above!)

These 45 personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the "Butte Lightning Complex Wildland Fire" in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System, administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The system is designed to ensure that additional resources are provided to local jurisdictions whenever their own resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.

The City of Los Angeles remains fully protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs, and we remind local residents that these resources can be recalled to our City as necessary.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding this wildfire incident, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by CAL FIRE, which maintains daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire is burning.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department express their deepest sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of Newport Beach Firefighter Kevin Patrick Pryor. Kevin died on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 of a massive brain hemorrhage after returning from a Strike Team deployment to the Humboldt Fire in Northern California.

We extend our heartfelt condolences and encourage the public to express their support during this difficult time.

Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 9:04 PM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Teams, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch, responded to a Structure Fire at 6030 N. Laurel Canyon Bl. in the North Hollywood area.

The first Firefighters arriving on scene found a 150 foot by 50 foot, 1 story commercial building fully involved with fire. With no exposures to the involved structure, Firefighters were able to expeditiously deploy handlines and set forth an aggressive ventilation operation in handling the late night blaze.

It took approximately 54 Firefighters 20 minutes to call a knockdown on the fire. The cause is undetermined and the dollar loss estimate will be tabulated at the completion of the fire investigation. There were no reports of injury.

(photos)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

"You have cancer". They are words that alter lives, including those of many firefighters who are diagnosed each year with potentially life-taking disease.

Each day, members of the Los Angeles Fire Department witness the uncommon bravery of cancer patients and the boundless devotion of their loved ones, caretakers and cancer researchers; as they collectively strive for wellness.

It was therefore an honor for the crew at LAFD Station 27, as well as staff from the adjacent Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and Memorial in Hollywood, to witness today's start of a celebrity encouraged 8,800-mile fire engine journey across America to raise cancer awareness and money toward finding a cure.

Code 3 For A Cure...

Retired Santa Ana, California firefighter Lorenzo Abundiz, a survivor of three types of cancer, founded Code 3 For A Cure not only to call attention to how common cancer is among firefighters, but to encourage those in all walks of life to donate directly to established cancer-related charities of their choosing.

Abundiz, his son and a close friend will be joined by dozens of other firefighters - including cancer survivors, on their cross-country journey aboard a fire engine (and fuel) proudly donated by the Sutphen Corporation.

To follow their daily exploits and learn about helping the cause, please visit:

www.Code3foraCure.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

As part of our 'LAFD Everywhere' initiative, the Los Angeles Fire Department maintains a global real-time presence on hundreds of websites, blogs, portals and internet services.

Among the more prominent syndicators of LAFD Breaking News is Twitter, a free to join service that can let you know what Los Angeles Firefighters are doing right now.

What is Twitter?

We think this video by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey explains it well, and we remain humbled by his mention of LAFD Twitter at the 9:51 mark.

Not everyone has ten minutes. So, after or instead of watching the video above, we hope you'll invest just 2:25 to grasp the usefulness and potential of Twitter in an easily understood Common Craft video:

Twitter in Plain English...



So, what are you waiting for?

lafd.org/twitter

NOTE: The same LAFD Breaking News sent via Twitter is also available via e-mail.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 3:19 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and the LAPD, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch, responded to a Structure Fire at 14024 W. Chandler Bl. in the South Van Nuys area.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a 3000 square foot, 1 story single family dwelling, with smoke and fire showing. Firefighters quickly deployed handlines to gain control of the fire located on one side of the home. After a knockdown was called, a male 85 years old who was confined to a wheelchair, having been exposed to heavy smoke and fire, succumbed to his injures. The wife, 77, and the caretaker were able to escape the blaze without injury.

It took 30 Firefighters to call a knockdown in approximately 22 minutes. The cause and dollar loss estimate are under investigation. The wife declined the services of the Red Cross, opting to stay with a family member.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

Each year, 780,000 Americans suffer a stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Yet many Americans do not know the symptoms or what to do when they witness someone having a stroke.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Brain cells die when deprived of oxygen and nutrients provided by blood. Because stroke injures the brain, if you are having a stroke, you may not realize what is happening. To a bystander, the signs of a stroke are distinct:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

In treating a stroke, every minute counts!

Treatments are available that greatly reduce the damage caused by a stroke. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke, making note of the time of the first stroke symptoms, and getting to the hospital quickly - within 60 minutes if possible - can save you, or someone you know, from serious long-term disability.

If you witness someone having a stroke, call 9-1-1!

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics are trained to recognize and care for stroke patients in a timely manner - but first you have to summon them by calling 9-1-1 when there is a sudden onset of...


Making changes in your lifestyle can help prevent stroke. Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Heart Disease
• Family
• History of Stroke
• High Cholesterol
• Being Overweight

Discuss the risk factors for stroke with your Physician. Additional information is available by calling 1-800-352-9424 or visiting:

www.stroke.ninds.nih.gov


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 4:50 AM, 36 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 12 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 5 EMS Battalion Captains, 7 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, the Heavy Equipment & Dozer Company, 1 CERT Team Coordinator, Building & Safety Inspectors, DOT, DWP, LAPD and the Dept. of Sanitation, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 1034 S. Los Angeles St. in the South Park area.

The first arriving Firefighters on scene found a 150 foot by 100 foot, 2 story commercial, with heavy smoke and fire showing from one corner of the 2nd floor. Additional resources were requested immediately, as this building is located in the garment district. Firefighters put forth an assertive effort establishing multiple handlines coordinated with the huge defensive effort of the rooftop ventilation team.

Firefighters provided an aggressive fire fight for approximately 25 minutes before the order was given for all Firefighters to withdraw from the interior of the structure and a defensive fire fight ensued with master streams. The intense fire fight kept the blaze confined to the original fire occupancy with no spread to adjacent buildings. The intense blaze caused power lines entering the building to burn, posing a potential electrical hazard to Firefighters. DWP assistance was requested.

It took 241 Firefighters 1 hour 52 minutes to call a knockdown. No injuries were reported. Fire damaged 3 occupancies, with several others sustaining water damage. The dollar estimate and cause of the early morning blaze is under investigation.

(video) (video) (photos)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department