LAFD Handles Busiest Day of the Year

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) experienced its busiest day of the year yesterday, Sunday March 20, 2011. Firefighter dispatchers handled a total of 3,750 calls during the 24 hour period, the average is 2,255. Resources were dispatched on 1,748 emergency 9-1-1 incidents, this is a 62% increase over our daily 9-1-1 average, which hovers just over 1,000. These statistics are compiled from the Operations Control Dispatch Battalion Chief, and are from the hours of 6:30a.m. on 03/20/11 to 6:30a.m. the following day.

The increased call load can be attributed to severe rain and wind from the storm experienced in the Los Angeles area yesterday. Surprisingly, the Los Angeles Marathon, also taking place on this day, did not contribute to a large increase in the LAFD call load. Our emergency medical transports held steady at 534, compared to our daily average of 520.

Weather related incidents included:

Debris Flow: 18

Flooding: 212 (4000% increase above average)

River Rescue: 1

Electrical Utility: (wires down, transformer, power pole): 199 (3500% increase above average)

Traffic Collision: 192 (102% increase above average)

The LAFD also utilized our Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). The CERT volunteers relieved firefighters from non-emergency tasks such as, “stand-by” for fallen trees and wires down. We are proud of our CERT volunteers who are ever-ready and willing to assist the LAFD and the citizens of Los Angeles in any way possible during times of need.

The LAFD was forced to “triage” the many flood related incidents and sent resources to only the most serious, with potential life or property loss.

Your Los Angeles Fire Department will continue to respond to the many emergency and non-emergency needs of its residents, always striving to provide the best possible service and care at all times.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department