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Community name written in all Caps then a space and a -.
Example: NORTH HOLLYWOOD -
(To find the community name, place the incident address into maps.yahoo.com, then zoom out 3 times and look for the community name. Each neighboring community is differentiated in a slightly different color.)

After writing the community name in one or two sentences provide the reader all they need to know regarding the topic. The basic information.

Describe in chronological order the events of the incident in short paragraphs. What firefighters saw and did.

Remember to include the date, address, how long it took to knockdown and by how many firefighters, the cause, estimated $loss, and dispatched units.

Tips: Don't use two words if one will do. Spell the number out if it is one digit and use the numbers if it is two digits or more. Example: Three. 55.

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson Los Angeles Fire Department Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

An early morning inferno destroyed a large apartment building under construction and severely damaged two nearby high-rise buildings. 
The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 1:20 AM on December 8th, 2014 to 906 North Fremont Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, where firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire showing from a 200' x 900' seven story building under construction. Two stories were concrete while the remaining 5 floors were exposed lumber.
The massive blaze could be seen from all over the city and 50 foot flames lengths caused the closure of all North bound lanes of the 110 Freeway.
250 Firefighters under the command of Deputy Chief Joseph Castro battled the fire defensively utilizing large hose streams from the ground and aerial ladders from above. The intensity of the flames quickly ignited several floors of a 16 story adjacent high-rise. Although Firefighters battled intensely, 221 North Figueroa was heavily damaged. Another building located at 313 North Figueroa threatened by fire was saved by the hard work of Firefighters.
The bulk of the fire was knocked down  in just over 90 minutes. Firefighters managed flair-up and worked with LAFD bulldozers for nearly 24 hours to fully extinguish the deep seeded smoldering lumber.
In the wake of this Major Emergency structure fire, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section requested the assistance of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team (NRT) to aid in the cause investigation.
Due to the extensive damage and the significant monetary losses, the LAFD asked the ATF to activate the NRT. As a result, approximately 20 ATF agents and specialists will arrive in Los Angeles to join LAFD Arson investigators and local ATF special agents at the scene.
The investigation will begin when all Agencies and Investigators are present, it is anticipated this will be Wednesday December 10, 2014. 

As you know, winter storms are moving across the Southern California area starting late Monday night, bringing significant rainfall, gusty winds and thunderstorms to Los Angeles through Wednesday.

Moderate to heavy rain is predicted to spread quickly into Los Angeles by early Tuesday morning. Rainfall amounts with this storm could be very impressive. There is potential for 1.0-2.0" for coastal and valley areas and 2.0-5.0" in the foothills and mountains.

As usual, an area of special concern with the storm will be the possibility of flash flooding with mud and debris flows around any recent burn areas.

Firefighters are preparing and so should you!

All LAFD Company Officers are ensuring that their assigned Swift-Water Rescue equipment is being carried on the apparatus as well as rain gear and High Visibility Vests for safety. Firefighters are also surveying their Water Rescue Sites and reviewing River Rescue Operations with their crews. We are monitoring our sand and sandbag inventories. Each neighborhood fire station is ensuring they have a minimum of 500 sandbags and will give up to 25 bags per residence.

The LAFD is even augmenting it's staffing for Tuesday, December 2, 2014 as follows:
Two Swift Water Teams will be deployed at their designated stations (SW44) and (SW88).
Four Ready Reserve Engines (435, 469, 473 and 474) will be staffed, and Battalion Chief Aids will be added in the following Battalions: 2, 9, 14, 15 and 17.

Your Los Angeles Firefighters ask, Are you prepared?

As a result of the anticipated increased winds and lowering relative humidity, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) will pre-deploy additional resources beginning at 8:00 AM on Wednesday November 13th, 2013. These additional firefighters will be placed at select Neighborhood Fire Stations serving high hazard brush areas for an anticipated 24 hours, pending re-evaluated weather conditions.

      These Fire Stations include:

8 (Porter Ranch)
28 (Porter Ranch) 
35 (Los Feliz) 
71 (Bel Air, Beverly Glen, UCLA Campus)
77 (Sun Valley, Shadow Hills, La Tuna Canyon)
78 (Studio City / Valley Village) 
83 (Encino) 
84 (Woodland Hills)
91 (Sylmar, N/E City of San Fernando)
97 (Laurel Canyon & Mulholland Drive)
99 (Beverly Glen and Mulholland Drive)
106 (West Hills, Chatsworth Lake, Canoga Park)
109 (Encino Hills)

The specific stations and locations are based on fire experience, area access and fire potential.

Additional staffing includes:  11 Engines, 6 Brush Patrols (4x4 trucks able to access remote areas, equipped with water and hose), one Bulldozer Team, two Water Tenders (apparatus containing a large amount of water), one EIT (Firefighter Staff Assistant) for each Battalion and Division Chief, two Metro Fire Dispatchers, one Air Operations Officer and two Helitac (helicopter) members.

When fire weather conditions dictate, the City of Los Angeles may enact special parking restrictions in areas historically prone to wildfire. These are critical areas (very narrow roads, hairpin turns, and key intersections) where parked vehicles could delay citizens trying to evacuate and delay fire companies attempting to gain access during a fast moving Brush Fire.

This local declaration of parking restrictions is separate from regional forecasts from our friends at the National Weather Service.

To determine current Red Flag Alert Parking Restrictions in the City of Los Angeles, please call 3-1-1 or visit: lafd.org/redflag



You Can Help!

While terrain is readily assessed, and many hazards are managed by our annual Brush Clearance Program, the LAFD asks you to remain cognizant of local fire weather.

Your personal awareness of overall wildfire danger, combined with readiness to take quick action are key to our collective survival of brush fires.

Some have asked, "What exactly is Ready! Set! Go!?" Here's a brief explanation. Those three words can prepare you and your family for a Wildfire:

Get Ready: Help protect your property by creating defensible space around your home. That means removing brush and replacing shake-shingle roofs. Assemble emergency supplies and plan your escape routes.

Get Set: If a wildfire threatens your neighborhood, act immediately. Place valuables in your vehicle, roll up the windows and back your vehicle into the driveway. Remove flammable materials from around your house.

Go: You don't have to wait to be told to leave, but if told to do so, do it. Remember firefighters need room in which to work. By leaving, you give them the best chance to protect your property.

(Video)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson Los Angeles Fire Department Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

The official site for LAFD News has moved, and continues to be a work in progress. We encourage you to now visit and bookmark:

lafd.org/news

The site you are currently viewing will no longer be updated. Once the new LAFD News site is fully functional, we hope to make our former content (years 2004-2014) available for viewing here as an historical archive. We appreciate your patience during this prolonged transition.

ENCINO - The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) extinguished structure fire that claimed two lives and hospitalized six, including one firefighter.

Just before 9:00 PM on August 28, 2014, firefighters responded to 5330 Lindley Avenue to find a three-story center-hallway apartment/condo building over a parking structure, with one unit on the third floor well involved in flames. An aggressive attack ensued and additional firefighters were quickly requested.

Over 100 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Al Valle, fully extinguished the flames in just over one hour.

A total eight civilian patients were evaluated. Sadly an elderly male and female were determined dead, most likely due to asphyxiation from smoke. Five others required transport to local hospitals and one declined transport. Lastly, one firefighter suffered a hand injury and was transported to a local hospital in Fair condition.

A positive identification of the deceased, as well as the cause, time and manner of their death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. There were no security doors or bars on windows to impede egress. This is the 19th and 20th civilian fatality related to a structure fire in LAFD's jurisdiction in 2014.

The Mayors Crisis Response Team assisted those affected by this traumatic incident and the American Red Cross assisted with those displaced.

The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Section and the estimated dollar loss is being tabulated.

Hard wired Smoke Alarms were located however they did not appear to be functional. Friday morning August 29, 2014, firefighters will canvas the neighborhood as part of the LAFD’s Smoke Alarm Field Education (SAFE) Program, distributing free smoke alarms and fire safety information.

Dispatched: E83 RA83 E293 T93 E100 RA100 E288 E88 T88 EM17 BC17 BC10 E84 RA73 DC3 RA88 E103 E290 T90 EM15 BC15 RA90 RA39 RA104 EM14 E273 T73 E39 E90 E237 T37 EM9 UR88 T89 E289 UR89 E27 BC5 RT83 RA909 E87 E305 T105 AR2 RA72 RA105 AR10 AR11 AR21

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

VENICE  – On the afternoon of July 27, 2014, a bolt of lightning from an unexpected summer storm struck Venice Beach. LA County Fire Department  (LACoFD) Lifeguards and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) units sprang into action to assist numerous injured people.


The first person rescued from the ocean was 56-year-old Robert Kilroy, an off-duty seasonal LA County Lifeguard and a professional chiropractor. Dr. Kilroy was pulled by his 15-year-old daughter Emily from the water in cardiac arrest. First responders began immediate CPR on Dr. Kilroy and transported him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood. Four days later he was discharged from the hospital after making a full recovery and has returned to work and his normal everyday activities. Tragically, one individual also in the ocean at the time succumbed to his injuries.

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 the LAFD and LACoFD officials joined medical personnel from Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center to re-unite with Dr. Kilroy, to share his story and discuss the importance of Bystander CPR and ocean safety ahead of the Labor Day holiday, at the Venice Beach Pier parking lot.

“It really underscores the need for everyone to learn CPR, learn how to use a defibrillator, because you never know,” said Dr. Marc Eckstein, medical director of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

FAIRCREST HEIGHTS – A male in his 70’s, two dogs and a bird were found dead in a burning home Sunday afternoon.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 4:51 PM on August 24, 2014 to the report of a structure fire at 1568 South Point View Street in the Faircrest Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke showing from the attic of a one story 1,544 square-foot home.

Access was difficult due to excessive storage in front yard, back yard, roof and throughout the 80 year old residence. During fire attack, LAFD responders discovered a man without vital signs of life, who was later determined to be dead at the scene.

Ninety-seven firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Kevin Pearson were able to fully extinguish the flames in just 31 minutes. Two dogs and a pet bird also succumbed in the fire. No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters found no evidence of functional smoke alarms inside the residence. The home was heavily damaged by the fire, and was not equipped with optional residential fire sprinklers.

A positive identification of the victim, as well as the cause, time and manner of his death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

As LAFD Arson Investigators were seeking the cause of the fire, firefighters canvassed the neighborhood as part of the LAFD’s Smoke Alarm Field Education (SAFE) Program, distributing free smoke alarms and fire safety information.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. The cause of the blaze remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E58 RA858 E68 E261 T61 RA61 E292 T92 EM11 BC18 E62 E61 E294 T94 E43 DC1 BC11 RA68 E34 E237 T37 EM1 BC1 T5 E205 E5 UR5 UR88 BC4 E26 AR2 AR1 RT59 RA892 AR11 RA894 AR21 AR13 E58 T94 E294 AR21

Submitted by Shawn Lenske, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

A strong earthquake near Napa in Northern California this week, reminds us that disasters can strike without warning.

What would you do...

...if basic services - water, gas, electricity and telephones - were entirely cut off? ...if roads were impassible or neighborhood firefighters were committed to major emergencies and unable to reach you right away?

The answer is Preparedness!

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department want you and your family to be safe. Here are some tips for getting and staying prepared:

• Know the types of disasters that can occur in your community.
• Make a family emergency plan that coordinates with your school, work and neighborhood plans. Practice them with the every member of your household - and don't forget your pets!
• Create a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for at least three days. Remember to check your kit every six months.
• Teach children about emergencies, including when to call for help, where you'll meet and how you'll communicate following a disaster.
• If you commute to work, know alternate routes and carry appropriate supplies, such as a disaster kit in your car - and a compact kit with bare essentials such as a small flashlight and whistle when on public transportation.

Being prepared will not only help you survive a disaster, but greatly lessens the impact of common emergencies such as injury, fire and severe weather.

The LAFD suggests these resources to help you prepare:

• American Red Cross - Plan and Prepare
• CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response
• CERT - Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT - LA)
• Disability.gov - Disaster Preparedness
• Earthquake Country Alliance
• FEMA - Are You Ready? Guide
• FEMA - Ready Kids
• LAFD - Emergency Preparedness Booklet
• Los Angeles County - Emergency Survival Program
• MySafeLA.org
• Ready.gov
• ReadyLA.org

The time to get ready for unexpected situations is right now - while you have time to listen, learn, plan and prepare!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Your Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is excited to share that the LAFD.org website, including the LAFD News and Information, and LAFD ALERT web pages are being updated and redesigned.

In early September the first phase of our online content will launch. There will be an entire re-design of the websites bringing them into compliance with the Federal Government’s Section 508  regulations regarding individuals with disabilities.

The new online content is a collaborative effort between web design firm Lightray and multiple LAFD Sections (Administrative Operations, MIS, Community Liaison Unit, Fire Prevention Bureau, and the Training and Support Bureau). We thank the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation for providing generous financial support for this project.

This redesign will provide the LAFD with a new public web presence, showcasing the latest technology, and a user-friendly design and interface, which will allow visitors to quickly and easily navigate the site to find important information about the Department. The site will be easily readable on all types of devices, including computers, tablets and mobile phones.

It is important to note that the new websites will continually evolve as additional features are added and content is updated. During this period, some of our legacy content may be unavailable.

We thank you for your patience as this long-needed project gets underway and we look forward to your feedback once our online content goes live.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

VAN NUYS - Over 125 firefighters battled a brush fire that erupted within the Sepulveda basin on August 22, 2014, scorching 30 acres.

Just before 4:00 PM the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the 15700 block of Burbank Boulevard to find thick brush and trees on fire in the Sepulveda basin.

A 10 mph southerly wind began blowing embers, creating several spot fires. The flames quickly spread to 10-acres and began burning two different areas, South and North of Burbank Boulevard, prompting the Incident Commander to create two separate branches of command and control. A large column of grey smoke was clearly visible from the 405 and 101 freeways.

Firefighters attacked the flames with hose-lines and hand tools, in nearly 90 degree weather. Multiple helicopters, including the Erickson Air-Crane, performed precise water drops.

Fortunately there are no structures threatened and firefighters were able to take more of a defensive posture. No one was injured.

The fires prompted the California Highway Patrol to shut down the Burbank Boulevard off-ramps from the northbound and southbound San Diego (405)  Freeway. Burbank Boulevard also was closed between Woodley Avenue and Balboa Boulevard for a period of time.

Over 125 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox, fully extinguished the flames in nearly two and a half hours. A total of 30 Acres burned.

Firefighters remained on the scene through the next day to continue extinguishing hot spots.

The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E83 E88 WT88 T88 E288 BC10 H4 T90 E290 E239 T39 RA39 E100 E109 H0A EM14 BC14 E102 H3 RA83 E99 DC3 EM9 BC17 E105 E87 E109 H748 E93 E108 E89 E7 E86 E260 T60 E278 T78 BC9 BC12 E60 RA100 RA90 E37 E98 E81 E61 E27 HU59 BP44 BP74 E33 E5 E61 E8 E90 E33 BP78 E105 E88 BP109 E87 E83 T98 E298 BC10

(VIDEO)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

LOS ANGELES - The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department has announced its "Five Steps to Neighborhood Preparedness" program, an easy-to-use guide for creating a neighborhood disaster preparedness plan.

The program will be introduced at a series of identical community preparedness workshops to be held throughout the City during September.

Each community workshop is free to attend, and refreshments will be provided. There will be a raffle with door prizes. Registration is limited, so please sign up today!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014
6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Cheviot Hills Recreation Center
2551 Motor Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Register now for this workshop

Thursday, September 18, 2014
6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Alpine Recreation Center
817 Yale Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Register now for this workshop

Wednesday, September 24, 2014
6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Sunland/Tujunga Municipal Building
7747 Foothill Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 91042
Register now for this workshop

Thursday, September 25, 2014
6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Crenshaw Christian Center
7901 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Register now for this workshop

At the core of the award-winning program is the Five Steps Toolkit, which enables residents to define their neighborhood, rally and engage community members and build a customized disaster response plan. This toolkit is inclusive of people with disabilities, those whose primary language may not be English, and others who may need extra help after a disaster.

"All of us are greater than any one of us," said James G. Featherstone, General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department. "The Five Steps to Neighborhood Preparedness program is designed to empower communities to not only address the unique issues they may face in case of an emergency, but create a plan to manage an emergency situation safely and effectively."

For more information on the Five Steps to Neighborhood Preparedness program, including the Five Steps Toolkit - or to register for one of the four free workshops - please visit:

www.5steps.la

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Dodgers saluted firefighters from across The Golden State on Tuesday evening, during Firefighter Appreciation Night at Dodger Stadium.

The August 19, 2014 event featured a matchup between the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres, and started with a hosted pre-game reception for firefighters and their families, and continued through a warm summer evening of exciting Major League Baseball.

During pregame ceremonies, newly appointed Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas was asked to throw the honorary first pitch:

While the Dodgers bested the Padres (8 to 6), the real winner of the game was the California Fire Foundation, which benefitted from a generous portion of the evening's ticket sales. The non-profit organization provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters and the communities they protect.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department thank the Dodgers organization for their longstanding support of California first responders, and encourage you to join firefighters and their families for an afternoon or evening of fun this season at Dodger Stadium.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

DOWNTOWN -  Firefighter Steve Ortiz, along with other members from Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Station 10, were recognized by Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas and Fire Commissioners on August 19, 2014. 

After extinguishing a structure fire at a three-story apartment building, Firefighter Ortiz carefully escorted a family around hazards and back into their small burnt apartment, so the mother of six children could gather some of the kids clothes for school the next day. Inside the humble apartment, he noticed the mother searching through trash bags filled with neatly folded children's clothes. They did not even have dressers for furniture. Troubled by this, Steve tenaciously set out to locate some furniture for this family in need. After an exhaustive search, he was able to arrange the donation of some beautiful dressers and other items. The entire Fire Station enthusiastically delivered the furniture to the family of eight. As you could imagine, the family was very touched and grateful.

While Firefighter Ortiz was not seeking attention for this good deed, we thought you would appreciate hearing it. Hopefully this small yet powerful story will encourage us all to follow his example and go the extra mile to help others in need. Way to go Firefighter Ortiz and Fire Station 10! 

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

NORTH HOLLYWOOD- A fast moving fire Friday evening ripped through Hy-Grade Food Supply. The quick work of the Los Angeles Fire Department saves adjacent businesses.



Just after 7:30 PM on August 15, 2014 the LAFD received multiple 911 calls reporting fire coming from a building at 7440 North Fulton Avenue. Firefighters arrived quickly to find flames through the roof of a 75' by 75' one story industrial building.

Firefighters aggressively attacked flames so intense they had melted a steel door. The fire behavior led to a coordinated retreat and defensive firefight with large hose streams.

A total of 118 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Timothy Ernst, fully extinguished the blaze in just under an hour. The fire was confined to the business of origin, limiting damage to adjoining businesses. One firefighter was medically evaluated but didn't require treatment and was able to return to work.

The LAFD will maintain a fire watch overnight and at daybreak will begin salvage and overhaul. Dollar loss from this destructive blaze is still being tabulated. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E81 E289 E89 T89 RA89 RA889 E102 E260 T60 EM14 BC10 BC14 E60 E7 E39 E77 E290 E90 T90 E275 T75 E278 T78 DC3 EM11 BC12 T88 E288 UR88 E27 UR27 BC5 T39 E239 SQ21 RA81 RA7 AR2 E98 E76 EA1 RT83 RA909

[ video ] [ video ]

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

DOWNTOWN - The Plaza Firehouse, Los Angeles Fire Department's first Fire Station, is celebrating 130 years on Saturday, August 16, at the El Pueblo Historic Monument located near Olvera Street in the Los Angeles Plaza Historic District. The event is free to the public, and all are welcome.

 

This historic milestone is being celebrated by showcasing:
 

• Historic rigs and fire apparatus
• Rarely seen photos & artifacts on display
• Arts & crafts tables
• Living history performances at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Pico House

Spend the day celebrating this anniversary of the oldest firehouse in Los Angeles, which operated from 1884 to 1897. Since then the building has been used as a saloon, cigar store, poolroom, "seedy hotel", Chinese market, "flop house", and drugstore. The building was restored in the 1950s and opened as a firefighting museum in 1960.

 

Saturday, August 16, 2014

10 AM to 3 PM

501 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

 

The Plaza Firehouse is California Registered Historical Landmark No. 730. The plaque reads "Dedicated to the firemen of the Los Angeles Fire Department--past, present and future--who since 1871, by their courage and faithful devotion to duty, have protected the lives and property of the citizens of Los Angeles from the ravages of fire."

 

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS: Los Angeles Fire Department | LAFD Historical Society | Fuego Tech Fire Rangers | African American Firefighter Museum | Burbank Fire Department | Vernon Fire Department | FDNY Rescue 5 | Crown Fire Coach Club | Presented by: El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, El Pueblo Park Association, & the Box 15 Club.

 

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

Kindly join members of the Los Angeles Fire Department today in remembering fallen Firefighter Jaime L. Foster, who became the first probationary member and first woman to die in the line-of-duty at the Los Angeles Fire Department, following a tragic accident on August 14, 2004.

Fallen Los Angeles Firefighter Jaime L. Foster
1979-2004

Learn more about Jaime and other LAFD members who have paid the ultimate price in their service to the City by visiting:

http://bit.ly/LAFD-LastAlarm

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Special Team Charged with Quickly Rescuing Wildland Firefighters

by Joe Zwierzchowski
Information Officer, Florida Forest Service
Assigned to July Complex Wildfires in Northern California

The Klamath Mountains are known for two things: rugged terrain and wildfires. Neither are forgiving elements and when combined can create one of the more dangerous working environments available for wildland firefighters.

Given the recent run of wildfires during the past years and the area’s long relationship with fires throughout history, the Klamath National Forest is a fitting place to pilot and hone a new technique for firefighter search and rescue. Started on the Klamath in 2012, a Rapid Extraction Module (REM) has been brought together as part of the July Complex wildfires.

The seven-man REM team is made up of five members from Durango (Co.) Fire and Rescue and two members from the Los Angeles Fire Department. "This team is capable of anything the forest needs us to do," said LAFD Capt. Tom Henzgen. "The program is in its infancy but I can certainly see the tremendous value of something like this."

Henzgen and his training partner, Frank Aguirre, also from LAFD, ran the Durango crew through its paces near Etna Summit to practice the skills they might need to employ in a worst-case scenario. The team consists of two Technical Specialists who are also Emergency Medical Technicians and trained in low angle rescue techniques, as well a five-person engine crew. One of the Technical Specialists is the module leader.

Along a small slope near the summit, the team cross trained on all positions so each member could become familiar with all possible responsibilities. Durango members swapped roles between main line, belay, edge protection, communications, etc.

The team members (Dan Dosch, Kyles Eckes, John Max Henry, Allen Ottman and Pete Stockwell) come from southwest Colorado and are familiar with the ropes and techniques used on the REM but as all firefighters know, there are learning opportunities on every assignment.

"It’s a beneficial addition to wildland firefighters, especially in terrain like this," Rockwell said. "It’s an added tool and safety feature that completes this total package." Team safety is paramount – rescuers cannot help the patient if they become patients themselves.

Henzgen of the LAFD, a trained paramedic, said the team's purpose is to be able to traverse the rugged terrain like the Klamath Mountains in case of an injury, locate and reach the patient using a rope system and pull the victim to a safe location in order to speed up the extraction process.

"The 'Golden Hour' is the key," Henzgen said, referring to the critical time from when an emergency call is received to when the patient is properly treated. "We need to get the patient out of this canyon, out of this forest and to a hospital within one hour."

Another factor specific to the Klamath and other forests in the region is unique weather. Inversions – low lying layers of temperature variances often found in the Klamath as well as Rogue-Siskiyou National Forests – often prevent the use of helicopters for an air extraction.

"The inversion is the difference around here," said Matt Lipson, Medical Unit Leader for California Interagency Incident Management Team One. "The progression of medical response over the past 10 years in the woods and in the urban interface areas has been incredible. This is part of that and our firefighters are out there risking their lives; they deserve the best we can provide them."

While speed is the key to the program – and survival – should a firefighter, hunter or hiker ever need the REM, LAFD's Henzgen and Aguirre maintained a mantra while running their team through drills: Speed is Consistent with Safety.

"It’s an awesome program because of the area (the Klamath) and the mobile capacity of taking care of our own," Aguirre said, adding "We can be incredibly effective in places others cannot."

Safety, of course, is top priority on all fire suppression efforts and Incident Commander Jerry McGowan summed that sentiment up well during a recent morning briefing. "We have a plan for communications, operations …" McGowan said. "Safety is not a plan. Safety is a belief." That belief and commitment to safety is demonstrated by the inception, presence and practices of the REM.

"I’m surprised this hasn’t been implemented sooner - and I’m excited to be part of it," Durango’s Eckes said. "To know there is somebody on the incident that is trained and setup for this is a great improvement to the way we (firefighters) work."

# # #

[ source article ] [ article related photos licensed for your use ]

SOUTH PARK - Los Angeles Firefighters battled a blaze in a small duplex, that gravely injured a man on August 11, 2014.

 © Image by OnScene.TV

Just before 1:30 AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to 237 W. 50th Street to find an approximately 500 square-foot duplex on fire. Firefighters performed a quick and aggressive attack on the flames with hose-lines while colleagues performed vertical ventilation on the roof with chainsaws to remove hot smoke and gasses.

During an initial rapid search inside, a man was located in the hallway. Firefighters extricated the pulseless and non-breathing man, rendered immediate CPR and Advanced Life Support medical aid on scene. He was transported to a local hospital in grave condition. Due to the outstanding efforts of Firefighter/Paramedics along with seasoned hospital staff, the patients pulses were regained, however he remains in grave condition. No one else was injured.

A total of 40 Firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Kristin Crowley, fully extinguished the flames in 20 minutes, confining them to the unit of origin.

Two hardwired smoke alarms were located inside the residence, however they were non-functional. The home was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers and there were no obvious factors to impede the man's escape.

As LAFD Investigators combed through smoldering debris, firefighters canvassed the neighborhood as part of LAFD's Smoke Alarm Field Education (SAFE) Program, and distributed 30 free smoke alarms and fire safety information. Over a half dozen non-functional smoke alarms were located in the neighborhood. The LAFD thanks First Alert for graciously donating smoke alarms.

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $100,000 ($75,000 structure & $25,000 contents). An estimated $264,000 in property damage was saved by firefighters.

LAFD Senior Arson Investigator David Liske stated the cause of the early morning blaze was from a "smoker/cigarette fire".

Did you know? Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. You can make a difference!

FireSafeCigarettes.org

Dispatched Units: E46 RA246 RA846 E233 E33 T33 E21 T21 E221 SQ21 EM11 BC13 BC11 E15 RA46 RA33 AR2 AR11 AR21

UPDATE: The 60 year-old gravely injured man, sadly was pronounced dead at a local hospital August 12, 2014. This marks the seventeenth Structure Fire related fatality in LAFD's jurisdiction this year, which is a high number of fatalities in a short amount of time. Many if not all of these deaths likely could have been averted had there been functional smoke alarms present.

Last year there were a total of 20 Structure Fire related deaths.

(VIDEO)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

HOLLYWOOD - The Los Angeles Fire Department and LAFD Historical Society, welcome you to join firefighters and their families for a special day of fun and safety awareness, as we celebrate Smokey Bear's 70th Birthday at the LAFD Museum in Hollywood.

Museum docents, including off-duty and retired firefighters will warmly welcome you to this hidden Los Angeles treasure (admission is free), where you'll see a special display of Smokey Bear memorabilia, hear stories about the legendary spokes-bear and be treated to an up close look at the fire service past and present, all inside a carefully preserved former firehouse.

At 1:00 PM, Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge will join museum staff and visitors to celebrate Smokey's birthday and serve a special birthday cake to those in attendance. The museum is open from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM each Saturday and admission is free!

Smokey Bear 70th Birthday Celebration
Saturday, August 9, 2014
1:00 PM
LAFD Museum in Hollywood
1355 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

LOS ANGELES – Ralph M. Terrazas was confirmed today by the Los Angeles City Council as the new Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Terrazas, the 18th Fire Chief of the LAFD since its founding in 1886, was selected to lead the Department by Mayor Eric Garcetti after his office conducted a nationwide search for a new LAFD leader.

“I am honored and humbled to begin leading the 3,200 men and women of the LAFD as their Fire Chief, said Terrazas. “It’s an exciting and challenging time to be taking the helm and together we will re-double our efforts to transform the LAFD into a metric-driven, technologically sophisticated, community-focused organization that reflects the communities we serve.”

Fire Commission President Delia Ibarra welcomed him to the new role and said, “The Commissioners and I congratulate Chief Terrazas on his confirmation as Fire Chief and we look forward to working in partnership with him as we continue to foster dynamic and positive changes to the LAFD.”

Terrazas is a 31-year Department veteran who most recently served as an Assistant Chief overseeing the South Division. As a Division Commander, Terrazas was responsible for leading, managing, and training the approximately 500 members on duty at 54 fire stations throughout seven battalion commands. The South Division command covers half of the City and includes the complex institutions of the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport.


Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

WATTS - The men and women of your Los Angeles Fire Department cordially invite you and your family to join them in Watts for the:

Watts Community Fun Day and Car Show
Saturday, August 9, 2014
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fire Station 65
1801 East Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90002

Event Admission is Free!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department