The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department warmly welcome you to join civic and community leaders, including Fire Chief Douglas Barry, at the public dedication and grand opening of the LAFD's newest Neighborhood Fire Station.

Saturday, February 28, 2009
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
New Fire Station 13
2401 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90006

We are pleased to offer an interactive map with driving directions to this new facility, which is now in service protecting the Pico-Union and Koreatown neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

Following Saturday's dedication ceremony, there will be food and entertainment as well as a chance to tour Southern California's newest Fire Station. All members of the community are welcomed to this family-themed public event.

A Brief History of Fire Station 13...

Now housing an Engine Company, Paramedic Rescue Ambulance and serving as Battalion 11 Headquarters, new Fire Station 13 replaces a cramped and inefficient facility on South Vermont Avenue that opened in 1950.


Former Fire Station 13 was designed to house no more than four male firefighters and one limited-role (now antique) fire apparatus serving an established neighborhood west of downtown Los Angeles.

Constructed for $79,730 on a 50' x 190' lot, the fifty-eight year old former facility was deemed deficient in meeting modern seismic safety, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, Building Code, ADA and separate gender accommodation issues.

LAFD operational and societal advances over nearly six decades made that 4,758 square-foot station - and only slightly larger parcel of land, inadequate for providing timely and effective response to a community that now includes sizeable commercial and industrial properties as well as many large multi-story apartments.

A New Fire Station for Pico-Union and Koreatown...

The new 15,250 square-foot Fire Station 13 is built on a one acre site, and is designed to address modern response needs while bringing efficiency to LAFD's workforce - and therefore convenience and enhanced service to a vibrant neighborhood we've long been proud to be a part of.

The energy conserving 6-bay facility also features an important "drive through" feature that prevents the need to block traffic on busy Pico Boulevard when rehousing Fire Department vehicles.

We encourage you to learn more about new Fire Station 13 and the many Fire Department facilities being modernized through Proposition F by viewing a highly detailed on-line Monthly Progress Report.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, February 28, 2009. Please don't forget your camera!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Grand Opening of Fire Station 13 in Los Angeles

In celebration of Black History Month, the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department is helping to coordinate the:

LAPD and LAFD Recruitment Expo 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
7901 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Firefighter or Police Officer in Los Angeles, or if you'd just like to know more about the Los Angeles Police Department or Fire Department, we hope you'll join us this Saturday for an event that is welcoming all members of the community.

For information about the Expo and your career, call: (213)473-9060


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Police and Fire Recruitment Expo in Los Angeles

On Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:30 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Ronald Jackson, responded to a Cliff Rescue at 3635 N. Vanalden Av. in Tarzana.

Firefighters responded to a reported hiker down in the canyon at approximately 9:30 a.m.. When Firefighters arrived on scene, they found 3 young hikers who indicated they heard someone calling out for help down in the canyon and may have been there over night with possible injuries. A request for aerial assistance by helicopter with hoist capabilities was canceled due to weather.

Firefighters utilized the Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Team to assist in the rescue. It took Firefighters 20 minutes on foot to locate the hiker. Utilizing an assortment of tools, the hiker was freed from the vegetation. After being assessed by Paramedics for injuries, the hiker was secured in a litter basket and walked out utilizing a low angle, hoist operation. The medical concern of Firefighters was the possibility of hypothermia, from exposure to low overnight temperatures. The hiker was finally at street side by 11:05 a.m.

The hiker, a male 33, stated he had been hiking the previous day, when he slipped and fell down into the canyon. Unable to climb out, he spent the night partially entrapped in brush calling for help.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to stress trail safety. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Hike with a partner or let someone know where you will be hiking. Take sufficient water and a fully charged cell phone. Remember that cell phone coverage in the mountains can be spotty. But most importantly - BE SAFE

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Hiker Rescued After Overnight Ordeal

On Monday, February 16, 2009 at 7:26 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Robert Franco, responded to a Structure Fire at 1598 W. Beverly Bl. in the Civic Center area.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a one story, L-shaped, 50 foot by 70 foot, commercial building with fire showing from the rear of the structure. Companies were quickly deployed to establish hose lines and vertical ventilation. The roof top ventilation team indicated that 4 to 5 ventilators were "blowing fire." Additional companies were called to assist in the fire fight.

The aggressive work, enabled 67 Firefighters to knock down the fire in 17 minutes. The fire was contained to the contents of 1 room in the rear of the occupancy. The business, Laser, Inc., was responsible for legal copying and processing. The cause of the fire was deemed electrical and the dollar loss was estimated at $200,000 [$100,000 structure, $100,000 contents]. There were no reported injuries to civilians or Firefighters. The address was corrected to 1517 W. Beverly Boulevard.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Destroys Local Printing Business

Today, we celebrate the promotion of LAFD spokesman and 'blog-minder' Ron Myers from the rank of Firefighter to Captain.

With his well-deserved promotion from Public Service Officer to Fire Captain I, Ron departs our media and public relations staff with a legacy of achievement that includes technical and procedural advances that will benefit Los Angeles for decades to come.

During his three year tenure at the LAFD Emergency Public Information (EPI) Center, Ron has been responsible for external communication related to many noteworthy events, including major wildfires, a formal change of LAFD Administration and the line-of-duty death of our Brother Brent Lovrien.

Those accomplishments not withstanding, Ron has achieved global recognition within government service for his crisis management, data acquisition and open source information analysis skills.

A highly decorated 29-year veteran of the LAFD, Captain Myers has been assigned to protect the northwest Van Nuys, Van Nuys Airport and North Hills area of Los Angeles as an Engine Company Officer at Fire Station 90 on the 'B' Platoon.

Please join us in wishing him well.

Brian Humphrey and d'Lisa Davies,
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Promotes Spokesman To Rank of Captain

The Los Angeles Fire Department is partnering with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to bring you timely and accurate information regarding recent:

• Salmonella Typhimurium infections
• Recalls of peanut containing products

To assist today's federal effort, the LAFD News & Information blog is featuring a web link and on-line widget allowing blog visitors to search for peanut containing products subject to recall...

Will You Help Us?

During this time of public uncertainty, we're asking webmasters and bloggers across our nation to temporarily include this widget on their sites. You can easily publish this real-time display by clicking here or on the 'Share' tab in the widget above.

For additional information, call: 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit:

www.fda.gov
www.cdc.gov

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Salmonella and Peanut Recall Information Available on LAFD Blog

On Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 2:37 PM,7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Hazardous Materials Teams,1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, L.A. County Health Haz Mat and LAPD Haz Mat, under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch, responded to a Hazardous Materials Incident at 2210 S. Barry Av. in the Sawtelle area.

Firefighters responded to reports of a hazardous material spill at a commercial business. When Firefighters arrived, they found 25 to 30 employees of the business self evacuating and were promptly taken to a safe location. Further investigation revealed the company, Barry Avenue Plating Company, had contaminated soil in the process of being removed from the property. Approximately 200 gallons of Calcium Polysulfide, used in preparing the soil for removal, was accidentally spilled. The chemical is not used in plating operations.

A Haz Mat entry team deemed the material to be static and contained in a 20 foot by 10 foot containment pool. Readings were taken and no atmospheric hazard was found. The incident was downgraded and turned over to L.A. County Health Haz Mat to oversee the proper clean-up and removal of the material.

52 Firefighters were utilized during the incident. No residential evacuations were necessary, but Olympic Boulevard was shut down between Barrington Avenue and Federal Avenue for the duration of the incident.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Accidental Spill Evacuates 30 From Local Business

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department and their families invite you to join them for an action-filled afternoon, as the Los Angeles Kings tender a:

Salute To Heroes - Firefighters Day:

Saturday, February 14, 2009
1:00 PM
L.A. Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Staples Center
1111 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

As part of their seasonal Salute to Heroes, the Los Angeles Kings have pledged a generous percentage of proceeds from ticket sales to benefit the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund, as well as the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

We hope you can join us for this special day of fun at Staples Center. Your tickets are now available on-line or by calling (213)742-7230.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - L.A. Kings to Salute Firefighters at Staples Center

On Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 8:34 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 9 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, and 1 CERT Coordinator all under the direction of Assistant Chief Roxanne Bercik responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 3305 S Central Ave in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a two-story apartment over a commercial building with heavy fire on the second floor. Confronted immediately with several people hanging from the second floor windows, Firefighters performed coordinated rescues using ladders as fellow Firefighters began an interior attack on the fire. Fortunately, all occupants were able to escape the fire without serious injury.

One civilian was treated and released on scene after suffering a minor second degree burn to the hand. The fire was contained in just 23 minutes and the damage was limited to several units on the second floor and the attic of the apartment building. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours, protecting homeowners belongings from additional damage. During the overhaul phase of the fire, two dogs and one cat were discovered deceased in the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the dollar loss has yet to be determined.

(photos)


Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Civilians Rescued From Burning Apartments