LAFD Welcomes the 2014 World Firefighter Games to Los Angeles

Did you hear? Firefighters from across America and the world will come to Los Angeles to participate in the 2014 World Firefighters Games. This is the first time the Games have been in the USA since 1992! 

This fun filled event raises the international profile of the fantastic work Emergency Responders do throughout the world, increases health and fitness awareness, boosts LA's economy, and will leave a lasting legacy.



The World Firefighters Games is one of the world’s largest participation sporting events, attracting thousands of competitors and their families, spectators and tourists to the 10-day sporting, entertainment and social spectacular.

This event is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants from across the globe to more than 50 competitions, including the competition’s flagship event, The Toughest Firefighter Alive.

 When: August 15-24 2014

 

Where: Downtown Los Angeles, California. Primarily at the Los Angeles Convention Center and at venues in close proximity to LA Live.

You don’t have to compete - just join as a spectator, or enjoy the Opening Ceremony, - its all about coming together to make new friends and renew old acquaintances in our shared commitment to making our communities safer.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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"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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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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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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ECHO PARK RESIDENT COURTS ATWATER VILLAGE VOTERS

Jose Sigala

Meet Jose Sigala: an Echo Park resident, a former aide to indicted City Councilman Richard Alarcon and now a L.A. City Council candidate for the 13^th District.

Atwater residents have recently spotted Sigala in and around the village introducing himself to local voters; many who may not know him at all or as well as their Echo Park counterparts. While not as well known in Atwater some could argue that Sigala has developed a notoriety of sorts in his community of Echo Park. A notoriety closely linked to his leadership style of Echo Park's neighborhood council. 

A popular east-side blog, The Eastsider L.A., notes that "Sigala’s six-year tenure as head of the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council has often been marked by contentious meetings and feuding board members". In one such meeting the Eastsider reports that Sigala was given the unflattering nickname of “Mr. Fat, Bald-Headed, Mussolini” by a fellow board member and former ally. What ensued there after was a "junior high school-like" exchange between Sigala and the board member.

This so-called “junior high school-like” behavior could cause some voters to rethink wither or not Sigala is viable candidate and worth voting for. 

Who needs Jerry Springer when we got the Echo Park neighborhood council  [Eastsider LA]

Echo Park neighborhood council leader enters race for Council District 13 [Eastsider LA]

Jose Sigala for City Council [Official Website]

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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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Opportunity to Act Today - Marijuana Dispensaries

Our LA City Council throws in the towel before the fight even begins

Now is your last opportunity to convince the Los Angeles City Council to reverse last week’s political decision to repeal the ban on marijuana dispensaries and not place the issue on the March, 2013 General Election.

Last Tuesday, in response to petitions submitted by marijuana advocates, the City Council eliminated all regulation of marijuana dispensaries in the City of Los Angeles. The council voted 11 to 2 to repeal the “gentle ban,” an ordinance enacted amid much publicity this summer after recent court decisions determined that a city can ban dispensaries but not regulate them. By repealing the ban, the City Council has left our police and City departments powerless to control marijuana dispensaries, meaning that a dispensary can open anywhere in the City of LA at any time with no laws to prevent it and no laws to regulate it.

On Tuesday October 9, the City Council is required to have a second vote on its decision to repeal the “gentle ban” ordinance. The City Council is taking this second vote because last week’s vote was not unanimous. Placing this matter on the March, 2013 General Election would cost taxpayers absolutely nothing, despite erroneous comments by some council members and the media claiming otherwise. 

Because of the City Council’s failure to uphold the ban, the Police have no authority to enter marijuana dispensaries and the City Attorney has no authority to prosecute them.

This was a political decision by members of the City Council to avoid controversy during the March 2013 City-wide election, which would have potentially endangered their re-election bids by upsetting the well-financed marijuana lobby.

The Los Angeles City Council is the highest paid City Council in the United States, with members earning almost as much as US Senators. Yet Los Angeles is the only City in California incapable of controlling Marijuana Dispensaries. In contrast, San Francisco has 23 dispensaries, West Hollywood has 4, while Santa Monica, Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena have none.

The City of LA has an annual budget of almost $7 billion, maintains a police force of over 9,000 officers, and has 500 attorneys in the Office of the City Attorney. Yet our Councilmembers now claim that their hands are tied when it comes to marijuana dispensaries, that they are powerless to shut them down, and that their only option they is to appeal to the State legislature for help -- even though the state’s legislative session is over and no changes to State marijuana regulations would occur for a year.

Don’t be fooled by the politicos that have created this mess in the first place. Contact all Councilmembers now and insist that the ban be placed on the March, 2013 ballot so that the people of Los Angeles can decide whether or not marijuana dispensaries should be controlled. Nothing is lost by placing the measure on the ballot, with everything gained to protect our neighborhoods from the criminals who actually own and operate these dispensaries.

Right now there are over a thousand dispensaries in the City of Los Angeles. How many more do we need before our highly paid council members stop playing politics and instead start representing the people who elected them?

Contact all Councilmembers at the following link: 

http://www.lacity.org/YourGovernment/CityCouncil/index.htm

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Endeavour to Drive Safe

LOS ANGELES - What do traffic collisions and a space shuttle flight have in common? Hopefully nothing. We hope you join in our excitement as the space shuttle Endeavour arrives home in Los Angeles, around noon on Friday September 21, 2012, making a series of low-level flyovers.

Given the magnitude of the spectacle, Los Angeles Firefighters remind those wanting to get a glimpse of the shuttle to do so from a safe spot. The LAFD responds to approximately 88 traffic collisions a day, and thus encourages those behind-the-wheel to keep their eyes on the road, and not try to take in the show simultaneously, especially taking and sharing a photo while driving. For those looking to capture an image of this special event, please view the map below to find a popular landmark to catch a peek.

Good news, as you likely know the Endeavour's journey won't end Friday. The shuttle will be housed in a hangar until Oct. 12, when it begins a two-day celebratory trip through Los Angeles streets to the California Science Center, where it retires after traveling a total of 122,883,151 miles during its 25 missions. The exhibit will open to the public October 30, 2012, providing a great opportunity to take and share an up close picture.

(VIDEO) (PHOTOS) 

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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Join LAFD at 'L. A. Works Day of Service 2012'

LOS ANGELES - Join in a fun, family-friendly volunteer project, that includes fire trucks, food, music, and educational safety workshops. The L. A. Works, a nonprofit volunteer action organization, will be at the Los Angeles Fire Department's Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center for a major grounds and building transformation, Saturday July 21, 2012, from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Volunteers from this year’s, "L.A. Works Day of Service" are gracious enough to tend to one of LA’s most revered landmarks, the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center in Elysian Park. This  center is often the focal point from which Angelenos honor first responders who have fallen in-the-line-of-duty. The facility, a grand Art Deco building that once housed a Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, is now a main location for fire department training. It is named after Firefighter Frank Hotchkin, who died after falling through a fire-weakened roof while battling a blaze there in 1980.

The center also honors our Nation's first responders. Outside the building stands a 23-ton, 22' tall steel column that was originally part of the lobby structure of the World Trade Center. It is believed to be the largest remnant of the 9/11 attacks on the west coast.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is humbled by the volunteers that will be revitalizing, landscaping, painting and renovating the training center. The L.A. Works stated, "With help from the generous support of local corporations, skilled laborers, and dedicated volunteers, we are poised to give back to our city’s first responders like never before." The sworn and civilian members of the Los Angeles Fire Department look forward to working with you and thank you!

For more information about the day and how to get involved, please visit

www.laworks.com

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Provides Keys to Safe and Sane Independence Day

If you listen, the "U.S.A." chants are getting louder. "London Calling" you say? Absolutely. First, however, we celebrate our country's Independence Day! With that...red, white and blue will once again be the order of the day!  Despite its mid-week celebration this year, Wednesday, July 4, 2012, will no doubt bring out the best and in some unfortunate cases, the worst in revelers from coast to coast.

For the safety and security of all, your Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reminds you once again, that fireworks of all types, even those dubbed "safe and sane", remain illegal in the City of Los Angeles. We encourage everyone to join with firefighters everywhere in support of a safe Independence Day by attending or viewing a public fireworks show sponsored and produced by professionals. For detailed information please visit:

safejuly4th.org

You may choose to spend the mid-week Holiday at home with your family or a small group. But it is Summer and you may have opted to travel by air, road or rail and spend it with the masses elsewhere or perhaps with a huge group that just happens to resemble your family. Wherever you wind up and however you do it, your LAFD would like to offer a few tips on staying safe and perhaps keeping yourself sane. Additionally, we want you to rest easy knowing your LAFD stands always at the ready for anything that may come our way.

These 4th of July Safety Tips are provided with help from our friends at the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and a few of our own, we thought were worthy of mention:

• Cook, grill or BBQ intelligently. Use clean plates, store food properly and prepare it correctly. Oh yeah, and watch out for over-exposure to the grill..yes, too much to eat!
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sun damage...especially if it's your attempt to even-out that burn from the "fluorescent sun" in your office. Wear sunscreen. Apply it generously and often.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions. Find or tune into a news source.
• Be aware of changing traffic conditions, road closures and other delays.
• If in or around any body of water, please pool safely and always have someone watching the water.
• If you take to the mountains for some hiking or biking, don't go alone and please do so during daylight hours. Hydrate and pack a snack. Don't underestimate the terrain. And, if you have one, take a mobile phone with you and make sure it's charged.
• If you choose to imbibe, don't drink and drive! We all know the sobering statistics. Appoint a designated driver early, use a driver service (there are many), call a cab or just stay sober!
• Whatever you do and wherever you do it...have fun, but please exercise good judgment and common sense!

LAFD's Air Ops: "Patriotic Hydration"

Enjoy the weekend. Enjoy family and friends. Enjoy foods and libations (in moderation.) And enjoy the freedom and liberty that was made possible by those the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our independence!

May God Bless the United States of America!

And the crowd chants "U.S.A....U.S.A...U.S.A."

Submitted by, Matt Spence Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Prevent a Nightmare on the 4th of July

Fire Chief Brian L. Cummings wants you and your family to have a fun and safe 4th of July. The best way to do that is to be prepared and know your local laws.

Some are still surprised to learn that the use or sale of ALL FIREWORKS including so called "safe and sane" have been illegal in the City of Los Angeles since 1942, except at approved fireworks shows of course.

As you can imagine, every 4th of July is one of the busiest days of the year for emergency services, and most calls are for fires and injuries caused by people using illegal fireworks. All too often, firefighters care for painful and disfiguring firecracker injuries that happen to the eyes, hands, head, and face.

Here are four statistics to contemplate...

1. Almost half of all people injured were children under the age of 15.
2. According to the United States eye registry, more bystanders are injured by fireworks than by the people who set them off.
3. Sparklers can heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit (that is hot enough to melt gold).
4. The highest numbers of injuries are firecrackers (26%), rockets (21%), and sparklers (11%). 

Playing with fireworks can hurt your pocketbook and calendar too. Possessing fireworks is a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of $1,000 and/or one year in jail. In addition, our law enforcement friends remind you of the obvious dangers associated with discharging firearms into the air.

Your LAFD is committed to safety and thus started the Anti-Fireworks campaign in 1982 and participates in an annual joint 4th of July Anti-Fireworks Press Conference, educating and informing citizens, all in an effort to reduce the number of injuries and property loss caused by illegal fireworks.

We need your help: 

• If you see a fire, call 9-1-1. 
• Remind others to never experiment with or make their own fireworks.
• Never let anyone touch or pick up a dud firecracker that is lying on the ground.

Lets not forget about our furry friends. Remember, they have very sensitive hearing and can be stressed or frightened due to noise from fireworks. So, how about keeping your pets indoors with the windows closed and the air conditioner on? Give them the night off and let them enjoy the television or radio, it helps to block some of the noise.

"Prevent a nightmare on the 4th of July. Stay away from playing with fireworks, and play it safe by attending a public fireworks display." - Fire Chief Brian L. Cummings

FOR A LIST OF FIREWORKS SHOWS IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA:

safejuly4th.org or (888) 654-FIRE
     

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Dead Body Found While Extinguishing La Tuna Canyon Brush Fire

LA TUNA CANYON - Los Angeles Fire and Police Investigators are seeking the cause of a fire in La Tuna Canyon early Thursday morning, in which a man was found dead.

Just before 3:00 AM scores of firefighters responded to 8300 West La Tuna Canyon Road to find a 20' x 30' area of thick tall brush burning on a steep hillside in La Tuna Canyon Park, an open space preserve overseen by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Due to the aggressive attack of first arriving firefighters, under the direction of Battalion Chief Randy Beaty, the flames were quickly extinguished before spreading.

However, during fire attack, firefighters discovered the remains of an adult male burned in the base of a steep ravine near the entrance of the West trail. Beyond medical help, he was declared deceased at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

This incident is under active investigation by LAFD Arson Counter Terrorism Section and LAPD Foothill Division. 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.

Dispatched Units: E274 T74 E24 E89 T89 E289 E98 T98 E298 E7 DC3 H0C H0D BC12 BC14 BC10 E60 E77 H1 H3 H6 E90 RA74 WT77 RA77 RA77 RA74 AR2 AR12 AR17

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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'Side Walk CPR' at City Hall Farmer's Market

As we recognize "National CPR Week" (remember, CPR stands for "Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation"), your Los Angeles Fire Department kicked-it-off by presenting some very helpful information, of which you and everyone you know, should take an interest. If you missed it, we urge you to revisit "'Hands-only CPR' and the 'AED': What are they?" It may truly make a difference in someone's life. And if you believe in statistics, that person may be one of your loved ones! A staggering 88% of cardiac arrests occur in the home.

So we've told you about CPR... now we want to show you! This week, Thursday, June 7, 2012; your LAFD will be at the Downtown Los Angeles Farmers' Market. We have nothing to sell, but we do have something to offer: a hands-on, interactive demonstration of "Hands-only CPR." If you can't make it Downtown to see us, there are several other locations throughout Los Angeles County that will offer similar demonstrations on what is being billed as "Side Walk CPR Day." 

Side Walk CPR Day

Downtown Los Angeles Farmers' Market

City Hall East, South Plaza

200 N. Main Street

Thursday, June 7, 2012

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Why Learn Hands-Only CPR?

 

 

• "Sudden Cardiac Arrest" is an electrical problem with the heart, where it stops beating and pumping blood. That causes the brain to shut down and the patient to suddenly collapse. It renders the patient unconscious.
• Paramedics can often restart the heart using advanced methods– but it may take a few minutes for them to arrive on-scene. That time is critical!
• "Hands-only CPR" can keep the heart and brain alive until Paramedics takes over, by keeping the blood circulating. Oxygen remains in that blood.
• Mouth-to-mouth breathing is not necessary.

Please plan to stop by and learn more. Be sure to visit the LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics who will be on-hand to demonstrate and answer any questions.

While you are Downtown, make a day of it and plan to join the LAFD at our 15th Annual "HOPE for Firefighters" event taking place only a few blocks away!

Submitted by Matt Spence
Spokesman, Los Angeles Fire Department

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