Author: LAFD

On Friday, February 19, 2010 at 4:08 PM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Armando Hogan responded to a Train vs. Pedestrian Fatality at 1700 East Century Boulevard in Watts.

Firefighters and Paramedics arrived to find a 51 year-old female, with major injuries after being struck by a southbound Metro Blue Line light rail train. The woman was reported to have been thrown several feet, before the train finally came to a halt over her body. It was difficult for rescuers to access the woman who paramedics assessed and determined deceased at the scene.

The northbound and southbound rail lines were shut down for several hours until it was declared safe to reopen the tracks for train traffic. All passengers where escorted to a safe location during the incident. There were no other injuries reported at this incident. The circumstances of this fatal train accident will remain under investigation by local law enforcement and transportation authorities.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire DepartmentFollow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

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The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department welcome you to join them on Friday, February 19, 2010 in saluting Retired Firefighter Arnett L. Hartsfield, Jr. who is being feted as Honorary Fire Chief for the day.

The LAFD recognizes and honors the lasting contributions made by the legendery retiree, who along with others successfully lead the fight for racial integration of the LAFD during the mid-1950’s.

We hope you can join us for one or more of these events on Friday, February 19, 2010:

8:30AM – 9:15AM
African American Firefighter Museum
1401 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA

10:00AM – 10:30AM
City Hall Council Chambers
200 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA

10:45AM – 11:45AM
Los Angeles Fire Commission
200 North Main Street, Room 1820
Los Angeles, CA

12:15PM – 2:00PM
African American Firefighter Museum (Reception)
1401 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA

We encourage you to learn more about the inspiring history of African-American Firefighters by visiting:

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire DepartmentFollow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

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On Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 4:19 AM, 15 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 Arson Units, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Heavy Equipment Team including 3 Bulldozers, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 119 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 2020 South Main Street in the Washington Boulevard Corridor south of downtown Los Angeles.

Summoned by a passerby, Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a three-story building comprised of a two-story hotel over commercial units that was "under construction" and well involved with fire.

Varying degrees of construction, including raw lumber, open conduits and routine construction debris, allowed the fire to spread rapidly and gain a stubborn foothold as Firefighters tackled the flames.

Firefighters utilized Rotary saws to cut through metal fences in order to gain access around the yet to be occupied building. A bold defensive operation commenced against a well-entrenched fire using heavy-streams such as Ladder-pipes capable of spraying up to 1,000 gallons per minute.

The fire was confined to the structure of origin and extinguished in just 45 minutes and no injuries were reported.

Loss from the fire is still being tabulated. The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey & Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire DepartmentFollow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

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On February 11th (2-11), we focus on sharing word of 2-1-1, the easy to use three-digit dialing code for health and human service assistance in Los Angeles and many parts of North America.

2-1-1 in Los Angeles is your around-the-clock contact for information and referral to health and human services. 211 LA County, formerly known as INFO LINE of Los Angeles, has been providing these services since 1981.

Those calling 2-1-1 by telephone or TDD at any hour are connected to a caring professional who can offer guidance and access to a comprehensive range of services. This includes advocacy and support for the abused, at-risk, hungry, ill, unemployed, disabled or homeless; physical and emotional crisis support with referral to shelter and health care; and of course, a wide variety of private/public social services.

When you’re not sure where to turn for advice or referral for human needs, help in Los Angeles is as simple as 2-1-1 or (800) 339-6993.

When you encounter someone in need, encourage them to call 2-1-1. For more information, visit:

www.211-la.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire DepartmentFollow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

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On Friday, February 5, 2010 at 3:16 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 4716 East Klamath Place in the South El Sereno area.

As firefighters were en route through pouring rain they received a message stating, "Person reported to be trapped inside." They arrived to find smoke billowing out of the rear of the one-story single family dwelling and were relieved to find all occupants standing out front of the house.

Firefighters aggressively used hand-lines to attack the blaze, conducted a search-and-rescue operation to ensure no one was left behind, and performed strategic vertical ventilation to releasing thick black smoke and heat.

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Meanwhile Paramedic Firefighters in front of the house treated two of the occupants. A four year-old male suffered smoke inhalation and a 65 year-old male suffered first degree burns, both were transported to L.A. County USC Medical Center in stable condition.

During firefighters search and rescue efforts, they also found one lifeless pet dog within the home. Without vital signs of life, the animal proved to be beyond their assistance and was declared deceased at the scene.

Thirty four firefighters extinguished the flames in the 920 square-foot structure in less than eighteen minutes. Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $130,000 ($85,000 structure & $45,000 contents). It is unknown if the 86 year-old home had smoke alarms and the fire’s cause remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Spokesman Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

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On Friday, January 29, 2010 at 11:51 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 33 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Gary Clark, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 6548 Fulcher Avenue in North Hollywood.

Sent to investigate a vague report of smoke, a perseverant LAFD Engine Company scoured a neighborhood more than a quarter mile from the reporting location, to find well-entrenched fire within a one-story single family home. The four member LAFD crew summoned additional resources and immediately began attacking the blaze.

View Larger Pre-Fire Image (you can also click, grab & zoom the image above)
Forcing the front door of the smoke charged residence open with effort, firefighters discovered a motionless adult male behind the door, and swiftly moved him to fresh air. Finding no pulse on the breathless man, firefighters immediately provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation before transferring his care to an arriving LAFD Paramedic team.

During ambulance transport, a pair of veteran LAFD Paramedics were able to restore a pulse to the man, who remained in very critical condition with ventilatory assistance needed upon arrival at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.

It took firefighters just ten minutes to extinguish the blaze, but not before it caused $150,000 ($75,000 structure & $75,000 contents) loss to the 1,592 square foot residence.

Though the conventional front door of the home was unlawfully equipped with a double-cylinder (key on both sides) deadbolt lock, the status of the hardware did not appear to limit the man’s egress according to Investigators. There were no security doors, window bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the man from exiting the home.

The presence and functional status of legally required smoke alarms could not be immediately determined. The 55 year-old home was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

The cause the blaze remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Always a welcome sight for attendees at special events in Los Angeles, the LAFD Bike Medic Program is celebrating its sixth year of service.

Barbara Brooks files this FDNN-TV video report…

Comprised of 175 specially trained Firefighter/Paramedics available for deployment on an as-needed basis, the LAFD Bike Medic Program is one of the largest in North America.

From lengthy parades and crowded festivals to all night raves and emotion charged sporting events, LAFD Bike Medic Teams see a multitude of assignments where their special abilities and training makes a difference.

Whether deployed along the 26.2 miles of the L.A. Marathon, or helping the thousands of global travelers negotiating LAX during a busy holiday weekend, LAFD Bike Medic Teams perform Advanced Life Support where and when it is needed.

The next time you’re at large event in Los Angeles, keep an eye out for an LAFD Bike Medic Team; and then enjoy your day – knowing that prompt professional emergency care from people you trust, is just a short pedal away.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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The clocks stand still in Port-au-Prince, 4:53 PM; the time on January 12, 2010 when things forever changed in Haiti – and soon thereafter for millions the world over, most of whom watched in quiet disbelief as images of the nation’s catastrophic earthquake became evident.

While most of us in Southern California stood with slackened jaws and heavy hearts, a team of 72 highly trained and deeply dedicated friends and neighbors began to quickly assemble in Pacoima, California for a mission they had long trained for yet hoped would never come.

For more than two decades, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has helped organize and support a system of regional Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Forces available for mobilization by State and Federal government on an as-needed basis.

Comprised of specially trained and equipped local firefighters and other certified responders, this nationwide network of 28 FEMA USAR Task Forces includes eight in the Golden State, two of which are maintain here in Los Angeles County.

Though FEMA USAR Task Forces are equally trained, equipped and certified, only two of our nation’s teams are pre-designated for service beyond our borders through the United States Agency for International Development.

One of those teams ready for international deployment on January 12 was FEMA California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2), comprised of brave and dedicated men and women from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

For those unaware, the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) are similar sounding but separate organizations.

With military speed and precision, the 72 member Los Angeles County Fire Department contingent of fire fighters and paramedics, rescue specialists, emergency room physicians, structural engineers, heavy equipment operators, canine search dogs and handlers, hazardous materials technicians, communications and logistics personnel were assembled and on their way as emissaries of the American people.

Laboring selflessly around the clock for 14 days against an everpresent backdrop of despair, destruction – and aftershocks, the members of CA-TF2 performed to the highest standards and in the finest tradition of the fire service, giving hope and often life to the people of Haiti.

Among CA-TF2’s many successes was this videotaped rescue of a badly trapped woman…

We offer a respectful tip o’ the LAFD helmet to the members of CA-TF2, their families and all who offered aid, including two LAFD personnel summoned to serve Incident Support Team functions in Haiti.

As Los Angeles Firefighters, but more so as Americans, we are humbled by your service, compassion and valor. Most of all, we loudly echo the words of Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman:

Job Well Done. Welcome Home!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Fire Chief Millage Peaks will be the guest on ‘Open Line’, a public affairs radio program on Southern California’s KROQ (106.7 FM) this Sunday morning, January 31, from 6:00 – 7:00 AM.

Though host Scott Mason enjoys natural spontaneity in his questions, the morning’s topics are expected to include a lively cross-section of life safety and Fire Department issues.

The best part of the show however, is a chance for Chief Peaks to interact with callers. If you’re in the greater Los Angeles area, we welcome you to listen to the broadcast this Sunday morning and join in the conversation.

Phone numbers for ‘Open Line’ will be announced during the show.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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From our friends at MySafe:LA…

Meet Bo! She is a wonderful, eager, two-year old yellow labrador retriever. Her handler, Margaret Stewart is a firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department – and a director for MySafe:LA!

Margaret has a lot of wonderful stories to share about Bo, search dogs in general, and the Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Task Force they are assigned to.

Search Dogs: Ready For Anything! from David & Cameron Barrett

Learn more about staying safe in Los Angeles at:

mysafela.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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On Friday, January 22, 2010 at 11:19 AM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 2 Swift Water Rescue Teams under the direction of Assistant Chief Terry Manning responded to a River Rescue at 385 Los Angeles River in the Industrial Eastside area.

When 9-1-1 callers reported a dog in distress within the Los Angeles River and the possibility of someone jumping into the waters to rescue it, sixty LAFD firefighters from across a broad expanse sprang quickly into action on the ground and in the air. Firefighter/Dispatchers queried callers to determine that this 3 year-old German shepherd mix was trapped in frigid fast-moving water and the LAFD wanted the rescue to take place from trained professionals rather than well intentioned individuals that can all-too-easily become victims.

Due to recent severe weather, local flood control channels remain swelled with storm-water, causing the Los Angeles Fire Department to remain in a "River Rescue" preparedness status. Members were strategically pre-deployed to a helipad at Piper Tech, where historically many rescues have taken place, providing a short distance to the LA River. At 1119 hours they were dispatched along with ground swift water rescuers to join the Vernon Fire Department in this recovery.

Due to the fast moving water and the steep embankment, the dog was unable to climb out. Once the canine moved from the side of channel to the center, swift water rescue teams were at a disadvantage to reach him, thus the decision was made by Commanders to deploy firefighters from a helicopter in a hoist operation.

Firefighter Joe St Georges was lowered into the rapids and quickly made his way to the dog and despite being continually bit, held on to the frightened pooch as they were lifted to safety.

The helicopter flew a short distance to a nearby bridge, where it landed to transfer the German Shepherd, now nicknamed Vernon, to the care of ground-based LAFD firefighters that offered comfort and provided medical evaluation.

Vernon is being quarantined for observation (routine after a bite) at S.E.A.A.C.A. Animal Shelter and Firefighter St Georges received a bite wound to his hand and various punctures on his arms. Joe was treated and released at USC medical center.

The LAFD wishes to remind citizens that when rainstorms impact the Los Angeles area, flood control channels, rivers, and arroyos can quickly fill with fast-moving water, creating a potentially life-threatening danger to anyone who gets caught or swept away. Please keep all animals under supervision and remember it is against the law to be inside a flood control channel in Los Angeles, regardless of the weather.

Thanks to all the firefighters involved and due to their bravery and continual training, this incident had a successful outcome.

After an abundance of requests across the nation to provide cards of thanks and donations, the following address is provided: 200 N Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. LAFD Administration, Attn.: Dog Rescue.

Submitted by Spokesman Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

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