California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS

2012 CALIFORNIA MOBILIZATION GUIDE / IMT OP GUIDELINES

noreply@blogger.com (California Fire news) — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:04:51 PDT

2012 CALIFORNIA MOBILIZATION GUIDE

2012 California IMT Operating Guidelines

California Mobilization Guide Cover
Memorandum
Chapter 10...Policy and Objectives
Chapter 20...Administrative Procedures
Chapter 30...Organization
Chapter 40...Cooperation
Chapter 50...Emergency Operations Directory
Chapter 60...Personnel
Chapter 70...Supplies and Equipment
Chapter 80...Aircraft
Chapter Dividers

ENTIRE MOB GUIDE

NOTE: The California Mobilization Guide is in .pdf format
Download free Acrobat Reader here

Standard Firefighting Orders

Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
Know what your fire is doing at all times.
Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire.
Identify escape routes and safety zones and make them known.
Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor, and adjoining forces.
Give clear instructions and insure they are understood.
Maintain control of your forces at all times.
Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.

18 Watchouts Situations

Fire not scouted and sized up.
In country not seen in daylight.
Safety zones and escape routes not identified.
Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.
Uninformed on strategy, tactics, and hazards.
Instructions and assignments not clear.
No communication link with crewmembers/supervisors.
Constructing line without safe anchor point.
Building fireline downhill with fire below.
Attempting frontal assault on fire.
Unburned fuel between you and the fire.
Cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who can.
On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below.
Weather is getting hotter and drier.
Wind increases and/or changes direction.
Getting frequent spot fires across line.
Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult.
Taking a nap near the fire line.

California Fire News 2012

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Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips

noreply@blogger.com (California Fire news) — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:51:27 PDT

The 2012 version of Memorial Day is upon us. For many, it represents the first days of Summer. With that, comes: first exposure (or maybe just over-exposure) to the sun, first cook-outs or BBQs on the grill (or over-exposure to the grill..yes, too much to eat) and the first time back into the refreshing waters of the ocean or pool.

You may spend the Holiday Weekend at home with your family or a small group. You may opt to travel by air, road or rail and spend it with the masses or perhaps with a huge group that just happens to resemble your family. However you choose to spend it, please take a look at a few safety tips that may ensure a long and very pleasant Memorial Day Weekend... despite those distant relatives that all decided to visit from the East Coast. (Of course we're kidding!)

These Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips are provided with help from our friends at the County of Los Angeles Public Health and a few of our own, we thought were worth mentioning:

Cook, grill or BBQ intelligently. Use clean plates, store food properly and prepare it correctly.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sun damage. 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.
Pool safely and always have someone watching the water.

If you take to the mountains for somehiking or biking, don't go alone. Hike/bike 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, use a designated driver service (there are many) or call a cab.

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 served and do serve in theUnited States Armed Forces. Please take pause, if only for a moment, and give thanks to those who have had the courage to enlist, shown the strength and commitment to serve and to those who gave it all. This weekend especially, we remember!

California Fire News 2012

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LAFD Mourns Passing of Active Duty Fire Inspector Jerald L. Coates

noreply@blogger.com (California Fire news) — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:47:01 PDT

Public Memorial Service for

LAFD Inspector Jerald L. Coates

Dear Friend of the LAFD,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a highly respected member of the Los Angele Fire Department.

Fire Inspector Jerald L. Coates left us suddenly on Sunday afternoon, May 20, 2012, while off-duty and in the comfort of his own home. He was an active-duty, 25-year veteran of the Department, having been appointed to the LAFD in 1987.

In his nearly three decades of service to the people of Los Angeles, the 59 year-old Coates held a variety of demanding assignments. In 2001, he was promoted to the Fire Prevention Bureau, where he specialized in "underground tanks." He then joined the Brush Clearance Unit in 2010.

As a member of this small team of 13 inspectors, Coates helped supervise brush clearance issues of nearly 180,000 parcels, citywide. He truly enjoyed educating the community about the dangers of wildfire and was routinely lauded by residents for his firm, but fair handling of difficult situations. And by all accounts, he took great pride in personalized public service.

We kindly ask you to keep Inspector Jerald L. Coates and his loved-ones in your thoughts and prayers. He is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Donailah and his 25 year-old son, Oryan.

The public is invited to join the LAFD and the family and friends of
Inspector Jerald L. Coates, as we together, will mourn his passing.

DATE: Friday, June 1, 2012

TIME: 10:00 am
LOCATION: Divine Saviour Catholic Church, 610 Cypress Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065
INTERMENT: Private
VIEWING: Private
DONATIONS: IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO: Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund 815 Colorado Blvd, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Official Source: http://lafd.blogspot.com/2012/05/lafd-mourns-passing-of-active-duty-fire.html
"Serving with Courage, Integrity and Pride"
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CA-MVU- Banner 5,321 acres and is 100%

noreply@blogger.com (California Fire news) — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:20:15 PDT

Incident Name/Type: CA-MVU-Banner

Updates:
2000 5-29: CA-MVU-5400 Shelter Valley, Cal Fire IMT #9 (Zombro) Fire has burned 5,321 acres and is 95 % contained. No expected fire spread this operational period.
0800 5-26: 4,100 acres at 30% contained, Equipment mishap sparked the conflagration early Thursday afternoon in the Cigarette Hills area, near Banner Grade and southwest of Scissors Crossing, according to Cal Fire.
1330hrs 5-25: 3,100 acres. 20% contained. Residents at an RV park are being forced to evacuate due to a flare-up of the wildfire in an area east of Julian. Mandatory evacuations in a trailer park and closing S2 right now. Wind driven with uypslope gust's to 36 mph. http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/L/hpwren-iqeye4.jpg
1200hrs 5-25: CALFIRE - ICT #9 took command.

0800hrs 5-25 : Fire is 2,500 acres at 20% contained

1740hrs 5-24: Cal Fire reporting 1200 acres. Now 40 engines and 8 crews

1630hrs 5-24: Fire is 1000-2000 acres with rapid ROS going up Granite Peak per Banner AA, IC just ordered 6 T3 ST's, 10 T1 Crews, 4 WT's, 6 additional Div Sups, 2 Branch Dirs. and County GIS

1530hrs 5-24: 150 acres S.O.reverse 911 for Mandatory Evacuations for Shelter Valley Evac Site is Borrego Springs HS.

CA-MVU- Banner 2,000 acres, 20%

Location: Fire is located off HWY. 78 west of Scissors crossing on Cigarette Hill, Fire is an area just north of last years 2000 acre Grade Fire.

Acres: 4+
ROS: Not Provided
ROC: Strike teams enroute for structure protection. Has some wind on it.Fire will run out into Anza-Borrego Desert and sparse fuels.
Structures threat: Yes

Special Hazards:
Resources:
One ST from CNF (6631-C) & one Cal Fire MVU (9330-C) for Structure protection
Currently CNF has responding(some of the engines are part of the ST)
BC31, DIV3, E30, E32, E331, E334, E35, E36, E38, E39, WT3
Plus two tankers and 2 helicopters
Radio Frequencies:
Weather Info: Temp 67
Humidity 55 %
Wind Speed W 10 G 15 MPH
Maps: http://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/scissors
Twitter map from MVU at about 1930 https://twitter.com/CALFIRESANDIEGO/.../photo/1/large
Online Scanner: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/a...wp&feedId=9733
Web Cams: http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/L/sy-av8185-1_3.jpg
Mt. Laguna Cam: http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/L/hpwren-iqeye4.jpg

California Fire News 2011

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LA COUNTY FIRE EVALUATE LIFEGUARD DRONE

noreply@blogger.com (California Fire news) — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:43:48 PDT

LA COUNTY FIRE LIFEGUARDS EVALUATE NEW

REMOTE-CONTROLLED MARINE VEHICLE NAMED “EMILY”

EMILY being tested a Zuma Beach

LOS ANGELES – May 24, 2012 – The Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Division has been working closely with Hydronalix Corporation in evaluating a remote-controlled marine vehicle that lifeguards may use to aid potential struggling swimmers who may be caught in rip currents or other ocean hazards. The initial test craft has been dubbed “EMILY” in memory of 13-year-old Emily Rose Shane, who was tragically killed by a car while walking along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu in 2010. Hydronalix President Tony Mulligan, decided to name his project after Shane, who was a close friend of his daughter’s, and was known for always wanting to help others, which is what this project is all about.

Hydronalix wisely approached the world-renowned Los Angeles County Lifeguards for input on the potential to use this technology for lifesaving purposes. “EMILY will never replace ocean lifeguards,” Mulligan commented, “but it may be able to get to drowning victims quickly enough to buy time until trained lifeguards arrive.” EMILY will need to be controlled by a qualified lifeguard who is trained to recognize hazardous ocean conditions, such as rip currents, in which swimmers may be inadvertently caught. EMILY may also have a future application in assisting in locating missing swimmers, as well as finding downed aircraft or sunken vessels.

This project is in a limited, prototype phase that will require more research and development before being routinely seen on local beaches. However, Lifeguard Division Chief, Mike Frazer, noted that, “We owe it to the taxpayer to explore potential technology that could assist public safety and well being.”

STRONG RIP CURRENTS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BEACHES

LOS ANGELES COUNTY LIFEGUARDS MADE 12,768 OCEAN RESCUES DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS.

Your L.A. County Fire Lifeguards want you to safely enjoy the sun and beach this summer by following a few safety tips;

Always swim by an open lifeguard tower
Swim between the orange flags
Use a leash and fins when body-boarding
Keep young children close at hand
When in doubt about any aspect of your beach experience, ask a lifeguard for direction.

www.fire.lacounty.gov

California Fire News 2012

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Dry Conditions Require Caution for Memorial Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (California Fire news) — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:41:08 PDT

Significant Fire Increase Has CAL FIRE Officials Concerned

Sacramento – Memorial Day Weekend is often the kick-off for summer vacations and outdoor activities.

However, CAL FIRE is urging caution this holiday weekend due to the increasing fire danger throughout
California.

“Recent fire activity including a 7,000 acre fire just over the border in Nevada, really serves as a reminder,
that the conditions are ripe for wildfires,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE. “CAL FIRE
crews have already responded to over twice as many fires this year compared to last year at the same time.”

The lack of rainfall across California has set the stage for an increased potential of major wildfires.
Coupled with this weekend’s increase in outdoor activities, firefighters will be on high alert. CAL FIRE is
asking Californians and visitors to the state to be extra vigilant while recreating in the outdoors.
CAL FIRE would like everyone to remember these important steps this holiday:
Camping:

Obtain necessary permits needed for campfires
Clear away grass, leaves and other debris within a 10-foot perimeter of any campfire
Have a responsible person in attendance at all times
Ensure all campfires are completely extinguished before leaving
When barbequing, never leave the grill unattended

Wildfires are not the only danger posed by the outdoors; drownings also dramatically increase during the
Memorial Day weekend. In California, drowning is the leading cause of death among children under 14,
and every year CAL FIRE responds to water rescues across the state, many of which tragically claim the
lives of both adults and children.

In the Water:

Always wear a life jacket!
Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult
Never swim alone
Drinking and swimming is just as dangerous and drinking and driving.

California Fire News 2011

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CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER WARNING: IMPERIAL COUNTY AND EASTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY.

noreply@blogger.com (California Fire news) — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:16:24 PDT

CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER

AREA: AFFECTED AREA IN CALIFORNIA IMPERIAL COUNTY AND EASTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY.
WINDS: SOUTHWEST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH.
TIMING: STRONG GUSTY WINDS WILL DEVELOP THROUGH THE MORNING WITH THE STRONGEST WINDS EXPECTED IN THE AFTERNOON.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY: AS LOW AS 13 PERCENT.
IMPACTS: FUELS ARE VERY DRY AND FIRE DANGER IS HIGH. THESE CONDITIONS COMBINED WITH LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND STRONG WINDS WILL LEAD TO WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
Instruction:
PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS AND FIRE CREWS IN THE FIELD OF THIS FIRE WEATHER WATCH.
Area: CALIFORNIA FIRE WEATHER ZONE 232IMPERIAL COUNTY AND EASTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY-
Affected Counties or parts of: Riverside, Imperial
Sent: 2012-05-24T02:53:59-07:00

California Fire News 2012

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CAL FIRE Dedicates New Creston Fire Station

noreply@blogger.com (California Fire news) — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:03:35 PDT

CAL FIRE, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors and Creston community members held a dedication ceremony at the new location in the 6000 block of Webster Road.

Starting June 1, the new Creston Fire Station will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by full time CAL FIRE personnel, as well as volunteer firefighters.

Firefighters at the Creston station cover 135 square miles, but before the new station was built, personnel and offices were housed in two modular buildings. A detached metal building was used to store the fire engine.
Source: ksby.com - Link

California Fire News 2012

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Links for 2011-05-18 [Digg]

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 PDT

http://www.alan.com/2011/05/18/tea-party-leader-to-john-boehner-im-sick-of-the-tears/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed:+liberaland+(Alan+Colmes+Liberaland)
The Tea-Party is even sick of the cry baby