On Monday, June 29, 2009 at 3:13 AM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Dennis Waters responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 2800 E Manitou Ave in Lincoln Heights/Solano Canyon.

Firefighters arrived to find a 2 story four-plex apartment building with heavy smoke and fire coming from the first and second floor of one unit. The fire spread to the rear of the building causing the flames to involve the attic area of the complex. As crews began initial fire attack, they witnessed several of the residents exiting the structure.

Seven occupants, consisting of four adults and three children suffered minor injuries and were treated and transported to an area hospital in stable condition. American Red Cross was called to the aide of 21 individuals displaced as a result of this incident.

It took 108 firefighters 42 minutes to extinguished the flames.The dollar loss is estimated to be $350,000 ($300,000-structure and $50,000-content).The cause of this fire remains under investigation.

Submitted by Devin Gales
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Damages Four-Plex In Lincoln Heights

Every minute in the United States, an ambulance gets turned away from an emergency room because hospitals are simply too full. In Los Angeles, where patient and paramedic wait times can span the day and night, the system is being challenged in ways that may alarm you:



FIRESTORM is a feature-length documentary that examines the health care crisis through the prism of the Los Angeles Fire Department. With resources strained, and 9-1-1 being used for everything from heart attacks to itchy feet, LAFD Paramedics are often heard to ask: Who Will Rescue The Rescuers?

www.firestormmovie.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Who Will Rescue The Rescuers?

With so many people questioning municipal priorities, we offer this thought provoking video from the Orlando Fire Department:


Whether Oakland or Orlando, make certain your Neighborhood Firefighters can always effectively respond: "When Seconds Count..."


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - When Seconds Count...

On Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM, 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 Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief James Gaffney, responded to a Structure Fire at 2510 East 2nd Street in Boyle Heights.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from the attic of a one-story residential fourplex. With winds from the east gusting to 20 miles per hour, flames had taken strong hold of the common attic within the former single family home prior to their arrival, briefly threatening a dwelling to the north.


View Larger Pre-Fire Image (you can also click, grab or zoom the image above!)
With fire spreading freely through the attic of the 114 year-old building on account of the wind and balloon frame construction typical of the era, firefighters fiercely fought the blaze by opening the steeply pitched roof to limit fire extension while their colleagues below fought flames and protected resident's belongings.

The fire was confined to the attic of the 1,777 square-foot structure and extinguished in just 45 minutes.

There were no injuries.

Though smoke alarms were present within the structure, their functional status and role in alerting occupants could not be immediately determined.

Nine adult residents displaced by the fire were referred to the American Red Cross for assistance.

The diligent firefighting and salvage efforts of Los Angeles Firefighters limited loss to $45,000 ($30,000 structure & $15,000 contents). The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical and attributed to the building's antiquated wiring system.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Nine Displaced by Wind Driven Fire in Boyle Heights

The Los Angeles Fire Department is pleased to share a thought-provoking video focused on "Fireworks, Burns and the Law in L.A." from award-winning producers David and Cameron Barrett:


Senseless calamaties to people and pets remain a sad reality for Los Angeles Firefighters, as time and again, we see needless fireworks injuries.

We hope that you will join firefighters and their families in celebrating Independence Day at a public fireworks display. For more information, visit:

www.safejuly4th.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fireworks, Burns and the Law in L.A.

In welcoming the newest members of the Los Angeles Fire Department from Recruit Class 2008-4, we can affirm that our community is in capable and caring hands for decades to come...



Do you - or someone you know - have what it takes to be a Los Angeles Firefighter? To learn more, visit:

JoinLAFD.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Recruits: Having What it Takes...

On Monday, June 15, 2009 at 8:42 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a Heavy Equipment Operator, Light Vehicles 89 & 97 and the LAPD, under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch, responded to a Rescue incident at 2050 N. Cyprean Dr. in the Hollywood Hills.

Firefighters responded to reports of two workers stuck in the basket of a hydraulic boom, approximately 40 to 50 feet above the ground. The workers had been doing repairs on the adjacent radio tower, when they experienced difficulties maneuvering the boom basket. The first arriving Firefighters on scene, found the location of the workers problematic for responding heavy apparatus. An additional USAR company, light vehicles and a heavy equipment operator were requested to assist at the scene.

Firefighters began the daunting task of hand carrying and setting up, rescue equipment, generators and lights. As the aerial ladder truck slowly trudged up the narrow private road, Firefighters began stabilization operations to the boom.

The ladder truck made the long assent and culminated the rescue attempt with the extension of the aerial ladder in the rescue of the two trapped workers. It took approximately 55 Firefighters and specialty equipment, 1 hour, 32 minutes to rescue the workers. Fortunately, the proper use of safety equipment contributed in the worker's receiving no injuries.

(video)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Workers Stranded in Malfunctioning Boom

On Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 7:15 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Armando Hogan responded to a Structure Fire at 4429 S. Vermont Ave in Exposition Park/Coliseum Area.

Firefighters arrived to a 50ft X 75ft 1 story commercial building well involved with fire to the rear . Although crews made a quick attack on the blaze, one home located behind the structure was exposed to high heat and caught fire.

Three residents made it out of the home prior to fire crews making entry. A male and female in there 40's suffered slight smoke inhalation with burns to their faces and arms. Both were treated by paramedics then transported to area hospitals in stable condition. 2 teenagers were treated at the scene with no report of injury. Sadly two of the family's dogs perished in the blaze.

It took 65 Firefighters 17 minutes to fully extinguish the fire. The caused was due to a candle accidentally being left unattended. The dollar loss is estimated at $18,000-content and $ 48,000-structure. Smoke detectors did play a significant role in the warning of the occupants.

Submitted by Devin Gales
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Commercial Blaze Catches Fire To Near By Home

On Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 6:16 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Hazardous Materials Teams, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Greg Gibson responded to a HAZ-MAT at 333 S. Alameda St. in The Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to discover a leak causing the spill of an unknown substance in a large cold storage facility. Further investigation revealed several gallons of ammonia had spilled inside the structure from a utility room. Crews took precautions as they commenced with the evacuation of a dozen individuals, who were in the building doing some repairs.

Only one onsite manager was directly affected by the spill, with minor injury. He was treated and transported.

One Firefighter suffered a non life threatening exposure injury and was transported to area hospital for observation. The cause and investigation of this incident was turned over to L.A. County Health Haz-Mat.

Submitted by Devin Gales
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Haz-Mat Scare In Cold Storage Facility

Each Wednesday and Sunday evening, Christine Devine touches the hearts of television viewers with her Wednesday's Child segment on Fox-11 News in Los Angeles.

Working closely with the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Wednesday's Child profiles children looking for loving families to call their own.

It was therefore an honor beyond words when Ms. Devine approached the LAFD to introduce Angel.

(myFOXla.com) - Have you ever looked into the face of a hero? What did you see? Anyone who has done anything courageous has likely had the support of caring individuals in their life. For many children in foster care, they are still looking for that supportive someone to call their own - an act which takes courage to do as well.

Today, we want you to look into the face of Angel and know that while today he is waiting for a heroic family to provide him support, he’s looking to be a hero himself someday because he wants to help others when he grows up.

What better place to meet heroes than the Annual Hope for Firefighters event with the Los Angeles Fire Department?

Here, Angel got one-on-one training from Fire Captain, Rick Godinez and all the gear necessary to play that role of heroic firefighter for the day. First there was the badge which Angel had no problems learning to wear that with pride.

When on the job, a firefighter has to know about buildings and structures and learn everything there is to know about the very cool but heavy equipment that firefighters use.

Equally important is how to take care of yourself when you’re not out saving lives and no one but firefighters know better on how to do that through cooking, so our visit was filled with gourmet food cooked by the various fire houses in a competition to raise money for the fallen heroes. As a new honorary firefighter, Angel got to inspect everything that was going on.

Angel loves to explore. Here we see him as a firefighter but we can visualize him in many other outfits. Perhaps that of a soldier or a police officer or a doctor’s lab coat. He has many more years to explore how he will help others someday. Until then, we’re looking for someone to help Angel and give him the love, safety and security to thrive that only a permanent and loving family can provide.

For an afternoon, Angel was part of the LAFD family and got to be with and model after some of our everyday heroes. There’s more than one way to he a hero, though, and the biggest kind of hero needed by Angel is an adoptive family.

Many Los Angeles Fire Department families have experienced the joy of adoption, and there are hundreds of wonderful foster children available for adoption through the DCFS at any given time.

We wish to thank Christine, the crew at KTTV and especially their sponsor, the Freddie Mac Foundation, for allowing us the honor of introducing Angel. To become the wind beneath his wings - or that of another child, call: (866)921-ADOPT or visit:

www.lacdcfs.org/adoptions

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Putting Wind Beneath the Wings of 'Angel'

Those who follow the LAFD_ALERT system and Twitter Feed, may recall this recent advisory...


KCAL-TV's David Goldstein tells us more...

...and KCBS-TV's Suzie Suh, helps us remember Jennifer Perla:

While the specific cause of the collision remains the focus of a California Highway Patrol investigation, responders agree that Jennifer may have survived if she had been properly restrained within the vehicle.

With proms and graduation a cause for celebration, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to drive safely and unimpaired, making sure every occupant in your vehicle is safely restrained with a properly fitted seatbelt at all times.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - No Prom, No Graduation: When Life is Just a Click Away

We encourage you to join local Firefighters and their families on Wednesday evening, June 17, 2009 when the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Oakland A's on Heroes Day at Dodger Stadium. Save close to 50% on selected seating sections throughout the stadium.

The Dodgers will honor local Firefighters before the game begins.
Though game time is 7:10PM, we strongly urge you to arrive early to witness the pregame ceremony.

If you have not yet purchased tickets for the game through LAFD advanced sales, please contact Kristopher Ziskin at 323-224-1308 contact the Dodgers Ticket office toll-free at (866)DODGERS (866-363-4377).

We hope you and your family can join us. We kindly ask you to take a moment for personal reflection - and then to join us in giving thanks to those in uniform, especially our personal heroes of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Dodgers Baseball Honors Local Firefighters

On Monday, June 8, 2009 at 6:51 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 77 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Robert Franco, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1520 West Florence Avenue in South Los Angeles.


View Larger Pre-Fire Image (you can also click, grab & zoom the image above)
Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke from a fast-moving rubbish fire in the alley of a one-story commercial building. The flames had extended within the structure, threatening a two-story apartment building to the east and a storefront church to the west.

LAFD personnel aggressively attacked the flames, using handlines to confine the fire before it spread to the adjacent buildings. The well-coordinated offense limited the blaze within the mattress store and alley of initial involvement.

The flames were extinguished in just 31 minutes.

After sustaining a severe nail puncture to his hand during the fire assault, one firefighter was taken to California Hospital Medical Center, where he was treated and released to remain off duty.

The same hospital later saw a teenage female from the neighborhood brought to their facility by LAFD Ambulance in fair condition, after complaining of exposure to smoke from the fire.

No other injuries were reported.

Loss to 'Dream & Rest Mattress Company' is still being tabulated. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(photos)


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - South L.A. Mattress Store Fire Sends 2 To Hospital

Sixty-Five years ago the world united against tyranny. With death and destruction all around them, these soldiers charged on to victory. May the World never forget the sacrifice that was made this day, and in all wars, to provide the very freedoms many of us take for granted.

"June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end on June 6, the Allies gained a foot- hold in Normandy. The D-Day cost was high -more than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded -- but more than 100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler."

The Men and Women of the Los Angeles Fire Department wish to extend our gratitude and respect to the true Hero's protecting this fine Nation. Those Men and Women serving in the Military , past and present, locally and abroad, in battle or just prepared to battle, family and friends, we humbly salute you.

Submitted by Ron Myers, Captain
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Looking For A Hero? D-Day, 65 Years Ago Today...

On Monday, June 1, 2009 at 10:43 PM, 23 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 9 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 4 EMS Battalion Captains, 7 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Dozer, 2 Tractors, 2 Loaders, Heavy Equipment Unit under the direction of Assistant Chief Mark Stormes responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 6914 N. Beck Ave. in North Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke and fire showing through the roof from an unoccupied, 50x100 foot, 1 story carpet and hardwood manufacturing commercial building. Swiftly extending handlines, firefighters did fierce battle with the blaze. Due to the structural collapse of the roof and the building's walls, fire crews were forced to go into a defensive mode. They began attacking the fire with heavy streams of water from the roofs of adjacent structures as well as from the street.

Firefighters worked diligently to prevent the spread of fire to any of the surrounding structures in this commercial area of North Hollywood. The fire was contained to only the one building. Early on in the firefight, one Fire Captain was treated and transported for fatigue and remains hospitalized under observation. There were no other injuries reported. Companies continued firefighting efforts throughout the early morning hours,with over 170 fire personnel continuing the attack. Water appliances were used on the ground, as well as several ladder pipe operations.

Thanks to the exhausting efforts of all fire teams the blaze was finally knocked down after a seven hour stand. Extensive overhauling of the site was initiated, with several companies remaining on scene to watch for hot spots. The cause of this fire has still yet to be determined and the monitory loss is still being tabulated.

Submitted by Devin Gales
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Blaze Erupts In Commercial Building In North Hollywood

It’s summer time. Kids are out of school. Families are enjoying backyard barbeques and pool parties. A backyard pool is more common today and provide recreation for family and friends a large part of the year. But let’s not forget pool safety! A backyard swimming pool can be as much fun as it can be dangerous, especially for children.

Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under five in Florida, Arizona and California. According to government statistics, for every drowning there are approximately eleven near drowning incidents with many resulting in debilitating brain damage.

A study was initiated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, of children age 5 and younger who drowned in backyard pools in the above mentioned states. The results may help clarify why drowning is still the number one killer for three states and stands at number two for the nation. These are some of the findings:

1. Which parent was in charge of supervision at the time of drowning?

• 69 percent of incidents occurred while one or both parents were responsible for supervision
• 77 percent of the children had been seen 5 minutes or less before being missed and subsequently discovered in the pool.
• 23 percent were last seen in the yard, porch or patio, but not in the pool area.

2. What was the person responsible for supervision involved in at the time of drowning?

• 39 percent were doing chores.
• 18 percent socializing.
• 9 percent on the telephone.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to reiterate the importance of pool safety, especially at this time when we are experiencing triple digit temperatures. THERE CAN BE NO COMPROMISE ON POOL SAFETY.

• Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.
• Do not let your child use air-filled "swimming aids." They are not a substitute for approved life vests.
• Anyone watching young children around a pool should learn CPR and be able to rescue a child if needed. Stay within an arm's length of your child.
• Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
• Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by doorbells, phone calls, chores or conversations. If you must leave the pool area, take the child with you.
• Any door leading to the pool area should be kept locked.
• Invest in floating pool alarm devices
• If there is a lot of traffic around your pool, a self-closing and self locking gate assures closure for those “who forget.”
• Every second counts, always look for a missing child in the pool first. Valuable time is wasted looking for missing children anywhere but in the pool!
  

Teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water, but you can help them help themselves by:

• Having your children trained for pool survival when he is able to crawl or walk to your pool.
• All survival swim instruction must be reintroduced to children after a period of not being in the pool.
• Your child can be taught survival swimming and will retain it during water active months with practice.
• Children should be taught to negotiate to a wall or steps and know how to get out.

Have a safe and cool summer vacation!

Consumer Product Safety Commission
Are You Watching Your Kids Around Water?
Water Related Injuries
Pool Fencing
Splash Zone USA (with kids in mind)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Having Fun in the Summertime