Power Pole Fire In North Long Beach
By Jackawa Jackson | January 13, 2009
At 2:58 pm on January 12, 2009, Engine 12 was dispatched to 6251 Paramount Blvd to a report of arcing wires. Upon arrival, E12 crew found active fire coming from a capacitor on a cross member. A large amount of arcing was also present at the base of the pole. The arcing wire ignited plant growth on a fence line as well as set fire to the base of the pole. E12 crewmembers pulled two 1 inch booster lines to cover exposures. Edison was notified, through dispatch, to cut power to the lines, which ignited the blaze. Crew stood by for approximately 1 hour until the power was shut down. The fire was extinguished with a carbon dioxide extinguisher and water spray from the booster lines. Edison was notified that the base of the pole suffered deep charring from the arcing wires, which made the structural integrity of the pole suspect. No injuries were reported to firefighters or civilians during the course of this incident and the fire was contained to the area of origin.
Topics: Incidents | No Comments »
National Fire Academy Meeting to Research National Maritime Firefighting Curriculum
By frhayes | January 8, 2009
On Tuesday, January 6, 2008 the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) hosted a meeting at Fire Headquarters that was attended by representatives from the National Fire Academy (NFA), high-ranking members from the Los Angeles City (LAFD), Los Angeles County Fire Departments (LACOFD), Coast Guard, and our Chief Officers.
This event was conducted based on a Federal Regulation introduced by the Sanchez Sisters and subsequently passed to research the need for the formulation of a national fire maritime incident management curriculum. Representatives from each agency delivered a presentation on their needs assessment, the challenges that they faced, what type of training is currently being delivered, and what their vision is of how to develop a national program.
The representatives from the National Fire Academy tasked with assisting with the development of the curriculum were impressed with our current capabilities and stated that “they did not know how we could handle such a large responsibility and that with all of the knowledge and experience represented from each agency, that the location and the departments surrounding the LA/LB ports would be the best area in which to develop the program”.
The days events included the initial presentations from each agency followed by a tour of both ports by “Air” compliments of LAFD’s Black Hawk helicopter, specific areas of responsibility were highlighted during this activity. The helicopter landed at LAFD’s boat station in their port where lunch was served. LAFD’s new fire boat #2 then transported participants through their port with a transfer to LBFD’s boat 15 for a tour of our port, our new dive rig was demonstrated with a tour of the new Port Security building finishing the days activities.
All of the presentations from each agency (including the LBFD COCEP Marine Response material) along with pictures from each port, and pictures of some of the resources from each agency were sent back with the NFA representatives. This information along with the briefing that they will deliver to other high ranking officials, and their colleagues, will undoubtedly stimulate conversations, and the possible formulation of the National Fire Maritime Incident Management Curriculum through the joint efforts of individuals from the Long Beach/Los Angeles area.
Topics: News | 23 Comments »
LBFD Airport Units Extinguish Small Plane Fire
By frhayes | January 7, 2009
Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Crash units were dispatched to a plane fire on January 6, 2009 at 1335hrs. The incident was just off of runway 25L next to the Aeroplex building at 3333 E Spring Ave. A Cessna 152 (two seater) with one soul on board was taking off on runway 25L.
The pilot experienced some unknown difficulty midway down the runway shortly after clearing the ground. The plane took an immediate hard left. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating whether this was due to equipment malfunction or pilot error. The pilot touched back down at full speed (approx 50-60 mph) and was heading straight towards the Aeroplex building.
The airplane clipped the tail end of a parked DEA helicopter and then into the concrete posts that were designed to protect the large OS&Y shutoffs for the building. If the plan had not hit the posts it would have crashed into the building.
The plane caught fire shortly after impact. The pilot was able to self extricate. LBFD units were on scene in less than one minute from time of dispatch and extinguished the fire with the bumper turret on Crash-5. LBFD units then followed up with a hand line from Crash 1. Rescue 17 and Engine 19 were called out to treat the patient. He was transported by BLS-16 to LBMMC.
After the fire was knocked down a discovery was made that fuel was leaking out of one of the wing tanks. The fuel did not enter any storm drains. Ocean Blue was called for clean up. The incident was secured at 1830 hrs.
A Unified Command Post was established. The following entities were on this incident:
LB Fire Department, LB Police Department, LB Airport Security, LB Airport Management, LB Health Edison, Long Beach Water Department, FAA, NTSB (notified but did not respond), Temco International (owner of plane), DEA (damage to their parked helicopter), Boeing (Incident next to one of their buildings), Ocean Blue.
Topics: Incidents | 23 Comments »
Urban Search and Rescue Helicopter “Pick Off” Drill With Sheriff’s Department
By frhayes | December 30, 2008
On Sunday, December 28, 2008 members from the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team and the Sheriffs Department conducted joint training in the Port of Long Beach. The training included a safety briefing and an overview of the aircraft; members of the US&R team were then hoisted into the aircraft to complete the “Pick Off” operation.
This drill was undertaken to improve the ability to transport US&R team members and equipment to remote locations in a rapid period of time to help facilitate rescue operations. It also serves to improve relationships between different organizations that would work together in a “Real” emergency situation.
Thirty US&R members attended this drill with the crew-members from the sheriffs department; similar drills have been conducted or will be undertaken on all three shifts.
Topics: Events | 18 Comments »
Explosion In A Down Town Apartment Complex
By Jackawa Jackson | December 27, 2008
This afternoon, an explosion rocked an apartment complex located at 550 Orange Ave. Long Beach Fire Department units responded to this address and found a first floor unit that had sustained damage consistent with a blast. Windows had been blown out and the dry wall of the apartment had been damaged. A slow leak in the unit’s forced air furnace had caused gas to accumulate until it found an ignition source. The adult male resident was asleep at the time of the explosion. A small fire had been extinguished prior to fire department arrival. The resident was un-injured and there were no other injuries reported. 19 firefighters and 1 arson investigator responded to this incident.
Topics: Incidents | 29 Comments »