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Fireworks, Burns, and the Law in L.A.
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.
To find a professional fireworks show in the Greater Los Angeles area, call (888)654-FIRE or visit:
www.safejuly4th.org
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Public Fireworks Shows in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you that all fireworks, even the so-called 'safe and sane' variety are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, and have been outlawed since World War II!
Those who use, possess or merely transport any type of fireworks are subject to severe penalty.
Why Risk Tragedy?
Be Safe and Smart on July 4th by joining firefighters and their families at a Public Fireworks Show. To find a professional fireworks display in the Greater Los Angeles area, call (888)654-FIRE or visit:
www.safejuly4th.org
Please leave fireworks to the professionals. Make Independence Day a holiday to remember rather than one you'll never forget.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Prepare and Protect Your Pets From Fireworks
 With their sensitive hearing, many household pets become terrified by fireworks.
In Los Angeles, it's not uncommon this time of year for firefighters to deal with persons bitten or injured by skittish animals or traffic collisions caused by wayward dogs, cats and horses.
While we encourage attendance at a professional fireworks show, it's a good idea to leave your furry friends safe at home, ideally with someone to watch over them.
In fact, now would be a great time to prepare your residence to safely harbor your pet from the frightful sights and sounds that may be associated with Independence Day celebrations.
First, make sure your pets are wearing proper identification. If your pet does run away during during the exploding noise of a fireworks display, you will have a better chance of recovering the animal if it is wearing an ID tag.
Secondly, contact your veterinarian now for professional advice or assistance in preparing animals for the noisy days to come. For household pets, an otherwise quiet and well-secured room with television or radio playing at normal volume may be just what the doctor orders.
Lastly, take a photograph of your pet and place the telephone numbers of your veterinarian and Animal Care and Control agency near your home phone and in your cell phone. In the event of an escaped animal or crisis, you can contact these professionals promptly for guidance.
Within the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Animal Services can be reached directly at (888) 452-7381 or by calling 3-1-1.
Should you experience an emergency that endangers human life or property and demands immediate attention, your Police or Fire Department may be contacted via 9-1-1.
Please join us in making sure that every member of your household celebrates safely!
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Los Angeles Firefighters Respond To 'Gap' Fire Near Goleta
Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned one Strike Team of Firefighters to assist the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service and allied agencies in their battle against a brush fire in the Santa Ynez Mountains near Goleta, California, 80 miles northwest of our City.
View Larger Map (you can also click, grab and zoom the map above!)
These 22 personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the "Gap Wildland Fire" in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System, administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The system is designed to ensure that additional resources are provided to local jurisdictions whenever their own resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.
The City of Los Angeles remains fully protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs, and we remind local residents that these resources can be recalled to our City as necessary.
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 incident, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided jointly by the County of Santa Barbara and U.S. Forest Service, which maintain daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire is burning.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Odor Brings LAFD Hazmat Experts to Federal Office Building
On Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 4:11 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team and the LAFD Medical Director, a total of 51 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Terrance Manning, responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation at 300 North Los Angeles Street in the Los Angeles Civic Center.
Firefighters arrived quickly to reports of an irritating odor on or near the 7th floor of an 8 story federal office building. A rapid extraction and medical assessment of those in the immediate area identified 7 persons with minor respiratory irritation.
As those with symptoms were swiftly identified and segregated from coworkers, firefighters isolated the ventilation system on the 7th floor, and guided the calm and orderly self evacuation of dozens of others from the building.
Working swiftly, Los Angeles Department of Transportation officers closed Los Angeles Street to all vehicle traffic between Aliso and Temple Streets, while the California Highway Patrol was summoned to close the Los Angeles Street offramp from the southbound Hollywood (101) Freeway.
Los Angeles Police established a simultaneous perimeter, carefully detouring pedestrians and bicyclists from the popular Civic Center thoroughfare, used prominently to access nearby Union Station.
Subsequent to full building evacuation, 10 additional persons stated a need for medical evaluation, bringing the total patient count to 17. The LAFD Medical Director joined firefighter/paramedics in the triage area, and was soon able to advise and release all 17 patients from the scene.
With key building systems secured, LAFD HazMat-trained firefighters donned protective gear and began a comprehensive sweep of the building with sophisticated sensing devices. They discovered no immediate or escalating hazard, and formally categorized the dissipated odor as "undetermined".
Working closely with the Building Engineer, firefighters strategically restored the building's ventilation system to fully exhaust air from the structure, at what proved to be the close of a business day.
Pursuant of protocol, the scene was turned over to on-site Federal Law Enforcement Officers.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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93 Years Ago: The Cause For Alarms, and Away With the Horses
With more than 125 Los Angeles Firefighters drafted to the battlefields of Europe in "The War to End All Wars", it is easy to forget the municipal challenge that remained in protecting the 550,000 residents of burgeoning Los Angeles from fire and other calamaties during World War I.
While the battle raged overseas, Firemen (and yes, several women) working at neighborhood Fire Stations retained a need for vision, progress and leadership at the helm of the LAFD.
Enter Archibald Eley.
Known to close friends - including several Mayors, as 'Archie', Chief Engineer Eley was a man of fortitude, harboring an unparalleled passion for protecting Los Angeles.
To learn more about this visionary leader, we welcome you to view an amazing snapshot of our past in an official Fire Department document delivered to City Hall in Los Angeles 93 years ago today...
The 29th Annual Report of the Los Angeles Fire Department(June 30, 1915)
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Multiple Vehicle Collision Shuts Down 405 Freeway
On Monday, June 30, 2008 at 11:01 AM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Deputy Chief Jeffery S. Mottram responded to a mult-patient traffic collision on the Southbound 405 (San Diego) Freeway near Burbank Boulevard in Sherman Oaks.
Firefighters arrived quickly to find 5 vehicles involved in a traffic accident, that stretched across all lanes of the southbound 405 freeway. One of the vehicles involved was a private ambulance that fortunately, was not transporting a patient at the time of the incident.
Firefighters worked diligently to immediately assess and triage a total of seven patients. One male, in his 50's, was transported in critical condition. A mother, and her young daughter, were transported with minor injuries, along with two additional females, ranging in age from 25 to 60. Both women sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The two male ambulance attendants were treated on the scene and declined transport to the hospital. The cause of the accident is being investigated by The California Highway Patrol.
Submitted by Melissa Kelley
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Electric Daisy Carnival: Busy Night For Los Angeles Firefighters
On Saturday, June 28, 2008, at 2:57 PM, 1 Company of Los Angeles Firefighters, 9 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 LAFD Bicycle Paramedic Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, as well as 8 personnel from the LAFD Bureau of Fire Prevention & Public Safety; a total of 35 Los Angeles Fire Department members under the direction of Battalion Chief Jack Wise, assembled for the night-long 'Electric Daisy Carnival' at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 3911 South Figueroa Street in Exposition Park.
Joining the Los Angeles Police Department and allied agencies in Unified Command, LAFD personnel spent nearly 15 hours at the music oriented event, addressing the life safety needs of attendees, including 18 persons deemed in need of medical attention.
Of the 18 carnival-goers assessed by LAFD Paramedics, 11 were transported to area hospitals for unspecified injury or illness. The Los Angeles Fire Department did not formally estimate attendance at the 12-hour event, which ended as scheduled at 4:00 AM.
The LAFD concluded on-site operations at 5:40 AM Sunday morning.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Major Emergency Fire in Highland Park Displaces Multiple Families
On Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 8:01 PM, 15 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Emergency Air 1, 2 CERT Coordinators, DWP, LAPD, DOT and Building and Safety, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Terrance Manning, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 5233 E. Monte Vista St. in the Highland Park area.
The first arriving Firefighters on scene, found a 4 story, "C" shaped, center hallway apartment building with heavy smoke and fire showing from a unit on the 4th floor. Occupants of the building were self evacuating "out" as Firefighters raced "in" to establish hoselines in the fast growing fire. Reports from the roof team indicated the first heat holes were emitting large amounts of fire, prompted the Incident Commander to increase firefighting efforts with additional companies. The roof team provided an aggressive ventilation effort, cutting several heat holes and eventually creating a strip to gain control of the fire. The roof team also initiated an offensive fire attack with hoselines from the roof after interior Firefighters were withdrawn from the immediate area, knocking down the bulk of the fire, enabling interior handlines to be re-established. 34 minutes into the fire fight there was a partial roof collapse and a PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) was initiated.
It took 111 Firefighters 1 hour 10 minutes to call a knock down on the fire. There were 11 units deemed uninhabitable for residents and the Red Cross was requested for rehousing assistance for the displaced families. The cause and dollar loss estimate will be determined at the completion of the investigation. There were no reports of injury.
(video) (photos)
Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Warehouse Fire in the Garment District
On Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 8:07 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, Emergency Air 1, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, DWP, DOT and Street Maintenance, all under the direction of Acting Battalion Chief Ron Lem, responded to a Structure Fire at 117 E. Winston St. in Fashion District.
Firefighters responding to a reported structure fire in the garment district found a 7 story, concrete high rise building with heavy smoke showing from the first floor. Prior knowledge of the building's contents, from previous Fire Prevention inspections, was communicated immediately regarding the heavy storage in the structure and additional companies were requested early on. Firefighters deploying handlines for extinguishment of the fire, encountered heavy smoke as they searched for the seat of the fire. Horizontal ventilation and fans were utilized for smoke removal providing some relief for interior Firefighters as they attacked the blaze in the concrete building.
It took approximately 73 Firefighters 33 minutes to call a knockdown on the fire. The cause of the early morning blaze was accidental. An adjacent exposure suffered water damage on the first floor, caused by a broken water pipe in the fire building. The dollar loss estimate is still being tabulated at this time. No injuries were reported.
Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department
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LAFD Responds To Wildfires Near Chico
Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned two Strike Teams of Firefighters to assist CAL FIRE (the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) in their battle against a brush fire in Butte County, California, 430 miles northwest of our City.
View Larger Map (you can also click, grab and zoom the map above!)
These 45 personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the "Butte Lightning Complex Wildland Fire" in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System, administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The system is designed to ensure that additional resources are provided to local jurisdictions whenever their own resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.
The City of Los Angeles remains fully protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs, and we remind local residents that these resources can be recalled to our City as necessary.
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 incident, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by CAL FIRE, which maintains daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire is burning.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Fire in Eagle Rock Displaces Family of Four
On Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 5:43 PM, 9 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, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Gerry Malais, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4567 N. Eagle Rock Bl. in the Eagle Rock area.
The first Firefighters arriving on scene found smoke coming from the rear of a 2 story apartment building. Further investigation found the laundry room fully engulfed in flames, exposing an adjacent 1st floor apartment. Firefighters expeditiously advanced hose lines to confine the fire to the room of origin and the exposure, while the roof top ventilation team focused on a small amount of fire which had gotten into the attic. During the fire fight, an Emergency Traffic message was transmitted warning Firefighters of a possible electrical hazard, power lines from pole into the apartment complex, had dropped into the immediate area. DWP was requested to assist with the electrical hazard.
62 Firefighters took 17 minutes to call a knockdown on the fire. 2 people were transported at the conclusion of the incident. A female 73, was transported in stable condition for smoke and heat related symptoms and a child was transported from the scene with symptoms unrelated to the incident. The cause of the fire is undetermined and the dollar estimate will be tabulated at the completion of the fire investigation. The Red Cross was called to assist a family of four ( 2 adults, 2 children) with their housing needs. The fire involved unit did have functional alarms which enabled them to safely exit the building.
Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Safely Enjoying the Extra Warm Weather
 Just a couple months ago, we were wishing for the summer to warm things up! Now that the summer heat has arrived, we’re wondering why “it’s so hot.” We live in blissful Southern California, where it never gets too hot or too cold, Well ‘er ahhh, it’s 110 degrees – in the shade!
We enjoy the cool of the beach and surf or lounging poolside, but most people don’t have that luxury and must try to deal with the heat every way possible. The summer heat can be dangerous if you don’t take precautions and deal with the heat safely! Extra precautions must be taken by and for the elderly. Patients on medications should minimize their physical activity in extreme heat by being vigilant in staying hydrated and avoiding extreme temperatures. The very young are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves.
What are some of the signs of extreme heat exposure that call for immediate medical attention?
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms of heat exhaustion are light-headed, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting and skin will be pale and clammy. You will be dehydrated which causes the heart rate to increase. If not treated immediately, a person could rapidly progress to heatstroke.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms of heat stroke are severe headaches, increased heart rate, unconsciousness, delirium, warm dry skin (the body cannot sweat to cool), body temperature in excess of 104 degrees, muscle twitching, seizures or death!
What Do You Do? Call 911 immediately!
• Move the person to a cooler place.
• Start the cooling process applying cold compresses to the extremities as well as behind the neck and fan lightly. Loosen or remove clothing if necessary.
• If the person is conscious, provide small sips of water. If they become nauseated, discontinue giving water.
• Lie the person down and put in the shock position, elevating the feet 8-12 inches.
The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like you to safely enjoy the summer months. Please be extra thoughtful of our seniors. Here are a few tips on how to beat the heat:
 • Stay inside during the hottest times of the day or stay in the
shade.
• Drink extra water and avoid alcoholic and drinks with caffeine.
• Wear loose-fitting, light colored cotton clothes.
• Do not use salt tablets unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• Keep the shades drawn and blinds closed.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat
(keeps you cooler), sunglasses and put on sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher.
* Keep in touch with relatives or friends who might be at higher risk of heat-related illness due to advanced age or medical conditions.
Keeping Food Safe During an Extended Power Outage
Try to keep meat, poultry, fish, and eggs refrigerated at or below 40 °F and frozen food at or below 0 °F, which can be a challenge with a loss of power. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. A refrigerator will keep food safely cold for approximately 4 hours, while a full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
Be prepared for an emergency...
That stash of non-perishable food and water packed away for that major earthquake (you do have one don’t you) can be very useful during prolonged power outages. Items that need no refrigeration, that can be eaten cold or cooked on the outdoor grill, help preserve those perishable foods kept in the refrigerator. Coolers are a great help for keeping food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours. Non-perishable foods, boxed or canned milk, water and canned goods should be part of a planned emergency food supply. Don’t forget food for the baby and Fido!
Enjoy the Summer!!
Here is a list of websites that can provide additional information:
http://www.egyptianaaa.org/DisHeatWave.htm
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/keeping_food_Safe_during_an_emergency/index.asp
Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department
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LAFD Firefighters Mourn the Death of Newport Beach Firefighter
The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department express their deepest sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of Newport Beach Firefighter Kevin Patrick Pryor. Kevin died on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 of a massive brain hemorrhage after returning from a Strike Team deployment to the Humboldt Fire in Northern California.
We extend our heartfelt condolences and encourage the public to express their support during this difficult time.
Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Having Fun in the Summertime
 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.”
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!
http://www.sosnet.com/safety/pool.safety.tips.index.html
http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm
http://www.poolfence.com/safepool.htm
http://www.splashzoneusa.com/home.html (website with kids in mind)
Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department
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