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What Type of Smoke Alarms Are In Your Home?

Did you know there are different types of smoke alarms that are better at alerting you to different types of fires?

Ionization smoke alarms are sensitive to small smoke particles in the air, produced by fast-burning fires. Photoelectric smoke alarms use beams of light and sensors to detect larger smoke particles produced by smoldering fires.

The Los Angeles Fire Department and U.S. Fire Administration recommend dual-sensor alarms that function as both.

Since a working smoke alarm can save your life, it's important to test every smoke alarm in your home monthly by activating the test button. Change the batteries in all your smoke alarms at least once a year, perhaps when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

And finally, your smoke alarms work every minute of every day. After millions of sensing cycles, they can become less sensitive. It is important to replace any smoke alarm in your home that is more than 10 years old.

For further information, visit:

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

L.A. Firefighters invite you to a 'Greater Alarm Gala'

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department welcome you to join civic and community leaders at the 'Greater Alarm Gala - Firing Up Our Future' on Thursday, October 23, 2008.


The LAFD Historical Society is proudly hosting this 4th annual event in the recently completed Memorial Plaza adjacent to the LAFD Museum at Historic Fire Station 27 in Hollywood. Please join us...


Thursday, October 23, 2008
5:00 PM
'Greater Alarm Gala - Firing Up Our Future'
LAFD Museum & Fallen Firefighter Memorial
1355 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Hollywood, California 90028

Plan for an evening of fun, food and entertainment as well as fabulous food prepared by Los Angeles Firefighters.

..and did we mention the live and silent auction of items you simply won't find anywhere else? All are welcome. For more information - or to RSVP, please call (310)491-1401 or visit:

www.GreaterAlarmGala.org

Not sure you want to go? Take a peek at some photos from last year's event and then pick up the phone. We look forward to seeing you!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

L.A.'s Bravest Say: You Don't Know Fire

Every day, people in Los Angeles experience the horror of fire. But most people don't understand fire.

If you imagine a Hollywood movie, think again...

Fire is FAST!
There is little time!

In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill an entire house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape.

Fire is HOT!
Heat is more threatening than flames.

A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover.

Fire is DARK!
Fire isn't bright, it's pitch black.

Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years.

Fire is DEADLY!
Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do.

Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.


Fire Safety Tips:

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room. Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.

Finally, be sure to install and properly maintain smoke alarms to dramatically increase your chance of surviving a fire. Talking about fire prevention and survival with your family, and practicing your home escape plan is something that may not be able to wait for tomorrow.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

2008 Los Angeles Firefighters Memorial Service

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department cordially invite you to join them at the 2008 Los Angeles Firefighters Memorial Service.

Saturday, October 11, 2008
10:00 AM
Los Angeles Fire Department Museum & Memorial
1355 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Hollywood, California 90028

We are pleased to provide an interactive map with driving directions, and encourage you to consider public transit.

All are welcome to attend the service and tour the adjacent museum on this special day of remembrance.

For further information, please call (323) 464-2727 or visit:

www.lafdmuseum.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Major Emergency Fire at Pacoima Middle School

On Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 4:20 PM, 17 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, L.A. Unified School Police and DWP, under the direction of Assistant Chief Don Frazeur, responded to a Structure Fire at 9919 Laurel Canyon Bl. in the San Fernando area.

Firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire at Pacoima Middle School. The first arriving Firefighters on scene found a moderate amount of smoke coming from the front of the auditorium. As Firefighters made entry into the structure to advance handlines, they found a small amount of fire located approximately 20 feet inside the building. The roof team initiated a fierce ventilation effort to relieve the interior Firefighters from the heavy smoke that had built up inside the structure. After the initial knockdown of fire at the entrance of the building, the fire attack team ventured deeper inside the structure to locate the remaining bulk of fire.

It took approximately 122 Firefighters 1 hour and 19 minutes before a knock down was called. The sprinkler system had been activated, causing a large de-watering operation. The school auditorium suffered significant smoke, fire and water damage. The damage is estimated to be $2,000,000 [$1,500,000 structure, $500,000 contents], while the cause will not be determined until the completion of the fire investigation. No injuries were reported.

(video) (photos)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

Brush Fire Held to 3 Acres in Sepulveda Basin

On Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 1:10 PM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, LAFD Brush Patrols, 1 CERT Coordinator, L.A. County Fire Department Camp Crews & Helicopter, Park Rangers and General Services PD, under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch responded to a Brush Fire at 15700 W. Burbank Bl. in the Sherman Oaks area.

An Engine company returning from a medical emergency, noticed a significant plume of smoke in the distance. As they headed in the direction of the smoke, callers were identifying the area as the "Sepulveda Basin," a large recreational area. Before Firefighters arrived on scene, the incident was upgraded to a brush response. Responding Firefighters found approximately 2 acres of very heavy brush consisting of bamboo, eucalyptus and pine trees burning on the west side of the basin. Because of the dense brush, additional water dropping helicopters were requested. A coordinated air and ground attack ensued.

It took 90 LAFD Firefighters with an assist from L.A. County Fire Department, 1 hour and 10 minutes to call a knockdown on the 3 acre fire. No injuries were reported and no structures were threatened.

(photos) (photos) (video)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

LAFD: This is Fire Prevention Week!

Many people are surprised to learn that a home fire is reported every 79 seconds in the U.S. and that last year, such home fires represented 84 percent of all fire deaths.

In our nation, there is one civilian fire injury every 30 minutes and one civilian fire death every 2 hours and 33 minutes.

Think about it. In the time it takes to watch a television sitcom, someone is on their way to the emergency room with a serious fire injury. In little more time than it takes to 'grab a quick bite' and enjoy a feature film at the theater, someone in our nation has succumbed to fire.

In 2007, fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined.


October 5-11, 2008 is Fire Prevention Week, a chance for each of us to take the small but necessary steps to prevent and survive fire.

Though Fire Prevention Week 2008 is focused on residential fires, the men and women of the LAFD encourage you to survey all of the places you work, learn and play for fire danger, and to discuss fire safety with every member of the family.

Following your personal survey and removal of hazards, we encourage you to install or maintain the necessary devices to prevent, warn, battle and escape the very real danger of fire.

Today may be your only chance. Unless you print a reminder now and take time to plan, the next sound you may or may not hear...

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Why is the Flag at Half-Staff Today on Federal Buildings?

On October 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the U.S. flag to be lowered to half-staff annually on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters.

Public Law 107-51 requires this action on the day of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, which takes place this year on October 5, 2008.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department encourage all Americans to follow the Federal Government's example. By respectfully lowering your U.S. flag today, you will recognize brave men and women who have died protecting your community from disaster and honor those who carry on in their proud and selfless tradition.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Families of Fallen Firefighters Gather in Emmitsburg

On October 3-5, 2008 the families, friends and colleagues of 110 fallen firefighters are gathering in Emmitsburg, Maryland for the 27th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

A plaque with the names of 101 American firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2007 will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, on the grounds of the National Fire Academy. The names of 9 additional firefighters who died in previous years will also be added.

The plaques surrounding the Memorial - which was established in 1981, contain the names of more than 3,200 men and women who paid the ultimate price in protecting their communities.

Work is now under way to expand the monument site to create a National Memorial Park with a brick Walk of Honor that winds through the campus grounds, connecting the monument site to the historic National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel.

We welcome you to join us in supporting this quest, and encourage you to watch Sunday's Memorial Service live on-line from 6:30 AM to 10:15 AM Pacific Time.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

75 Years Ago: L.A. Wildfire Kills 29 Firefighters

"At first, it looked like a small brush fire. And there seemed to be almost unlimited manpower available to put it out. Both workers and foremen figured it would be batted out quickly."

...and so it was on the afternoon of October 3, 1933, when a fire erupted in the Mineral Wells Canyon area of Griffith Park.

Before it was controlled that night, it would prove to be the deadliest wildfire to firefighters in American history - killing 29 fire control workers and injuring more than 150 others.

It is a chapter of local history forgotten by most, but ready for you to experience via the on-line LAFD Historical Archive at:

www.lafire.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Hannah Montana, God and the LAFD...

It's certainly no secret that the Los Angeles Fire Department is an active participant in today's 'Social Media' arena.

While the LAFD News & Information blog remains the springboard for many 'Web 2.0' projects in the LAFD Lab (more about that soon), we can't overlook the immense popularity of LAFD on Twitter.

Though we remain honored that Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey mentions LAFD during his keynote presentations, we'll admit the heartiest of smiles come when we least expect them...

Enjoying an off-duty cup of coffee with LAFD spokesman Ron Myers the other day, we soon heard the familiar sound of our colleagues responding to a distant emergency. Not thinking too much of it (there are an average 2,104 LAFD responses each day), we heard a customer wonder aloud where the sirens were headed.

Ron and I nearly choked on our coffee simultaneously when the barista, glancing at her cell phone, answered confidently "It probably isn't anything major, or the LAFD would have Twittered about it".

Ah, the magic of direct information management - and even more so, a helpful apron-wearing participant of our 'LAFD Everywhere' initiative.

She still may be wondering why two strange men returned happily to fill her tip jar, but it was clearly our pleasure to know LAFD messages were reaching *exactly* who and where we had hoped.

Which brings us to share this amusing video that inspired the title of this blog post:

At a recent seminar, Jim Tobin of Ignite Social Media shared a favorite example of social media right and wrong. Needless to say, we're glad he understands our mission of giving - even if he didn't recognize the photo of you-know-who.

Thanks to Jim - and at least one tireless barista, we remain devoted to helping you lead safer, healthier and more productive lives, one Tweet at a time!

Do you have a favorite "Social Media" tool, website or service you think the LAFD should be using?

If so, please let us know about it in the comments below...


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Public Safety BBQ in Downtown Los Angeles

Prime Rib Sandwiches, Pasta, Salads and More!

Please join members of the Los Angeles Fire Department this Friday, October 3, 2008 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the 9th Annual Public Safety Appreciation Barbecue in Downtown Los Angeles.

Hosted by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District on the upper level of the 7+Fig Mall at 735 South Figueroa Street, this public event honors the men and women of the LAFD, LAPD, CHP, LADOT, FBI, Sheriff's Department and other public safety agencies.

All are welcome. We encourage use of the Metro Red Line, Metro Purple Line or Metro Blue Line, which serve the nearby "7th Street/Metro Center" Station. DASH Downtown Shuttles also serve the intersection of 7th Street and Figueroa Street, home to 7+Fig.

For those who wish to drive, there is easy-to-access hourly parking nearby.

This year, your simple $7 lunch donation supports the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association, a renowned charitable organization overseeing the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firefighters Fund.

The most important aspect of this event is an opportunity for us to meet and thank you. So please mark your calendar and plan on joining us this Friday, October 3rd.

For more information, visit www.downtownla.com or call the Downtown Center Business Improvement District at (213)624-2146.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

How Far We've Come: 1958 Alarm Video Features LAFD

As time passes, it is easy for us to forget how far America's Fire Service has progressed in the last fifty years.

"When Every Minute Counts" is a 1958 short movie from the American District Telegraph Company, now commonly referred to as ADT.

Featuring actors in speaking roles intertwined with late 1950's footage of the Los Angeles Fire Department, this precursor to today's 'infomercial' underscores the advances within the alarm industry and among first responders since Ike was in office and the Dodgers came to Los Angeles.

We trust you'll enjoy this commercial peek at the LAFD of 1958.

To learn more about the Los Angeles Fire Department in any year, please plan your visit to the LAFD Historical Society Museums in Hollywood and San Pedro, as well as the African-American Firefighter Museum in South Los Angeles.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Flames Consume Home Under Construction near Hancock Park

On Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 1:10 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 56 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Ralph Ramirez, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 501 North Citrus Avenue near the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover a large 2 story single family home on a corner lot in the final stages of construction and fully involved with fire.

An aggressive and well-coordinated assault with handlines and heavy streams allowed firefighters to confine the flames to the 3,000+ square foot structure of origin.

A single family home to the north sustained door and window damage only from radiant heat. Residents of that location, as well as the owners of the burning structure staying in a remote guest house on their property, were untouched by the flames.

The fire was extinguished in just 31 minutes. There were no injuries.

Preliminary structural loss is estimated to be at least $500,000. The cause of this intense early morning blaze, which nearly consumed the building, remains under investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

30 Days, 30 Tips... Will We Make a Difference?

During September 2008, the Los Angeles Fire Department again made good on its annual pledge to the Ad Council and Homeland Security officials to do our part in publicizing 'National Preparedness Month'.

In fulfilling that pledge, we were pleased to offer daily tips and other resources to help prepare you for foreseeable emergencies.

As National Preparedness Month draws to a close, we remain grateful to the homeowner's associations, community groups and bloggers that syndicated our content, and to each of you for visiting the LAFD News & Information blog during the past thirty days.

The lingering question: have we done enough?

The operative word of course is 'we'. While reading, following the links and printing daily safety tips is helpful, there remains a need for each of us to take action today.

Please stay safe, keep healthy and always be prepared!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Airborne L.A. Firefighters Team Against Wildfire

A recent press conference conducted jointly by the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department, displayed the life-saving teamwork of our region's airborne firefighters.

KCAL-TV's Dave Malkoff reports...

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Where are the Police in Los Angeles?

Many of the media inquires we receive hourly at the Fire Department Media Desk are not about Fire Department operations at all.

What is the media politely yet persistently seeking?

The name and contact information for Los Angeles Police Stations related to addresses or locations in our City.

To ease this frequently cumbersome workload and make the media's job easier, we created a special web page that helps them "Find the LAPD". You too are welcome to visit, *bookmark* and use:

www.LAFD.org/findLAPD.htm

You'll find convenient search features and pull-down menus, as well as links to Police Department Press Releases and Crime Maps.

For comprehensive Los Angeles Police Department information, please be certain to visit and bookmark their official website:

www.LAPDonline.org

...and remember that from within the City of Los Angeles, you can use 3-1-1 or 877-ASK-LAPD to contact the Police Department for public inquiries and non-emergency services.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Fiery Collision Claims Life in Los Angeles

On Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 4:00 AM, 1 Company of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance and 2 Arson Units responded to a Civilian Fatality Traffic Collision with Fire near 1525 South Figueroa Street in the South Park area of downtown Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to discover a mid-sized sedan that had struck an automotive showroom before erupting in flames. Despite their rapid response and extinguishment of the fire, LAFD personnel were unable to assist the sole occupant of the car, who was burned and perished at the scene.

The collision is under formal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Traffic Division, working closely with the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, which will seek to determine the decedent's gender, age and identity, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of their death.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Atwater Village Business Sustains Significant Loss

On Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 9:41 AM, 16 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 7 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Emergency Air 1, 5 Glendale Fire Department Companies, LAPD, L.A. Co. Health Haz Mat and Union Pacific Railroad, under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 4178 E. Chevy Chase Dr. in the Atwater Village area.

Firefighters arriving on scene found a 1 story, 50 foot by 100 foot, commercial building with heavy smoke showing. As firefighting companies deployed 2-1/2 inch handlines, the roof top team initiated an aggressive ventilation effort and indicated heavy fire progressing from the front to the back of the building. At 0956 hours, the intense fire burned high voltage wires adding an additional hazard, prompting the IC to withdraw the ventilation and interior fire attack teams and shift to a defensive attack at 1007 hours. Union Pacific Railroad was contacted and a request was made to shut down potential train traffic because of the close proximity of the tracks to incident, Firefighting personnel and apparatus.

It took approximately 126 LAFD Firefighters 39 minutes to call a knockdown on the fire. The cause of the fire to Systems Trade Printing, a well established Atwater business, was determined to be electrical. The significant dollar loss, mostly confined to the contents, was estimated at $3,800,000 [$300,000 structure, $3,500,000 contents]. One female was treated and transported by Glendale Fire to an area hospital.

(photos)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

Metro Blue Line Train & Bus Collide south of Downtown L.A.

Fifteen persons aboard a Metro Blue Line train sustained non-life threatening injury, when their Long Beach bound light rail train collided with an out of service Metro Local transit bus at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Griffith Avenue south of downtown Los Angeles on September 19, 2008.

As seen in this video, the well-rehearsed triage, treatment and transportation efforts of more than 50 Los Angeles Firefighters soon brought the situation under control.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

LAFD Releases 9-1-1 Audio for Metrolink Collision

The recent tragedy involving a collision between a Metrolink commuter train and a freight train in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles affected many lives both within the Los Angeles area and nationwide. Over the course of four hours, the LAFD Dispatch Center received hundreds of 9-1-1 calls for assistance at the collision site, in addition to their normal call volume.

The same men and women answering the 9-1-1 calls for help also coordinated the dispatch and control of over 100 LAFD Fire Companies, Ambulances, Helicopters, Support and Command Staff, 80 private ambulances, and numerous resources from allied agencies.

9-1-1 calls for help can be heartbreaking and extremely stressful under the best of conditions. Many times, we forget to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those Firefighters and Paramedics working behind the scene to provide a safety net for those living, working, and visiting our fine City.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has received dozens of requests for the release of the 9-1-1 tapes related to the Metrolink incident. Since it would take hundreds of hours to assemble, edit and distribute this information, the probability of fulfilling this request within a reasonable period of time would be doubtful.

Therefore, the LAFD has assembled a small sampling of 9-1-1 calls which are reflective of the type of calls being received during this event. Certain information, such as names, phone numbers, and personally identifiable information has been redacted for privacy reasons.

With such a traumatic event, it is respectfully requested that any reproduction or distribution of these audio files be done in a dignified and respectful manner. These will be the only 9-1-1 audio files released by the Los Angeles Fire Department via the LAFD News & Information blog, and they may be withdrawn without notice.

Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Train Derailment Causes Multi-Casualty Incident in Chatsworth

On Friday, September 12, 2008 at 4:23 PM, 38 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 28 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 Rehab Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 4 Helicopters, 7 EMS Battalion Captains, 8 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Foam Tenders 100 & 60, Emergency Air 1, the Heavy Equipment Company, Emergency Lighting 72, 83 and 112, 20 Division 3 CERT members with a Coordinator, all under the direction of Deputy Chief Mario Rueda responded to reports of a train derailment near 21631 W. Heather Lee Ln. in the Chatsworth area.

Agencies representing Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, Beverly Hills and Ventura County Fire Departments, the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriffs, CHP, Metrolink, Union Pacific Railroad and the Coroner's office, working under a Unified Command, responded to reports of a train derailment in Chatsworth.

The first Firefighters arriving on scene of the incident found that a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train had collided. With fire showing Firefighters were faced with multiple responsibilities: fighting the immediate fire, extricating any surviving passengers, a multi casualty incident and a potential Haz Mat problem. Firefighters initiated a swift attack on the fire with handlines, quickly knocking down the fire. Their counterparts moved in to initiate an intense search for potential survivors and begin triaging the injured.


The cause of the collision remains the focus of a formal National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. There were 24 confirmed fatalities on-scene and an additional 135 patients treated for a variety of injuries.

In all, there were 40 patients suffering from critical injuries, 40 seriously injured patients and 50 persons with minor injuries. 40 patients were flown by air ambulance to area hospitals throughout the county, utilizing all 12 trauma centers in the Los Angeles County area.

One Firefighter was transported to a local hospital in stable condition with heat related symptoms and exhaustion. The Firefighter was treated and released from the hospital


(photos) (video) (video) (video) (video) (video) (video)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

Ground Crews Handle Small Brush Fire in Granada Hills

On Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 7:36 AM, 15 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Brush Patrols 28 & 24, L.A. County Fire Department and Park Rangers, under the direction of Battalion Chief Jeffery A. Marcus, responded to a Brush Fire at 17300 W. Sesnon Bl. in the Granada Hills area.

A citizen reported seeing smoke in a very remote area of O'Melveny Park. Firefighters were dispatched to an area of very steep terrain in the park. Firefighters found approximately a 1/4 acre, approximately 100 feet long by 50 feet wide of thick, heavy brush burning. A request for water dropping helicopters was made to aid in attacking this slow moving fire because of the terrain. Ground crews were alerted that all helicopters were grounded because of a thick layer of dense fog.

Shifting strategies, the IC called for water tenders and alternate water supplies to be set up as ground based Firefighters began the 1/3 mile hike to the blaze. Firefighters valiantly fought the slow moving blaze for over 1-1/2 hours with hand tools before the air assault could be added to the fire fight at 0915 hours.

It took 99 Firefighters 2 hours, 44 minutes before a knockdown was called. The fire was held to less than 1 acre and the cause is under investigation. There was no dollar loss, no injuries and no evacuations needed.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

Major Emergency Fire in South L.A.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 1:59 PM, 18 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 2 Hazardous Materials Teams, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 7 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Emergency Air 1, 2 LAFD BSS Volunteers, 1 CERT Coordinator and L.A. County Health Haz Mat, under the direction of Assistant Chief Roxanne Bercik, responded to a Major Emergency Structure FIRE at 7010 Stanford in the South Los Angeles area.

Firefighters responded to several reports of a very large plume of thick black smoke in the area. First arriving Firefighters found a 1 story, 50 foot by 100 foot commercial building with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the structure. Firefighters vigorously deployed multiple 2-1/2 inch hand lines attempting to limit the spread of the well established fire from the exposures, the commercial structure and a pallet storage yard with stacked lumber.

The main bulk of the fire was held to a small portion of the commercial structure housing Garcia's Customs, a furniture manufacturing company and a small covered shed to the rear of the building. The fire partially extended into stacked lumber of the Pallet Masters and caused minor damage to the work area of A.D. Plastics. The intense blaze also burned power lines causing an additional electrical hazard.

It took 135 LAFD Firefighters 1 hour 6 minutes before calling a knockdown on the stubborn blaze. The cause and dollar loss estimate is under investigation. 1 Firefighter was treated and transported with heat related symptoms.

(video)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department