John Solomon

A question often faced by the Los Angeles Fire Department - and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is where to turn for a frank assessment of their disaster preparedness programs.

The answer for both agencies is simple: John Solomon.

The author of "In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog", we're honored to have John as a mentor and today as a guest contributor.

A brave man, whose personal insight into emergency management enjoys a strong following, John knows what it takes to survive a disaster when he writes...

September is National Preparedness Month, which focuses attention on what citizens should do to ready themselves, their families and their communities for potential disasters.

According to Ready.Gov, the U.S. government’s official preparedness website, there are three key steps for each citizen to become prepared for an emergency:

1) Get A Kit 2) Make A Plan 3) Be Informed.

However, this year, the federal government will be making a special push to get Americans to create an emergency communications plan for their family.

In fact, Federal Emergency Management Agency head Craig Fugate told me in an interview earlier this month that if citizens are going “to do one thing” this National Preparedness Month they should develop a family plan which he said is a good "first step" towards family disaster readiness.

In order to help Americans do the emergency planning, Ready.Gov and the Ad Council are offering some online tools to create a printable comprehensive Family Emergency Plan and an email/text containing basic information that can be shared with others.

Also, as part of developing a family emergency plan, the director of the Ready Campaign, Darryl Madden, told me that he hopes Americans will — if they have not already — check with their workplaces and kids’ schools to find about their emergency plans.

Another relatively easy but very useful thing you can do in advance to help communicate in a crisis is to prepare your cell or smart phone. This month, make sure to add your key In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact numbers to your mobile's Address Book and sign up for emergency text/e-mail alerts that many cities and towns now offer.
                                                    -John Solomon

Thank you John.

During September, the LAFD News & Information blog will feature a daily tip to help you and your family get and stay prepared.

We encourage you visit and bookmark John's "In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog", and to add his RSS Feed to your newsreader.

You'll also find John on Twitter @JohnDSolomon


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD: 'In Case of Emergency, Read Blog'

Fortunately most are not faced with emergencies very often, but when they do occur, you want help fast. Let the Los Angeles Fire Department teach you how to receive help as fast as possible. Dialing three numbers (9-1-1) is simple to most, however knowing exactly what happens next is unfamiliar to many. Here are some tips:

Firefighter/Dispatchers will ask three important questions in the following order before being able to send the appropriate help to the correct location.

• What is the address of your emergency?
• What is the phone number you are calling from?
• What is wrong?

Stay calm. No doubt the circumstances surrounding your need to dial 9-1-1 is due to an emergency. The dispatcher realizes this and is there to help, but please stay calm. Try taking a deep breath before dialing.  It is a natural instinct for many to insist the 9-1-1 operator to "hurry up", this will not quicken the process, but can hamper it if they have to ask the caller for information several times because he or she could not comprehend what was being said.

Be prepared to answer questions, simply. Rather than explaining to the dispatcher all the surrounding circumstances regarding your emergency, be prepared to answer a series of questions concisely with "yes," "no," or “I don’t know.” This will expedite your getting help.

Let the Fire-dispatcher guide the conversation. They have several tasks to perform and are processing your information into a computer while sending it to the Fire Department personnel responding to your emergency, allowing firefighters to gain a better understanding before arriving on scene. The majority of the time, emergency services are being sent while you are still on the phone line.

Follow all directions. In many cases, the Firefighter/dispatcher will offer pre-arrival instructions that will help ensure the safety of the patient, as well as yourself. Listen carefully, follow each step exactly, and ask for clarification if you don't understand. Lastly, please do not hang up until directed to do so.  

Remember: 311 is a convenient way to get in touch with the City of Los Angeles for non-emergency or routine matters and 511 can be dialed for traffic related information.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - How to Call 9-1-1

John W. Callahan
1949-2010

John W. Callahan, retired Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, and active-duty Chief of the San Luis Obispo, California Fire Department, passed away suddenly on August 18, 2010.

Chief Callahan began his career with the Los Angeles Fire Department on July 25, 1970 as a Firefighter and he promoted through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of our Department. As Commander of Operations, he held the second highest position in the Department.

During his LAFD career, Callahan supervised the implementation of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, served as Commander of the Fire Suppression and Rescue Bureau, managed the Disaster Preparedness Section, oversaw Communications and Dispatch, as well as the In-Service Training Section.

In addition, he headed LAFD preparations for the 2000 Democratic National Convention and served as the Department's liaison with the Mayor and City Council.

Chief Callahan also served as the Vice-President for the LAFD Chief Officers' Association (COA) and as chair of the Emergency Preparedness Commission for the County and Cities of Los Angeles. Since 2004, he provided consulting in the area of public safety with clients throughout the United States.

Following retirement from the LAFD in 2003, he went on to become the Fire Chief of San Luis Obispo Fire Department in 2005, and led that agency at the time of his passing.


As the Fire Chief in San Luis Obispo, Chief Callahan was credited with bringing innovation to the Fire Departent and key improvements to the City's emergency operations.

On August 27, 2010 firefighters and friends from across our nation gathered in San Luis Obispo to offer a final farewell to a highly beloved fire service leader:



Chief Callahan is survived by his wife, Lynne, son John Christopher and daughter Danise.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Bid Final Farewell to Chief John Callahan

You've heard and seen weather warnings, er.. watches - or were they advisories?

When it comes to emergency management and your safety, words have meaning. That's why the Los Angeles Fire Department suggests you become familiar with the terms used to identify severe weather conditions.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings are not synonymous!

Watch:
A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.

Advisory:
An advisory highlights special weather conditions that are less serious than a warning. They are for events that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

Warning:
A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.

By remembering to look or listen for such key words, you can take appropriate action to keep yourself and those you love safe from foreseeable danger.

To learn more about weather in our region, visit the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard Weather Forecast Office at:

www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox

...and, remember to tune to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television stations for information whenever severe weather threatens!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Watches and Warnings - Do You Know The Difference?

Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned one Strike Team of firefighters to assist the Kern County Fire Department and allied agencies in their battle against a brush fire near Lebec, California (northeast of Frazier Park), approximately 40 miles northwest of our City.

View larger map of Post Fire (you can also pan, click & zoom the map above!)
These twenty-two personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the Post Fire in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System. Administered by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), the system is designed to ensure resources to local jurisdictions when their own resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.

The City of Los Angeles remains protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding this wildfire, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by the Kern County Fire Department, which maintains daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire is burning. Additional details may be posted for public view on the Inciweb system.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Responds to 'Post Fire' near Lebec

On Monday, August 23, 2010 at 3:46 PM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 54 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca, responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation at 8916 Willis Avenue in Panorama City.

Los Angeles Firefighters, dispatched to an odor investigation, arrived quickly at a three story garden-style apartment building to learn of an irritating odor in or near a 3rd floor unit undergoing renovation.

With three persons from the premises initially complaining of respiratory irritation, first arriving crews immediately extracted and isolated the ill, while summoning an LAFD Hazardous Materials response.

Occupants of the 64-unit building were calmly led upwind to fresh air in a well-coordinated fashion that kept them safe yet separate from those who exhibited minor illness following possible fume exposure.

With a Command Post and perimeter established and key building systems secured, LAFD HazMat experts donned protective gear as their colleagues commenced a detailed medical assessment of all five residents now complaining of respiratory irritation.

A comprehensive sweep of the 42,000 square-foot building with sophisticated sensing devices yielded no immediate or escalating hazard.

Following exposure to fresh air and the brief use of medical oxygen, the symptoms experienced by all five residents soon subsided, and each declined offered medical treatment and transportation.

No other illness or injuries were reported.

Though the odor dissipated and its source was undetermined, LAFD responders surmise it may have been related to aerosol insecticide or oven cleaner being used in the apartment undergoing renovation.

At the conclusion of Los Angeles Fire Department operations, residents were allowed to return to their apartments. Pursuant of protocol, the scene was turned over to officials from the Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Odor in Panorama City Apartment Brings LAFD HazMat Response

The talk around Los Angeles Fire Station 93 shifted from topic-to-topic among the tight-knit crew, as the Bee-Gees 'Jive Talkin' played quietly from a small FM radio at the rear of the Tarzana neighborhood fire station.

The subject of fire alarm boxes - recently removed from the street corners of Los Angeles, was among the debated topics. What wasn't debated was the painstaking work required by Tarzana's finest to keep their reserve aerial ladder truck in service.

As the half-dozen dungaree-clad men worked together on the aged apparatus, they cheerfully discussed the pending football season and their beloved hometown team, the Rams. It was a time when nothing was probable and anything was possible.

It was the Summer of 1975.

Fallen Los Angeles Fireman Dominic A. Pascal
1925-1975

Dominic A. Pascal was appointed to the Los Angeles Fire Department on July 2, 1956. At 31 years of age, the new Fireman commenced his dream when Eisenhower occupied The White House, cars had yet to grow fins - and a young man named Elvis Presley had yet to make his television debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.

The temperature was mild and skies clear in Tarzana on August 21, 1975, as Fireman Dominic Pascal and colleagues completed their daily maintenance work on the 1943 Kenworth tractor and its later-fitted 85-foot aerial ladder (that replaced a 1923 wooden relic fitted to trail the Kenworth in its early years of service).

1943 Kenworth Tractor-drawn Aerial Ladder Truck (LAFD Shop #903)

Yes, the 'old lady' - a World War II relic outdated by it's 12th year on the road, had quite a history. Despite more than 32 years of continuous service, it was seen to fit the austere times when Los Angeles Firemen were asked time and again to do more for longer with less.

In retrospect, fire buffs and historians would note a common thread in calamitous LAFD events.

Fireman Dominic A. Pascal
on LAFD Mountain Patrol duty

Having shared a busy day and his last meal with younger firemen fascinated by his time in Mountain Patrol and other LAFD assignments, Pascal was stopped mid-sentence in the early evening by an alarm from the Fire Department's dispatch center.

With a report that a Molotov cocktail had been tossed into the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital, a retirement community for the entertainment industry, Task Force 93 was dispatched as part of a first alarm structure fire assignment.

While westbound on Ventura Boulevard, Truck 93's driver, Auto Fireman Kenneth R. Thompson, noticed a northbound Datsun sedan momentarily stop at the intersection of Winnetka Avenue. The motorist then entered the intersection directly in front of the old reserve aerial ladder truck.

Thompson miraculously avoided a collision, but the truck jackknifed. Fireman Pascal, who was standing on the running board while clinging to a rail immediately behind Captain Lewis J. Miller, Jr. was crushed between the tractor and aerial ladder.

The car's driver did not stop.

Pascal, age 50, the married father of three, died in Rescue Ambulance 100 while en route to Tarzana Hospital.

The report of a fire at the retirement community proved false.

Learn more about Dominic and other LAFD members who have paid the ultimate price in their service to the City by visiting:

http://bit.ly/LAFD-LastAlarm

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 35 Years Ago Today: Tarzana Fireman Dies in the Line of Duty

A crash, a flash - a decision to act...

Those who follow LAFD Breaking News via Twitter or the LAFD_ALERT e-mail list may have noted this incident on Sunday morning. Thanks to Susan Abram and her multimedia team at the Daily News, we now have the rest of the story:

Susan Abram, Staff Writer
Daily News

Although police typically find themselves scanning witness videos for bad guys, on Monday they put out an alert for a couple of heroes.

Officers hope to find the good Samaritans who were captured on amateur video as they rescued a 69-year-old man from a burning car after a collision Sunday in Sherman Oaks. The duo was joined by another man armed with a fire extinguisher and a fourth who used a crowbar to try and break the car's windows.




"It could have been much worse if it wasn't for them," said Officer Jose Garcia of the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division.

Police said the classic 1932 Ford was... (read more...)

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department join Los Angeles Police Officers in hailing these far-from-bystanders for their selfless response. If you have additional information about the collision, or can help us recognize these brave members of our community, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division by calling (818) 644-8000.

(photos) (photos)

UPDATE: We're pleased to learn that 4 of the 5 good Samaritans have been identified. Please join us in praising these brave men, as we read more from the Daily News... (read more...)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Raw Video: Good Samaritans Save Life in Sherman Oaks Crash

On Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 1:51 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 84 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief James Gaffney, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 430 South Union Avenue in the Westlake district of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find light smoke emanating from a three-story center hallway apartment building.

Directed by occupants who had smelled smoke within the 14,885 square-foot building, firefighters made their way to a pair of small apartments on the second floor, where a swift moving fire had erupted in the ceiling.

Ushering residents to safety in a calm and orderly manner, firefighters commenced their attack on the flames, which had spread to a wall between 3rd floor units directly above, as well as a portion of the attic.

The fire was confined to effect only 4 apartments in the 30 unit building. Flames were extinguished in just 34 minutes, and there were no injuries.

Displaced by the blaze were 5 adults and 1 child, all of whom were referred to the American Red Cross for temporary shelter and needs assistance.

Loss to the 84 year-old building has been estimated at $40,000 ($30,000 structure & $10,000 contents). The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature.

(video)


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Electrical Fire Displaces Six in L.A.'s Westlake Neighborhood

On Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 3:13 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Jerome Boyd responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 4038 South Ursula Avenue in the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw area.
 
Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke showing from a two-story garden type apartment building. While beginning to extend hoselines into one of the two bedroom units, firefighters were immediately met by a woman who apparently made it out of the residence with one of her five children. While continuing a systematic search through the smoke charged structure, a quick, bold and decisive interior attack on the fire was initiated.

Two additional children were rescued by firefighters and all were unharmed by smoke or flame. Sadly and despite the prompt work of all resources, two male teenage twins were discovered without vital signs of life in a rear room. Both boys were declared deceased at the scene. It took the diligent effort 36 firefighters 21 minutes to knock down the flames. All other residents in the home were unharmed. Although melted smoke alarms were present, it is unclear as whether or not they were a factor in warning the residents.

Seeking to comfort the grieving Mother, the LAFD quickly mobilized a Crisis Response Team to provide compassionate assistance to all friends and neighbors, and those closest to the victims. The American Red Cross was called in to aid the displaced and distraught family. This incident is a reminder to all families of the importance of E.D.I.T.H (Exit Drills In The Home), a well planned exit strategy in case of a fire. Although a Monetary loss exists, one can not truly be calculated where there is loss of life. A positive identification of both deceased, as well as the cause, manner and time of their deaths will be determined by the LA County Coroner's officials. The cause of the fire remains under an active investigation.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Twin Boys Found Deceased From Apartment Fire

On Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 7:15 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 528 E. Washington Bl. in Washington Blvd Corridor.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming out from a Church in a local neighborhood just outside downtown Los Angeles. A large column of smoke and flames were visible from the street surrounding the incident, with a school and local businesses just a stone throw away. As fire teams mounted a strategy, a significant amount of the flames had to be suppressed before the initial fire attack team could enter the building.

Roof teams quickly made their way up ladders to the top of the structure to cut ventilation holes to release the smoke and super heated gases. Fire crews aggressively advanced hose-lines, to begin extinguishing the flames, but were immediately met with an additional challenge of protecting adjacent structure from the heat. The fire consumed the attic of the church, causing roof compromise and great concerned for the safety of all the firefighters. The Incident Commander ordered all members to transition into a defensive exterior fire fight, but was soon called right back in to an offensive attack.

Two single family dwellings caught fire and posed more of a workload for all personnel at the scene. Due to the quick and decisive work, both adjacent structures received very little fire damage. A nearby blue line track had to be shut down during the entire fire operation to ensure the safety of all those at the scene.

It took approximately 80 firefighters just 41 minutes to achieve a knock down without injury. No civilians were reported to have been in either one of the buildings at the time of the incident. There were no injuries to any of the firefighters. Two adults and three children were displaced, as The American Red Cross was called in for assistance.

The cause of this fire will be under an active investigation by Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Investigators, as well as the multi-agency House of Worship Task Force.


UPDATE
An investigation was conducted by the House of Worship Arson Taskforce, which includes (LAFD, LAPD, ATF, and FBI). Subsequently a Ricardo Aguilar Martinez was arrested the next day and charged with two counts of arson. Mr. Martinez accepted a plea agreement and was convicted on one count of arson 451 (b) PC and was sentence to three years in State Prison.  Upon his release from prison, Martinez must register as a convicted arsonist.


Submitted by Devin Gales & Erik Scott, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Church Caught Ablaze Along The Washington Blvd Corridor

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department join generations of Los Angeles residents in offering our best wishes to legendary television journalist and LAFD friend Stan Chambers, who has announced his retirement after more than six decades of television news reporting.

The pioneering newsman, who spent his entire career at KTLA-TV, chose today - his 87th birthday, to make the announcement...

 

During the past 63 years, no reporter has gotten closer to the action, the truth - and the meaning of local stories than Stan Chambers.

We thank you Stan, for your many decades alongside us during firestorms, floods and disasters. It has been a profound honor for us to witness and be inspired by your work. Please enjoy a well earned retirement with our best wishes.

On August 19, 2010, Los Angeles Fire Chief Millage Peaks and City Councilmember Tom LaBonge honored Mr. Chambers with a luncheon at Fire Station 27 in Hollywood, followed by the ceremonial presentation of an Honorary Fire Chief's helmet and plaque at the adjacent LAFD Museum & Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Legendary Newsman and Friend of LAFD Retires

On Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 6:29 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 72 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jose S-Cronenbold, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4822 Tilden Avenue in Sherman Oaks.

Los Angeles Firefighters responded quickly to discover an apparent one-story single family home thoroughly involved with fire. With reports of one or more persons trapped by the blaze, first arriving firefighters commenced a profoundly aggressive and well-coordinated interior attack with hoselines on the well entrenched flames.


With both speed and skill, additional firefighters laddered what proved to be a combination one- and two-story residence, the uppermost portion at the rear of the home an apparently non-professional addition.

Rooftop firefighters used power saws and hand tools to deftly ventilate thick, superheated smoke from the wood frame and stucco structure, in an effort to minimize oppressive conditions for fire attack and search teams below.

Additional firefighters soon provided emergency medical care to a 58 year-old man, a 50 year-old woman and a 12 year-old girl who had escaped the inferno with varying injuries - each verbalizing that a teenage male from their family remained trapped by the raging fire.

In a relentless search of the 3,000+ square foot building with zero visibility and oven-like conditions, a team of firefighters discovered a narrow metal spiral staircase leading to a level above the first floor.

Climbing glowing hot steps and searing hand rails in multiple attempts, firefighters found the missing 14 year-old male pulseless and non-breathing with severe full-thickness burns. After being carried down the serpentine steps and outside to waiting colleagues, the teenage boy was provided CPR and Advanced Life Support by veteran LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics at the scene.

The first arriving 70 firefighters confined the fire to the structure of origin, fully extinguishing the flames in just 37 minutes.

The 58 year-old male resident was determined to have second- and third-degree burns to his right forearm and second degree burns to his right foot, reportedly in an attempt to reenter the home prior to the Fire Department's arrival. The preteen girl experienced progressive respiratory distress after smoke exposure.

The rescued teen male - in grave condition, as well as the man and preteen girl, each in serious condition, were taken by LAFD Ambulance to nearby Sherman Oaks Hospital for primary care.


The 50 year-old woman who escaped the flames without obvious physical injury declined medical treatment and transportation, as did a neighbor with respiratory concerns who was later referred to his private physician.

Also sustaining potentially debilitating though non-life threatening injury in fire attack and rescue efforts were four Los Angeles Firefighters. Three sustained painful second-degree burns to hands and extremities, and were taken to the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital, while the fourth was taken to an area hospital for a significant knee injury.

Each of the aforementioned LAFD personnel were treated as outpatients and released to remain off-duty.

In examining the fire's aftermath, there was no immediate evidence of a functional smoke alarm within the home. Though no window bars or security doors were present to impair egress, the design, size and placement of windows and other key architectural elements of the home's questionable addition, could have easily hampered and possibly prevented the teenage boy's escape.

The 86-year old building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $440,000 ($350,000 structure & $90,000 contents). The cause of this early morning fire remains under active investigation.

(photos) (video) (video)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Sherman Oaks Inferno Injures Residents and Firefighters

On Monday, August 9, 2010 at 4:57 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 4 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 LAFD Water Tender , LA City Park Rangers, 2 LA County Helicopters, 4 LA County Hand Crews, 1 Glendale/Burbank Strike Team under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at 5 fwy at Ventura fwy in Griffith Park.


Firefighters arrived to find 1 acres of medium to heavy brush burning alongside the hills near the 5 freeway ½ mile from the L.A. Zoo. Although the fire was originally difficult to get to, and with winds speeds around 8 mph, ground crews quickly used hand lines to reach the flames. Water dropping helicopters were quickly called in to action to assist in attacking the fire from above. Firefighters continued to reach the head of the fire though rough terrain, holding the blaze to less than 5 acres.

The nearby Zoo remained open and out of harms way during the incident, with no evacuations issued. There were no threats to any structures or civilians involved during the incident.

A total of 77 LAFD firefighters along with the assistance of multiple agencies, worked diligently to bring the fire to full containment in just one hour and eight minutes. The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined by Fire Department Officials.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 5 Acre Brush Fire Near La Zoo

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to stand with them in memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on airline flights 11, 77, 93, and 175.

We welcome your attendence, and hope that you will encourage the members of your organization, as well as your friends and family, to join us for this important event.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Please Join the LAFD in Never Forgetting 9-11

Tonight, August 3, 2010, we hope you will join the many off-duty firefighters, their families and concerned citizens across our nation who are taking to the streets to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention and neighborhood camaraderie during 'National Night Out'.

In a series of events across Los Angeles, you're sure to find many of us standing together with our neighbors in a show of solidarity and strength with the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department.

To learn more about these citywide events, please visit LAPDonline.org or contact your Community Police Station.

We're proud to work together with Police Officers and concerned members of our community in keeping Los Angeles safe!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Tonight Across America: We Walk as One