LBFD Firefighter-Paramedic / LA County Lifeguard reunites with former near-drowning victim
By Will Nash | August 20, 2013
Over ten years ago, a day of surfing almost turned tragic for young Keita Countee. While surfing with friends at Hermosa Beach, a large wave set caught Keita off guard, knocking him unconscious. Long Beach Firefighter-Paramedic and LA County Lifeguard Kristoph Wattson was on beach tower duty that day. While scanning the surf, Kristoph’s watchful eye saw trouble in the water. Jumping into action, Kristoph pulled Keita from the water and started CPR as additional help was summoned. His quick and skillful actions brought positive results and a “second chance” at life.
After a decade apart, both men have grown, started families of their own, and were recently reunited.
See the video:
Topics: Public Safety | 8 Comments »
ELECTRICAL FIRE IN APARTMENT COMPLEX
By Matthew Dobberpuhl | August 16, 2013
Yesterday (August 15, 2013) afternoon, Long Beach Fire units responded to a reported structure fire on the 500 block of Bellflower Blvd. First arriving units found heavy smoke coming from an electrical vault in the parking structure below the apartment complex. Firefighters used hoses to cool the vault until the power coming into the structure could be shut down. When Edison got on scene, electrical power to all 471 units was shut down for approximately 1 1/2 hours. There were 45 units without power last night and they will be without power until an electrician can rebuild the electrical panel involved in the fire. One resident requested assistance from the Red Cross for temporary housing. The complex has been placed on “Fire Watch” and the Fire Department will continue to monitor the progress of restoring power to the remaining units.
No further information is available at this time.
Topics: Public Safety | 1 Comment »
Fatal Traffic Accident
By Matthew Dobberpuhl | August 14, 2013
On Wednesday morning (August 14, 2013) at approximately 2:45am, Long Beach Fire Department resources responded to a traffic accident with a trapped victim at Pacific Coast Hwy east of Judson Ave. The patient was declared deceased by LBFD Paramedics. The Long Beach Police Department is handling the investigation.
Topics: Public Safety | 1 Comment »
Vehicle into a House
By Matthew Dobberpuhl | August 14, 2013
Tuesday evening (August 13, 2013) at approximately 8pm, Long Beach Fire units responded to the 2600 block of E 7th St for a vehicle into a house. The driver lost control of his SUV and veered across the sidewalk and into the front of a house. The uninjured driver fled and was later apprehended about a block from the scene. No one was in the home at the time of the accident. The Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Unit was called to stabilize the house as a tow truck removed the vehicle. A building inspector cleared the house and residents were allowed to return after the stabilization and board-up were completed.
Topics: Public Safety | 1 Comment »
LBFD Brush Fire Near the Nature Center
By jiarviz | August 8, 2013
On Thursday, August 8, 2013 at approximately 11:30 AM, Long Beach Fire units responded to the south side of Willow, just west of the 605 Fwy for a brush fire located near the Nature Center. The fire burned in an approximately 4-5 acre open area. The prevailing winds were pushing the smoke towards the Nature Center. The Nature Center was contacted and staff and guests were evacuated as a precaution. The fire was quickly extinguished; firefighters were able to contain the fire to approximately 1/4 acre.
Topics: Incidents, Public Safety | 1 Comment »