"Hope For Firefighters" Meet Local Firefighters and Sample Firehouse Cooking

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES- It's time for the annual Hope For Firefighters. It's tasty food, great live music, fun and frolicking in the sun, and a little friendly competition. Now in its 16th year, this occasion attracts thousands. All for a great cause.
It's a one-of-a-kind lunchtime event featuring fire apparatus and demonstrations. Exciting “Firefighter Muster Games” where more than 20 sponsored teams compete for top honors and trophies. It's possibly the largest event of its kind in North America, and you wont want to miss it.

Thursday, June 6, 2013: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Hope Street, between 3rd Street and Hope Place
Directions                                                  

Fire Stations from all over the City team-up with local business sponsors to compete for your palette. Each team will present a "Firehouse Favorite", prepared and served by the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Winners will be selected in the categories of best food, best dessert, and best themed booth.

LAFD merchandise sales, raffle drawings, prizes, as well as food sales ($7 a plate) and sponsorships will all benefit the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association's - Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund.

It truly is a great atmosphere and might be one of the City's best kept secrets. So, we encourage you to bring the whole family and tell a friend...or two! All are welcome! Admission to the venue is free! It's a great excuse to get out of the office!
We HOPE you'll be there, and show your support for your LAFD and their families.


(PHOTOS)
Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Extensive Drill of LAX's Emergency Response Plan was a Success

LOS ANGELES - On April 24, 2013, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) along with the Los Angeles International Airport successfully tested its emergency response plan with a two-hour exercise that included nearly 300 participants, representing more than 30 organizations. About 100 of the participants were volunteers wearing makeup to simulate injuries and played the roles of victims.
   

The drill, dubbed ``LAX AIREX 2013,'' began at 11 a.m. Such exercises are required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as LAFD's "Life Fire Training".

The LAFD utilized two-dozen fire engines, several command vehicles, Airport Crash Rigs, and one helicopter during the simulation. Organizations participating in addition to the LAFD were: LAX Operations, Los Angeles Airport Police, the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Transportation Security Administration, and the American Red Cross.

The scenario included simulated audio of an FAA Air Traffic Control Tower alert; a "crashed'' Boeing 777-300 aircraft with a simulated debris field of aircraft parts; and a medical triage area with a number of fatalities and injured people. This provided Emergency Responders an opportunity to successfully put into action and work out kinks of the emergency response plan, in particular the critical first two hours of a large scale emergency.

(PHOTOS & VIDEO) (KNX 1070 Audio)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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National Tsunami Preparedness Week, LAFD: Are You Prepared?

During National Tsunami Preparedness Week, the Los Angeles Fire Department along with Cal EMA ask..

It's Been Two Years, Are You Better Prepared?

Two years ago a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Tohoku Japan, generating a massive tsunami that devastated many of the country's coastal areas and claimed the lives of over 22,000 people. The impact of the tsunami was also felt close to home, along the Pacific coast.

This disaster served as another stark reminder of California's vulnerability to such events. While LAFD and our state continues to be world leaders in our emergency preparation and response efforts, those efforts are of secondary importance.

It is the advance preparedness measures of each individual that provides the first line of defense against any emergency.

By taking the time to learn and understand your risks and working to prepare for those situations, you put yourself and those around you in a better position to survive and endure whatever Mother Nature may send your way...

But first, what is a Tsunami (SOONAHMEE)? Also commonly referred to as a "Tidal Wave", a Tsunami is caused by the displacement of a large body of water that can travel the speed of a Jumbo Jet. They often arrive as a series of waves which could be dangerous for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

Although rare, tsunamis are a powerful and destructive force of nature. Since the year 1812, 14 tsunamis with wave heights higher than three feet have struck the California coast. Only six of these waves were destructive.

Is Los Angeles ready? We are proud to say, the City of Los Angeles was recently recognized by NOAA’s National Weather Service as StormReady® and the largest city in the nation to become TsunamiReady™.

This week (March 24-30) marks National Tsunami Preparedness Week. It is a time to not only reflect on past events, but to learn from them and take action.

The LAFD along with our friends at FEMA provide the following guidelines for what you should do if a tsunami is likely in your area:

• Turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area.
• Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.
• Never go down to the beach to watch a tsunami come in. If you can see the wave you are too close to escape it.
• CAUTION - If there is noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline, this is nature's tsunami warning and it should be heeded. Move away immediately. 

Whats the difference between a Warning, Advisory and Watch?
 

• Warning -> Inundating wave possible -> Full evacuation suggested
• Advisory -> Strong currents likely -> Stay away from the shore
• Watch -> Danger level not yet known -> Stay alert for more info
• Information -> Minor waves at most -> No action suggested

To learn more information on how your family can be prepared for a severe storm or tsunami, please visit:

stormready.noaa.gov

tsunamiready.noaa.gov

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Rescue Man Trapped in Pacific Palisades Trench, 2nd Victim Beyond Help

PACIFIC PALISADES - Los Angeles Firefighters rescued a man buried in a dirt trench, however a second construction worker was beyond medical help on March 14, 2013.

At 1:34 p.m. firefighters quickly arrived at the 200 block of Temescal Canyon Road where they found an approximate 20' long u-shaped trench, ranging from 110" to 10' wide, and up to 15' deep. Inside the trench, one man was buried nearly up to hips, conscious but unable to escape, and another man buried up to his chest, unconscious and non-breathing. The two workers were from a privately contracted company, working for the city on a storm water project. They were excavating the ground with back-hoes.

With LAFD Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Teams and LAFD Heavy Rescue Unit proactively assigned to the initial response, Firefighter/Dispatchers also summoned large vacuum trucks from the City's Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation to assist with efficient soil removal.

Safely, speedily and with well-practiced efficiency, LAFD trench rescue equipment, medical gear and personnel were relayed to the site. The dirt was promptly shored to protect both the patient and responders.

Firefighters worked to remove the trapped as rapidly as safely possible during this dangerous and delicate operation, making sure not to compromise the safety of the trapped victims or of the firefighters rescuing them. Careful attention was paid to shoring the dirt, minimizing unnecessary movement around the trench, and taking continuous precautions to ensure there was no further collapse.

Just before 3:00 p.m., the first victim a was safely rescued and transported via ground ambulance to an awaiting LAFD helicopter at Will Rogers Beach parking lot. He was then transported to UCLA hospital in serious but stable condition.

Firefighters then concentrated on an extended operation to remove the second adult male victim that remained buried to his chest, unconscious and non-breathing.

Declaring the man deceased, rescuers - still together as a team, transitioned from 'Rescue Mode' to 'Recovery Mode', beginning the dolorous recovery of the man's remains. With the continued enhanced shoring of trench walls and key safety procedures in place, firefighters commenced a precise rotation of personnel for the labor-intensive effort of exhuming the man's body.

More than nine hours after they were first summoned, a total of 90 Los Angeles Firefighters, all under the command of Battalion Chief Al Ward, removed the man from the trench in a dignified and respectful manner, placing his remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

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

Representatives from the City of Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety joined Cal/OSHA Investigators and LAPD at the scene. Also the Mayor's Crisis Response Team provided on-scene crisis intervention, and attended to urgent victim and family comfort needs.

Dispatched Units: E23 RA23 E269 T69 E263 T63 HR56 EM9 BC9 T88 UR88 T5 E205 UR5 BC4 E59 E88 BC18 E5 DC3 RA69 RA62 EM18 RA88 BC731 H5 E90 RH114 JT5 RA867 RA803 RT59 T27 E227 UR27 DT2

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Multi Agency Emergency Drill in Alameda Corridor was a Success

On March 10, 2013 a full-scale exercise took place, providing a vivid depiction of a unified command working together on a simulated incident inside the Alameda Corridor.

The drill took place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and included the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), Vernon Fire Department, Compton Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway and representatives of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA).

The exercise was held at 52nd Street at Little Alameda City of Vernon and simulated the sighting of smoke from a well car on a train in the Alameda Corridor trench, a leaking tank car, and injured railroad personnel. The objective of the drill is to improve unified command, communications, hazardous materials operations and command operations to an incident inside the Alameda Corridor.

 

The Alameda Corridor is a 20-mile dedicated freight expressway linking the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the transcontinental rail network near downtown Los Angeles. The Alameda Corridor, which opened in 2002, was built by ACTA, a joint powers authority governed by the cities and ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In 2012, the Alameda Corridor handled roughly 42 trains per day, each train about one and a half miles long (about 300 containers per train).

This is yet another example of multiple local agencies working together to ensure the greatest care for Los Angeles citizens, and taking pride in the Los Angeles Fire Department motto, "Train as if your life depends on it… Because it does!"

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Hosts the 2013 PAD Program Award Ceremony

Every uniformed member of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is trained in the use of a defibrillator, a devise that externally shocks the human heart out of a fatal rhythm, allowing a normal, healthy rhythm to resume.

Once restricted to use by medical doctors or highly trained fire department paramedics, modern science has produced special Automated External Defibrillators (AED's) that can now be easily and safely used by lay persons with minimal training.

Knowing the presence of AEDs in Los Angeles can easily save lives, the LAFD embarked upon a promising program bringing AEDs to many City facilities that the public accesses for business and recreation in Los Angeles. This Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program has the backing of medical leaders, including the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.

On Thursday, February 28, 2013, the LAFD proudly hosted the 2013 Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program Awards Ceremony, where 48 individuals were recognized for responding to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest in a City facility and utilizing one of the City’s PAD Program defibrillators.

 

This moving award ceremony highlighted 10 incidents that occurred in Los Angeles between December, 2011 and October, 2012. Honorees included members of the public, City employees from various Departments, as well as Fire Department members. We are humbled by these brave heroes who did not hesitate to take immediate life saving action when it was needed.

A sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere... but not without a fight in the City of Los Angeles! You can help your local firefighters by going through and sharing this important information brochure.

Los Angeles Firefighters say, "Don't be a bystander. Be a life saver."

Ready to act today? Click HERE for information on how to join in one of the biggest Citizens CPR Training in Downtown LA, today from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Need more time? Register for a CPR or AED class in your area below.
 

redcross.org/take-a-class

(PHOTOS)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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100 Years Ago Today Los Angeles Firefighters Battled the Famous Brennan Hotel Fire

We would like to share a story with you that turns 100 years-old today. Not just any story. A story that is one of the most talked about fires in the history of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A fire so vicious it injured 30 rugged firemen, burying five, and nearly cost the Chief of the Department his life. A fire where chorus girls in makeup rewarded exhausted firemen with kisses as they exited the smoke-filled building. A fire where likely more pictures were taken than any other fire in the horse drawn era (1877-1921). A fire so fierce it inspired the instant making of a movie. A fire where the Los Angeles Mayor actually pulled hose-line, and thousands of spectators powerlessly watched wide eyed.

This is a story like no other, and just when everyone thought the flames were out...

Los Angeles Examiner
January 24, 1913

Fed by paints, oils and wallpaper of the stock of the Los Angeles Wallpaper and Paint Company, at 529 South Main street, a fire, discovered shortly before 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, swept from top to bottom of the five-story building with the fierceness of flames in a furnace, inflicting a loss of about $100,000 and furnishing a thrilling spectacle to many thousands of persons during the stubborn fight which lasted till nightfall before the firemen had conquered. The fire started in the rear part of the ground floor of the paint company's store, but the cause of it is not known. As soon as Chief Eley arrived he saw the seriousness of the menace and a second and a third alarm followed in rapid succession, until all of the fire companies of the central portion of the city were massed in the struggle to keep the flames within the four walls and save what could be saved from the burning building.

Fire Chief Eley, but lately risen from a sick bed, led his men with persistent courage, forcing his way again and again into the gas-choked basement and the first floor, until a final venture into the death tap almost cost him his life.

An explosion of turpentine casks had thrown a group of firemen out through a basement entrance and had covered another group with a mass of wallpaper from shattered shelving. Immediately following the rescue of these men, just before 5 o'clock, Chief Eley, who had already fainted twice from exertion and exposure to choking fumes, made his way from the rear alley forward through the basement, determined to learn personally if there were other stocks of explosive oils that would endanger the lives of his firemen. 

Presently the absence of the chief was noticed, and a dozen firemen began a frantic search for him.

Firemen J. Reyes of Engine Company No.5 came upon the chief, lying unconscious on the basement floor about 35 feet from the Main street front.

Reyes picked Chief Eley up in his arms and carried him to the front and up a ladder through the sidewalk door. Eley was hurried to the Hospital of the Good Samaritan, unconscious and in a serious condition. He was treated with oxygen, and after an hour recovered consciousness. Late last night he was reported by the physicians in charge to be resting easy and in no danger.

(J. Reyes, now fifty years later as Capt. Reyes, L.A.F.D. retired, states that Chief Eley tripped and fell through an open shipping hatch into nine feet of hot water and turpentine in the basement. Reyes, assigned to Engine Co.5, left his company and entered the hot water and rescued the chief swimming to the hatch opening where Eley was lifted out of the water with a pike pole. Reyes himself became extremely ill from inhaling the turpentine fumes and the hot water he swallowed making the rescue. However, he was not taken to the hospital or listed among those treated. According to Capt. Reyes, as he recalls the incident, Assistant Chief O'Donnell threatened to dismiss Reyes for leaving his company, but Capt. Stephen Queirolo, a natural leader during those early days, threatened to leave the job if Reyes was penalized for his bravery so the matter was dropped. Reyes received no recognition for his act.)

FALSE REPORT CAUSES GLOOM

Shortly after the chief was taken away in the ambulance the word spread among the firemen that he was dying, and they continued the fight under a pall of sadness in that belief.

The four upper floors of the burned building were occupied by the Hotel Brennan. The lodgers had ample warning, and all had left the lodging house before there was any danger to life.

The value of stock of the paint company is placed at $60,000. It is a total loss.

The furniture of the Brennan was worth about $15,000, and it is almost entirely destroyed by the fire and water.

The building, owned by Gustave Brenner of San Francisco, is estimated to have been worth about $75,000, and half of that is the estimate of loss. None of the walls fell.

Wing's Cafe, a chop suey place, which occupied one of the ground floor rooms adjacent to the paint company, suffered a loss of about $5,000.

PROPERTY WELL INSURED

Insurance of $67,500 was carried on the building. The paint company carried insurance to the amount of $20,000. S.M. Green, proprietor of the Brennan, had $10,000 insurance on his furniture, and the cafe was insured to the amount of $3,000.

From 2 o'clock until after 6 Main street and Fifth and Sixth streets were blocked to traffic. Masses of spectators were packed against the ropes at the street corners, and thousands more watched the fire from the roofs of the Kerkoff, Central, Pacific Electric, Security and other tall buildings in the vicinity.

A portion of the matinee audience at the Burbank theater had reached the house before the streets were closed, and most of them sat through the play, in ignorance of the thrilling scenes in real life that were being enacted just on the other side of the swinging doors.

The Optic theater, next door to the paint store, was filled with an audience watching the moving pictures when the fire was discovered. The manager announced that an accident to the film mechanism compelled a suspension of the entertainment, and the theater was emptied without confusion.

GALLANT FIREMEN KISSED

Rehearsal was on at the Century theater, just north of the burning building. The stage was drenched with water and the rehearsal and evening performance were abandoned. The chorus girls, in their makeup, watched the fire, and, in their enthusiasm over the daring shown by the firemen, rewarded some of them with kisses as they came out of the smoke-filled storerooms for breathing spells.

There were thrilling rescues of women in grave peril, but the women were moving picture actresses and the rescuers were actors with terra cotta complexions and black, cornice-like eyebrows. The "movies" man was on hand within half an hour of the time the fire started, with camera and company, and seizing a time when the ladies in front were not in use, the brave rescuers carried limp women down them, while the cameraman worked his crank and shouted hoarse directions.

So realistic was all this that a policeman was deceived and, rushing forward, seized an apparently unconscious girl from the arms of an actor and was rushing to an ambulance with her when her friends effected a genuine rescue.

THIRTY FIREMAN OVERCOME

Probably in all thirty firemen were overcome temporarily by the gas inside the building. Some of them were revived and returned to their work. Firemen were taken to hospitals for treatment.

A second and then a third alarm brought all the downtown fire apparatus to the scene. Twenty lines of hose poured their streams into the building from Main street, from the alley in the rear and from the roofs of the buildings across the alley.

Four engines, the tower, two hook and ladder trucks and three of four hose wagons were grouped at the Main street front. Two engines were at Sixth and Main, and three at Fifth and Main streets, and three more at the Fifth street mouth of the alley in which there was a cluster of ladder and hose trucks.

The firemen fought against great odds, as the combustible stock of the paint store, in the rear of which the fire started, blazed fiercely in spite of the torrents of water that were poured upon it. The flames swept up an air shaft and spread to every floor of the hotel, and down into the basement, where most of the paints and oils were stored. Embers fell all about the block, but with the competent force and equipment Chief Eley had brought to the contest, there was at no time any real danger of the fire spreading beyond the four walls.

Mayor Alexander was on the scene and occasionally lent a hand at tugging at a line of hose. Later he visited the Receiving Hospital and shook hands with each of the injured firemen, congratulating them on the courage with which they had fought till overcome.

RIVAL POLITICIANS ON SCENE

Meyer Lissner, whose Lissner building abuts on the alley directly opposite the burned building, watched the fire closely. It is a coincidence that Gustave Brenner, owner of the structure that burned, was chairman of the rump Republican State convention, held at the time Lissner as chairman of the Republican State Central committee, was directing the activities of the faction in control.

The most tense period of the fight came at a time when thousands of watchers thought the spectacle was ended. A sullen roar came from the basement, the muffled report of an explosion, presumably of turpentine casks.

Lieutenant J. Smith, R. Conklin and Ed Welte of Engine Company No.24 were entering the basement and they were hurled back to the street by the force of the explosion.

On the ground floor a group of firemen were working desperately when an avalanche of wall-paper, jarred from shelves by the explosion, came tumbling down upon them.

FIVE BURIED UNDER DEBRIS

Captain C.F. Blackwell, Howard Dyer and Roy King of Hose Company 23, William Shiller of Engine Company No.7, and J.F. Corneaugh of Truck Company 1 were buried under the debris and were immediately in danger of suffocation, their situation being all the more critical because the room was thick with smoke and gases.

A score of their comrades rushed in and dug frantically till all of them were rescued and carried out, to be hurried away to the Receiving Hospital.

Following the rescue of Chief Eley, Assistant Fire Chief O'Donnell took charge of the fight and remained on duty till all further danger had passed.

A.W. Dominguez, captain of Engine Company 14, was enjoying a day off when the alarms sounded. He made all speed to the fire and worked with his men all through the afternoon.

John B. Conlon, who recently retired as battalion chief of fireboats of the New York fire department after thirty years of service, was an interested spectator.

H.W. Broughton is president and H.C. Grupe is secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles Wallpaper and Paint Company, which, after Brenner, is the heaviest loser in the fire.

HORSE TAKEN THROUGH FIRE

A horse hitched to a delivery wagon stood in the alley when the fire lines were closed and rather than try to get him out through the dense crowds he was unhitched and taken out to Spring street through a liquor store.

Many of the lodgers in the Hotel Brennan saved some of their effects. Motormem and conductors in uniform, a large number of who roomed there, went into the building long after it had been deserted by its dwellers and came out with grips, suitcases and trunks, drenched but happy in the rescue of their possessions...

Here is a list of the most seriously injured firemen working at this fire. There were 30 firemen in all requiring treatment by those listed were as follows:

• Chief A.J. ELEY--Overcome by smoke and fumes: in Columbia Hospital; condition serious, but not fatal.
• CHESTER HOPKINS--Operator for Assistant Chief O'Donnell, overcome by smoke.
• HOWARD DYER--Engine Co.23, slight cut on head.
• R.W. KING--Hose No.23, overcome by smoke.
• W.SHILLER--Engine Co.7, overcome by smoke.
• C.F. BLACKWELL--Engine Co.23, overcome by smoke.
• M.R. KLINE--Engine Co.3, cut on foot by glass.
• H.H. RHOADES--Truck No.6, hand cut by glass.
• HARRY COONEY--Hose No.6, overcome by smoke.
• R.G. SCHUTE--Engine Co.24, overcome by smoke.
• J.F. CORNEAUGH--Truck No.1, contusion of back and overcome by smoke.
• LEONARD GRIFFIN--Engine Co.3, inflamed eye and overcome by smoke.

This is but one story of a Fire Department drenched in rich history, centered around bravery. May it remind us of the daily courageous acts of firefighters world wide and the countless stories gone untold.

LAFD Historical Archive

(PHOTOS)

Researched by Fred S. Allen & Frank Borden
Edited & Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Encourages Safety as Cold Snap Continues

As temperatures drop, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases. This is why the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) are reminding the public about important safety tips to reduce the risk of CO exposure.

 Carbon Monoxide, also known as the "silent killer", is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in America. CO is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas that can lead to brain damage and even death. 

CO poisoning can occur as a result of a poorly ventilated heater or a CO leak from another source. Symptoms can include nausea, headaches, paralysis and even death. Please heed the following tips to help prevent CO poisoning:

•  Never use a gas oven, portable barbecue or range for space heating.
•  Have natural gas furnaces checked at least once a year by a licensed heating contractor or SoCalGas.
•  Vacuum and clean regularly in and around the furnace, particularly around the burner compartment to prevent a build-up of dust and lint.
•  Never store items in, on or around the appliance that can obstruct airflow.
•  If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from CO poisoning, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

 

Did you know? As of July 1, 2011, the State of California requires Carbon Monoxide detectors in single family homes. (Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, had until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.) This new law is to be enforced by the City of Los Angeles, Housing Department.

 A freeze watch is in effect from late Saturday night, January 11, 2013 through Sunday morning:

 

• Low Temperature 24-37 Degrees.
• Wind Direction NE.
• Wind Speed 15-25 MPH.
• Wind Gusts 40 MPH.
• Wind Chill will vary from the low teens to the low thirties.

 This could be a dangerous situation for people and pets that are not prepared to endure several hours of bitterly cold air, especially between the hours of 3 AM and 8 AM. In addition, exposed non-insulated pipes may break or burst when temperatures drop below freezing.

Please remember: There is a Winter Shelter Program for those in need. If you, or someone you know needs social services or shelter referral, please call 2-1-1, the County’s free 24-hour information line for health and human services.

 

While our primary focus is on people, the men and women of the LAFD are fond of pets, and encourage Cold Weather Protection for Pets.

Your Los Angeles Firefighters are taking precautions too: All Officers will consider the effects of cold weather and wind chill on personnel operating at emergency incidents, training events and other outside activities such as community relations events. Officers will also monitor the public and firefighters for signs and symptoms of hypothermia and take appropriate measures to prevent such cold weather injures.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is committed to protecting the health and welfare of the Los Angeles Community. Please take the necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe during this winter cold spell.
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Cause Determined in Fatal West Hills House Fire

WEST HILLS - Los Angeles Firefighters found an adult male without vital signs of life in his bedroom while extinguishing a house fire Saturday afternoon.



Just after 1:00 PM on December 8, 2012, LAFD arrived at 23062 Baltar St to find a single-story residence with fire showing. Firefighters quickly suited up and kicked down the front door which was surrounded with flames. Inside, there was heavy fire to the left, particularly in the kitchen and living room, and thick black smoke to the right.

During a systematic Search & Rescue operation of the 1,625 square-foot home, firefighters discovered an approximate 50 year-old male laying prone in a bed within the burning structure. He was immediately pulled out and a team of Firefighter / Paramedics aggressively provided CPR, Advanced Life Support, and rapidly transported him code-3 to a local hospital. After further treatment by hospital staff, he was sadly beyond help and pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported.

A well coordinated effort by 46 Los Angeles Firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Joseph Foley, extinguished the blaze in just 20 minutes, confining it to the structure of origin.

The home was fitted with smoke alarms, however their functional status was not able to be determined due to extensive fire damage. There were no security doors, window security bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the man's egress. The 50-year old dwelling was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

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

Estimated monetary loss from the fire is $150,000 ($100,000 structure & $50,000 contents).

Dispatched Units: E105 T105 E305 E72 RA872 RA96 EM17 BC17 E84 E104 RA105 E106 E296 T96 AR2 AR11 AR7 AR23

LAFD Senior Arson Investigator David Liske stated the cause of the afternoon blaze was from a, "discarded or misplaced cigarette".

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

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Discusses the Possible Breach of Protected Information

LOS ANGELES - At 9:00 am today, the Los Angeles Fire Department discussed the possible breach of protected information at LAFD's Fire Commission Board Room.

We hope the following detailed information provides a better understanding, along with some peace of mind to those concerned... 

On October 1, 2012, a provider of technology based services to the City of Los Angeles and its Advanced Data Processing Inc. (ADPI) West and Intermedix Technologies subsidiaries of ADPI, learned that individual account information from the Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance billing system was illegally accessed. ADPI assisted authorities in the identification of the employee who admitted to the crime. 

The LAFD learned of this information on October 12, 2012. Pursuant to federal law, LAFD sent notification letters to the individuals whose information was disclosed without authorization. ADPI has sent letters by first class mail to the affected individuals and has posted a notice on its website with links to information regarding the incident and resources to aid affected individuals.

ADPI has reassured the LAFD that they have reinforced the importance of the security and confidentiality of sensitive personal data with all of their employees.

Please note, Intermedix has retained ID Experts and has activated telephone lines and a website to provide information to aid affected patients. Those with additional questions or concerns can call 1-877-264-9622, Monday through Friday from 9 am – 9 pm Eastern time or visit:

 myidcare.com

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Dead Body Found & Firefighter Injured in Canoga Park Business Blaze

CANOGA PARK - Early Thanksgiving Day Los Angeles Firefighters battled a blaze in a commercial building where a man's body was found in a burned-out business that went up in flames. Also, an injured firefighter was transported to a local hospital after a significant fall from a ladder.

The fire was reported at 2:10 a.m. on November 21, 2012. Firefighters arrived at the 7800 block of Alabama Avenue to find fire showing from a 75' x 150' one-story multi-occupancy commercial building, and immediately requested additional assistance.

In a well coordinated and swift attack, firefighters aggressively forced entry through metal clad doors with rotary saws, deployed hand lines in an interior fire attack, laddered the penalized roof, and performed vertical ventilation with chain saws to release hot gases and smoke. Their relentless effort and teamwork contained the damage to seven of the fourteen connected units (units 1-7 were on the west & 8-14 on the east). Tenants included a paint shop, two kitchen appliance stores, a construction business and a surf shop.

An adult male firefighter suffered injuries to the left side of his body from an approximate 16' fall while on a ladder. He was transported to a local Trauma Center in fair condition.

A total of 62 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Karen Richter, extinguished the flames in 32 minutes.

The cause of the early morning blaze remains under active investigation by LAFD's Arson Section and LAPD Topanga Division, however preliminary reports suggest that there is no suspicious activity indicating this was an arson fire.

The unit of origin was not fitted with functional smoke alarms, and there were no security doors, window security bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the man's egress. The building was equipped with fire sprinklers.

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

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: E106 RA906 E296 T96 RA96 E104 EM17 BC17 E72 E305 T105 E107 DC3 SQ21 EM15 BC15 T88 E288 UR88 RA88 T89 E289 BC10 RA104 AR2 AR10 AR39 AR7 T93 E293 E87 SQ87 JT3

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Pull Dead Body from Canoga Park Apartment Fire

CANOGA PARK - Los Angeles Firefighters quickly extinguished an apartment fire, where an adult female was found dead.

Just before 3:00 pm on November 13, 2012, firefighters responded to a Structure Fire at 6331 Glade Avenue. A medium amount of black smoke was billowing out of one unit on the third floor of a very large three-story center hallway apartment complex.

First arriving firefighters whom were familiar with the location, strategically drove down a back U-shaped drive way, allowing for quick access to the involved unit. Firefighters performed a drop-bag operation to lift hose-lines to the third floor and rapidly extinguish the flames, while colleagues raised 35' ladders and climbed to the roof.

After an immediate Search & Rescue operation, a 46 year-old female was located sitting on the ground against a mattress, in the small studio apartment. Firefighters pulled her out of the smoke filled room, however, sadly she was determined dead on scene.

A total of 45 firefighters, under the direction of Battalion Chief Wes Elder, extinguished the fire in just 13 minutes, confining it to the unit of origin.

There were no security doors, window bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the woman from exiting the home.

A legally required smoke alarm was located, however it's functional status could not be immediately determined. The 42 year-old apartment was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

The cause remains under active investigation by LAFD's Arson Section, however there is no suspicious circumstances noted. The estimated dollar loss is $15,000 ($10,000 structure & $5,000 contents).

A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of her death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

Dispatched Units: E105 T105 RA105 E84 E95 E106 RA96 E293 T93 EM14 BC15 BC14 E10 EM10 E305 AR2 AR23 AR11 RA105

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Rescue Victims From Sun Valley House Blaze

SUN VALLEY - Los Angeles Firefighters quickly extinguish a house blaze that injured five, one critically.

Summoned by a 9-1-1 call at 12:18 AM on November 10, 2012, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded quickly to 8919 Stanwin Avenue in Sun Valley, to discover a one-story residence, with heavy fire showing. The structure was of typical 1950's stucco construction, with a hip-style roof, and four bedrooms, one of which was converted from a large 20' x 14' enclosed patio.

LAFD crews swiftly took to the roof to perform strategic vertical ventilation of heat and smoke, as their colleagues forced entry into the house to battle the well entrenched flames in the living room, enclosed patio-room, and kitchen. Four residents were inside when the blaze broke out.

Firefighters made an aggressive search and rescue operation of the 1,827 square-feet residence and successfully rescued the most critically injured from the front bedroom, and ensured all other occupants were out safely.

It took the well-coordinated effort of 45 Los Angeles Firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Daniel McCarty, just 21 minutes to extinguish the flames before they could spread to nearby residences.

A total of five adults were injured. Two were occupants and three were neighbors: A 50 year-old female suffered 2nd & 3rd degree burns to 25% of her body, and was rapidly treated and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. A 45 year-old male suffered a minor respiratory injury and was treated and transported to local hospital in fair to serious condition. Three neighbors suffered minor cuts to their hands after attempting to rescue the victims, and declined transport to the hospital.

All four residents of the house fire were displaced, only two were injured.

Smoke alarms were located in the residence, however their functional status was not readily determined, and no smoke alarms were found in or immediately outside the room where the critically injured were rescued. There were no obvious non-fire factors to impair the occupants egress from the dwelling, which was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

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

Dispatched Units: E289 E89 T89 RA889 E77 RA77 E7 EM14 BC14 E81 RA81 E39 E298 T98 AR2 AR12 AR17

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Treat 3 Injured After Car Crashes into Target Store

CANOGA PARK - A vehicle crashed into a Target store in Canoga Park October 26, 2012, injuring three people, one critically. The crash was just before 5:30 p.m. at 6600 Owensmouth Avenue in the Westfield Topanga shopping center.


An approximate 70 year-old woman driving a dark-colored sedan down a parking ramp continued through a three way stop toward the rear of the department store. The car crashed into the building, narrowly squeezing through closed double doors, with about a foot of clearance on either side. The vehicle barrelled about 50 feet inside the electronic section of the department store before coming to a stop.

Three people, including the driver, were injured in the crash and transported to three different area hospitals. A 56-year-old man suffered a hip injury and a 29-year-old woman suffered critical head trauma. The driver suffered moderate injuries.

Over 30 Los Angeles Firefighters secured the area, rapidly treated and transported the injured, then remained on scene for hours to remove the vehicle from the store, with LAPD assistance.

The Department of Building & Safety further assessed the integrity of the structure and LAPD Topanga Division investigated what exactly caused this vehicle to crash into the store.

Dispatched Units: E72 E305 E105 T105 RA84 E106 E10 RA96 HR56 EM17 BC17 UR88 RA906 RA93 RA73 EM15 EM14 RA104

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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SupportLAFD.org President Honored

CENTURY CITY - Earlier this week the Century City Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2012 Women of Achievement (WOA) Annual Awards Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. We are proud to say Karen Wagener, of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation was among this year’s honorees.

Each year the Century City Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council (WBC) recognizes local women whom inspire many through their commitment to excellence and professional dedication. Nomination forms, made available through a variety of outlets, are reviewed by the WBC, whom then selects six professional career women. These talented women embody a devotion to making their communities stronger; a dedication to raising funds and awareness for a multitude of non-profit and charitable organizations; and a commitment to mentoring other women in their careers.

Honoree Karen Wagener currently serves as the President of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation – the major source of private support for the Los Angeles Fire Department that raises funds to provide equipment, training, community and youth programs that are not included in the city budget. Her professional background includes nine years as President of the Los Angeles Police Foundation and six years as the Executive Director for the Volunteer Bureau of L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan. As a volunteer, she has been active with KCET, UCLA Alumni Association, Leo Baeck Temple, the American Jewish Committee and Christmas in April, South Central Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Fire Department sincerely thanks Karen for supporting us, and encourages all to visit...

SupportLAFD.org

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Join LAFD at African-American Recruitment Seminar

The Los Angeles Fire Department is committed to diversity, and strives to be truly reflective of the community it serves. You are invited to continue the rich tradition of African-American heritage in the City of Los Angeles and in the Fire Service with your own career as a member of the LAFD.

We are hosting a special African-American Recruitment Seminar to share information about the career paths available after becoming a Los Angeles Firefighter. Women and men are strongly encouraged to apply. The seminar will cover valuable information about salary and benefits, the application and selection process, prep programs and the physical fitness necessary to do well in the Academy, as well as on the job.

• What: LAFD African-American Recruitment Seminar
• When: Saturday, October 27, 2012
• Time: Two Sessions > 9:00AM – 11:00AM or 12:00 PM - 2:00PM
• Where: Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center, 1700 Stadium Way, Los Angeles, CA 90012 
• Dress Code: Business casual

JoinLAFD.org

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Partners to Launch OK/HELP Window Sign Program for Earthquake Preparedness

Today, 9.3 million Californians successfully participated in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Great job! Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Fire Department partnered with Council District 12, CERT, American Red Cross, and the U.S. Geological Survey in compiling a pamphlet to offer you and your family clear, simple steps to follow immediately after a major earthquake.

It's encouraged to store the pamphlet near your front door, then following an earthquake, tear off the “OK/HELP” sign and place it in your front window to indicate to your neighbors and emergency personnel if you are "OK” or need “HELP.” This will help firefighters save time and maximize resources by getting to those who need immediate help more efficiently.

We know it's not a matter of IF, but WHEN the Big One will strike. And simply, the better prepared we are, the greater our ability to keep our families safe. 

Chick here to view the pamphlet online, or any resident of Los Angeles City can request one from www.CD12.org.

"Successful disaster preparedness begins with having a plan, and exercising it. The OK/HELP sign is a great step toward being ready. LAFD is always there to help you learn about disaster planning at LAFD.org," - Fire Chief Brian Cummings. 

(VIDEO)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Readies for "Carmageddon II"

WEST LOS ANGELES - Did you realize "Carmageddon II" is just around the corner? Friday night September 29, 2012, the 405 freeway will be shut down for 53 hours. As you likely know, construction crews will knockdown the north side of the 608-foot-long Mulholland Drive Bridge as part of the Sepulveda pass improvements project.

During "Carmageddon I", your Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) strategically pre-deployed additional resources in order to reduce response times in areas affected by the freeway closure and associated traffic issues. We will be doing this again for "Carmageddon II", and the highly successful  LAFD Motorcycle Response Teams will be among the additional resources added. Our personnel along with, LAPD, EMD, CERT, DOT, CHP, Caltrans, and other Public Safety Agencies are working together in a Unified Command to manage public safety needs during the closure. The LAFD has assigned a Field Incident Management Team to control this event, whom early on, initiated a planning process with various agencies.

Last years success in turning 'Carmageddon' into 'Carmaheaven' was truly because Angelenos raised to the occasion and stayed home, discovered their neighborhoods, rode bikes and public transit. Simply put, the same will happen this year if we plan ahead, avoid the area, and stay local, rather than face frustration from road congestion. Also, many local business owners are sweetening the deal by offering incentives, freebies and discounts to assist keep people off the roads during this event. There is even an interactive map to help you find incredible offers right outside your doorstep.

Our friends at CHP offer a reminder that there is a zero tolerance rule regarding illegally accessing closed portions of the 405 freeway during construction.

As we work together through this event, Los Angeles Firefighters ask you to join us in driving safe and please remember when seeing lights and sirens behind you, pull-to-the-right.

 

(Receive daily updates regarding the i-405 project via Facebook, Twitter or Nixle)

 

metro.net/projects/i-405

 

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Battle 90 Acre Brush Fire Near Sepulveda Pass

BEL AIR - A 90 acre wildfire in the Sepulveda Pass threatened Bel-Air canyon estates, congested traffic across the Westside, and had firefighters relentlessly battling flames for three days in record-breaking heat.

On September 14, 2012 at 3:36 PM, a fire broke out along Sepulveda Boulevard near Getty Center Drive, just east of the 405 freeway. First arriving firefighters reported two acres burning in heavy brush. The blaze quickly spread beyond the capability of the initial responders and further assistance was immediately requested.

Weather conditions included extreme heat and low relative humidity. The Brush Burning Index was High at a reading of 104. The lack of strong wind was the only help mother nature provided firefighters.

An aggressive attack with hose-lines and precise aerial water drops ensued as flames quickly continued to spread eastward to over 10 acres. Firefighters were strategically placed to protect threatened residences. Additional air support was needed as well as assistance from neighboring departments. Los Angeles County FD helicopters, hand crews, and fixed winged Super Scoopers were deployed to help battle the blaze. In addition, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and Santa Monica Fire Departments assisted the LAFD. At the peak of the fire there were over three hundred firefighters from five agencies fighting the blaze, many of whom kept the devastating 1961 Bel-Air fire in the back of their minds.

Even with all this manpower and equipment the flames quickly scorched 70 acres and was 40% contained by 7:00 PM Friday. Crews continued to tirelessly hike ridge lines, using hand tools to cut a fire barrier.

No formal evacuations were issued, however residents were cautioned to be ready to leave at a moment's notice if conditions worsened. At one point on Friday, The Getty Center voluntarily evacuated, eight Torahs were removed from Leo Baeck Temple as a precaution, and Mount St. Mary's College cleared the campus. Later that evening Sepulveda Boulevard reopened to commuters, which alleviated traffic havoc in an area already cluttered with construction equipment associated with the widening of the freeway.

Rotating shifts of firefighters remained on scene for three days, then early Sunday afternoon they peered victoriously over 90 scorched acres that was finally 100% contained. Firefighters then began picking up thousands of feet of hose-line and equipment draped across steep rugged terrain.

Once units demobilized, two Brush Patrols and one Engine Company maintained a "Fire Watch" to quickly extinguish any possible flare-ups until a reevaluation on Monday morning.

Due to the tenacious work and amazing job of all firefighters and many allied agencies, all under the command of Assistant Chief Kwame Cooper, we are proud to state that no structures were damaged and no one was injured.

The cause of the fire in under active investigation.

Dispatched LAFD Units: E19 E71 E37 E59 E237 T37 E289 T89 E292 T92 H0B H0C BC9 BC18 E62 E109 E90 H1 H3 RA88 DC3 T90 E290 WT88 RA909 T39 E239 E99 E39 E102 T60 E260 EM9 BC14 E58 T63 E263 T61 E261 E41 E27 E6S E84 WT77 RA37 BC4 BC17 CP2 RM2 E105 E87 E7 T93 E293 E86 E26 E15 E94 E5 T33 E233 BP23 BP83 BP78 BP28 BP8 HL1 LO1 H2 E63 E34 T26 E226 E10 E95 E100 T11 E211 E103 E72 E8 RA90 T90 E290 BC10 RA19 RA92 RA69 EM88 EM14 BC5 BC11 DC715 CW3A CW3B RA860 AR2 E41 H733 AR2 EL83 E11 E9 E98 E12 E61 E48 H1 E29 E2 EA1 E67 E97 E14 E18 BP41 BC1 BC12 RA58 E83 RT83 E27 E10 E3 E21 EM9 E37 E63 E33 E64 E66 E94 E95 E52 E85 E34 E100 E13 E7 E36 E39 E93 T20 E220 E60 E87 BC5 BC10 BC11 RA209 RA257 BP84 BP98 DT3 RA858 E6 H4 E469 BP94 BP28 BP84 EA1 WT88 AR2 BP8 BP94 BP78 E450 E401 BP28 E88 E5 E95 BC9 E435 BC11 LO1 RA15 BC707

(VIDEO) (VIDEO) (PHOTOS)

Submitted by Erik Scott & Cecil Manresa, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Help Two Injured in Pacoima Plane Crash

PACOIMA - A small airplane crash near Whiteman Airport on Saturday afternoon, injured two persons aboard, one seriously.

In response to several 9-1-1 calls just before noon on August 25, 2012, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 10725 San Fernando Road in Pacoima, where they discovered a small, fixed wing, single-engine plane with significant front end damage. The two-seater airplane was nestled between two businesses on a block wall and was impaled by a wrought iron fence. The air craft's 65 horsepower engine was completely separated from the fuselage.

Civilians first on scene helped remove one occupant from the plane, and Fire Department personnel quickly aided with removal of the second man, believed to be the pilot.

There was approximately five gallons of fuel in the craft, some of which spilled, however it did not catch fire.

In addition to the fence, two vehicles and an awning of a nearby building were damaged. Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured.

Approximately 25 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Randy Beaty, stopped the fuel leak, stabilized the plane, and provided rapid medical treatment. Two approximate 65 year-old males were injured and transported to a local hospital, one in Serious and one in Fair conditon.

The cause of the crash is undetermined at this time, both the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board were notified for a formal investigation.

Dispatched Units: E298 T98 RA98 E60 E275 T75 RA75 E91 HR56 EM14 BC12 UR88 E7 RA7 E287 T87 FT100 DC3 E88 SQ21 BC15 BC14 UR88 EM14

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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